Have you ever wondered what it is like for an artist and model to get ready for a photo shoot? As the artist, I have a vision of what I think the results will be. The models come in willing and in their own mindset. In the studio, we create a mood, bond, laugh and listen to music. After all, baring it all takes some preparation.

A few years ago I was doing a photo shoot for some nude paintings and before the models got undressed I took a few shots of them.

Because I was focused on painting a nude, I never carefully looked at the shots of them fully dressed. Low and behold, several of them were fantastic and was I inspired to create a series of carefully cropped compositions.

"It's Mine" is one of them. Don't let the small size fool you. The delicate technique of this painting lets you feel the softness of the fabric, the fragility of the hem stitch and the suppleness of her skin. You wonder, is this an invitation? No, no it is not. This is a sexually and politically charged painting telling the viewer that her privates are off limits and to back off.

I love this work because it leaves mystery while having a strong voice.