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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of paint do you use?
You would be amazed how many times people ask me that question! I'm not sure whether or not they really want to know or if they are moved by watching the body painting and just want to find a way to make conversation. It's a water based paint that's gentle on the skin. It's non-toxic and non-irritating and it comes off pretty easily with soap and water. That "Goldfinger" thing about covering up the body and killing someone is nonsense. All paint is applied by hand with a brush, often a Japanese sumi bush. I haven't used an airbrush in 15 years and haven't tried it in the body painting. The trick to making something look interesting in body painting is the same in calligraphy - alter your brush strokes between the natural thick and thin lines that a good brush will spontaneously produce. It's ALL about the brush, baby!
How long does it last? How do you get it off?
Usually the challenge is to keep it on, not the worry of never getting it off. It's good for about a day, and then it starts peeling so badly that it just doesn't look good anymore and it seems to make sense to head to the showers. A little scrubbing and a little soap does the trick, but it does tend to be hard to get out of places where people have a lot of body hair.
Is the paint environmentally friendly?
Well, as far as I know, they don't make Dr. Bronner's paint, but I want to assure you, the paint that I use is a non-toxic water based and is meant to break down easily. When you remove it in the shower, you can very likely peel it off easily, collect the refuse, and toss it in the waste basket. I should think that is very unlikely to block up the drains or pipes. In any case, it is water soluble and quickly decomposes into it's component elements. I expect that it would have the same impact and longevity in the reintegration cycle as that of a fingernail clipping. Generally speaking, it creates far less waste than from a single trip to a burger joint.
What does it cost to get my body painted?
It's depends on the venue and the complexity of the design. I'm well rewarded in many ways. Body painting also a good way for me to get out from behind a computer and back behind a brush - to think fast on my feet and see what will arise in each unique situation. Someone recently suggested to me that I ought to accept a "love offering" should anyone inquire about compensation - apparently not a term everyone is familiar with. The first woman I mentioned this to looked at me for a long moment, smiled and asked, "Do we do that now or after I've been painted?"
Do you sell the pictures of your work?
At the present time I am building a portfolio of my work that I hope to make into a book someday. To that end I am now collecting model releases of all the folks I work with. Images are also used in other promotional and commercial applications.
What about privacy?
Often times, the kind of events that might feature painting on nude bodies are very special places of trust and community. I understand that people may feel a little more circumspect when they get back to their mundane, workaday lives. If you are one of the models featured here in this website and you decide that you would rather not be included, just send me an email and I'll take care of that for you.
On the other hand, You may have been one of my models and have some really great pictures that I'd be delighted to see and that you're excited to share! If that's the case, by all means, please get in touch with me immediately! I'd love to hear from you!
Where did you learn to do this?
Entirely self-taught. I have worked for many years as an illustrator/designer/art director/multimedia developer/art guy, but never thought to try body painting until recently. You can see some of my other artistic and professional work at www.scottfray.com.
Do you know what you're going to paint ahead of time?
Almost never. It's such an amazing dance that happens! Over time, I have developed a certain kind of visual vocabulary, which I can draw on to fulfill certain artistic ideas I might have. But I am always trying to listen to a certain kind of guidance that will bring forth an inspiration unique to the person before me. Often I feel as if I am actually painting them as they more truly are, just a larger and more resplendent version than they might otherwise be able to show.
What's your biggest complaint?
It really bugs me that people don't keep in touch, especially when they say they will. I'd love to hear from you!! Contact me at 336-634-0108 or scott@livingbrush.com.
Additionally, it often happens that hordes of photographers hover about for hours, taking a million pictures of the art— both while I'm doing it and after it is completed. I would so love it if you would send me copies of these photos!!! Some folks have even enthusiastically promised that they would send photos of events where I was out of film and couldn't shoot any pictures for myself. Therefore, I have no record of the work and would very much appreciate it if I actually heard from them! Give me a call (336-634-0108) or drop me an email!
How long does it take to get painted?
Anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours. Sometimes I'll have quite a line of people waiting, too. I've been amazed and, of course, very complimented at the length of time people will wait for me. Even at highly charged events like Burning Man where there is so, so much to do and see, I've had folks spend their whole day waiting - sometimes eight hours - for me. That's even with me busting ass to get everyone done as fast as I can (while still doing quality work). That's a lot of painting during the day!
You know, it's very odd. It always happens in a predictable cycle. At the beginning of an event like Burning Man, I find that I can't give it away. I'll mention to passerby's that I'm doing body painting and everyone will look at me very suspiciously and decline my offer. It's as if I were a pervert or something. This generally goes on for a good hour or so. But then all I have to do is convince one person and when people see the art - WHAM, I'm booked all day every day. Often, I'm even painting way past nightfall, making my way with a candle or flashlight, just to accommodate some poor soul who has been waiting all day.
Do you accept fanmail?
Good heavens, yes! Send your thoughts, comments, and party invitations to scott@livingbrush.com
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