San Antonio artist Monzerrat Vejar focuses on nude art and nude modeling. She studies art at UT San Antonio. The Paisano had the opportunity to interview Vejar about her work.
Vejar began modeling in nude about a year ago. She described what inspired her to pursue modeling and doing nude art.
“I was just naturally drawn to making or drawing humans, specifically in the nude,” Vejar recalled. “That’s what we had to do in a lot of our classes. So it just became one of the main things I drew, specifically women. I just love humans, and drawing them has always been really healing for me, in a way, because, struggling with body issues as a kid, I never really felt beautiful.”
Vejar went on to discuss how modeling and drawing people in the nude can provide someone with confidence.
“I also [have] recently been modeling for about a year at this point, and it’s just given me so much confidence in itself,” Vejar reflected. “Just seeing other people draw me as well, and being able to draw them, it really connects you well to other people.”
Doing things naked, including modeling, can be talked down upon due to societal norms, but getting undressed in front of everyone can be an empowering experience that the non-nude model may not have.
“It does give me a sense of freedom,” Vejar explained. “There is no strict guide for getting into nude art and modeling, so that was freeing, trying to find your way into that industry.
“I think it should be viewed as art and not sexualized in a way a lot of nude media is,” she later claimed.
Trying out nude art can be intimidating, even for Vejar, but she feels the benefits outweigh initial struggles.
“The biggest gain that I’ve experienced myself and have heard from other models, is just the confidence you feel afterwards, just being secure in your own body and seeing every artist’s interpretation of how they view you can be eye-opening,” Vejar discussed.
San Antonio locals can also get into nude art or modeling at the Coppini Academy of Fine Arts as they are always looking for nude models.
Vejar discusses this art center is also where she paints, adding, “It’s a [$25] fee if you’re not a member, but you just go in and paint whoever’s modeling that day.”
This is an art form that accepts anyone who is interested, whether that be in the modeling or art aspect.
“All body types, art skills are welcome, and you will see a lot of varying levels, from beginners just practicing, to painters busting out the whole entire oil paint set,” Vejar shared.
Students can check out Vejar’s art on her Instagram @beetlesaint to learn more about her passion for nude art.
