The Return of.. Sydney <3<3<3

Shipping April 15 is the Spring 2009 issue of Carrie Leigh's NUDE Magazine. I am fortunate enough to have seen the files of the issue before it went off to press and all I can say is, there doesn't appear to be any slowing down of the quality or content over there.

The issue once again is jam-packed with amazing art and photography. Contributors include: Carrie Leigh, Darren Phillips, Gabriele Rigon, Dan West, Michael Sui, David Lebeck, Tome Lane, Chip Willis, Antoine De Villiers, Deborah Anderson, Franchesco!, Gary Mitchell, Lloyd Rosen, Guenter Knop... and me :)

There is also a feature by journalist Sharon Waxman on "The New Media". It is a good read.

I am happy, and proud, to see in this issue, the work of Franchesco!. Franchesco! is an artist who's work I have been familiar with for a few years now. His work is a little different from the kind of work that has been exhibited in NUDE in the past. Franchesco! like me, has a background in comic books and illustration, and has a style all his own. He has created some truly beautiful works, outside of his comic book work, that maintains his comic book/ illustration roots, and can at the same time be considered fine art nudes. You can see a preview of one of the pieces in the preview issue at carrieliegh.com.

Best of all in this issue is.. The return of NUDE magazines first cover model Sydney Brown .. I have said before that there is a disadvantage of appearing in the first issue of any publication. It is that as a new title, people are not looking for it. Most pick it up because they stumble across it on a magazine rack. The print run is much smaller because it is unpredictable how well it will sell, so there too, only so many will actually see it, but soon if you are lucky, the magazine, the readership, and the distribution and print runs will grow as happened with NUDE.

NUDE became a hit... A huge hit. But are the people who buy NUDE today familiar with Sydney Brown, NUDE's first cover model?

Well.. They are going to know now. Sydney is back and hotter than ever. Carrie Leigh has shot another amazing pictorial with Sydney including a new cover that has broken the short tradition of NUDE covers. I can't imagine that this issue wont fly off shelves for the cover alone. It is Hot.. Sydney is beautiful... It is gonna sell.. trust me.. fast.

The Spring 2009 issue is shipping April 15. I try to let people know when the issues will be on the news stands, but there are all kinds of problems that seem to happen between when the books leave the distributors and when they his the stand, so I can only guesstimate. And when they do come out they sell so fast. I suggest for those who really don't want to miss this issue that they go to the website where they are now offering, at least in the United States, that for the cover price, you can have this issue delivered to your door. It is a great offer and insures you getting your issue. Check here for offer.

New art soon. I am inspired!

Joel <-- President of the Sydney Brown fan club

PS... Anastasia, Alicia, and Chanon.. I love you too!

Almost Here. What a cover! Robert Wuhl Interview.. etc

On or near Sept 18, the new issue of NUDE Magazine, the Fall 2008/ 1st anniversary issue, will finally be out. 

For the first time since the magazine had come out, this issue will also be available on the CarrieLeigh.com website. The copies there are available for order now. This is gonna be great news for those who have had trouble finding issues of NUDE when they come out because they sell out so damn fast. I live in Los Angeles. If I do not go out and get mine in the first few days of the release.. they will be gone and I have to scrounge around. 

Entertaining and interesting in the new issue is the comedic and politically driven interview with Robert Wuhl. Robert Wuhl has really funny specials on HBO called "Assume the Position with Mr Wuhl" in which he teaches a college course on interesting and funny fact and myths in American history. It is with this in mind that NUDE talks to "Mr Wuhl" about the present day elections, candidates and politics. It is a great read, and includes an amazing photoshoot by Carrie Leigh of Robert Wuhl as George Washington supported by NUDE Cover Models, the stunning Sydney Brown <3 and this issues beauty Alicia Marie Clark

Alicia Marie Clark... What a way to start off a new year for NUDE. What a cover. Classy and beautiful, you cant help but stare at the cover and fall into the models eyes. Alicia is such a pretty girl and amazing model. I had opportunity to meet Alicia while the cover was being put together and thought she was as pretty in person as in the photos. She is a sweet heart too. I think the world is going to be seeing a lot more of her in the future. The cover is hot, her opening photo of her shoot is absolutely stunning. 

Lots'a great photographers. Artist Eric Wallis, and of course, a new piece by me. Don't miss out on this issue. On Newsstands and Bookstores and Online NUDE Store.

So I was at the NUDE offices today....

...really just to get another look at the new cover for the Summer 2008 NUDE, but I entered to see Carrie standing there smiling, holding out a bunch of print outs and asking what I thought. I asked what I was looking at and she said "Winners". I then knew what I had been looking at. The winners of NUDE's First Annual Photography Contest... Cool huh?

For those who may be unaware, Carrie Leigh's NUDE Magazine hosts what is probably the most prestigious, fine art nude photography contest... Internationally. This is the only event where nude photography is featured as it's own category and the winners are published in print worldwide. There was some really amazing work turned in from all around the world. The winning works are beautiful.. To see who won the contest and to get information on the next contest, visit below.

NUDE's Annual Photography Contest

Ok... The Cover Model... 

OMG!...

Before I go on, I just want to say that what follows, takes nothing away from NUDE's Premiere cover model, Sydney <3. Sydney <3 is my personal goddess. To me she is a young Cindy Crawford and Famke Jensen all wrapped up in one. She is a true beauty.

Summer 2008 Cover model? HHHOOOTTTTT!!!! Wow! I was stunned when Carrie handed me the cover last week. This issue wraps up the first year of NUDE Magazine. And what a way to do it... Yeah, I know, the magazine is not about the cover models... This issue is packed with really amazing photography, by really amazing photographers... but between you and me... The cover gets people (who may not already be fans of the magazine) to pick the magazine up... I will always say that Sydney <3 sold the first issue.. This next issue Chanon Finley will be selling it.. I don't care if inside the magazine they have Jessica's Alba, Simpson, and Biel NUDE... Chanon is selling this issue. She is stunning. Really Stunning. And her shoot with Carrie Leigh is really amazing. 

Don't miss this issue because, aside from everything else I have mentioned,... I have a new piece in the magazine.

"Don't miss this issue", brings up one more point I would like to mention... Now you can not only find NUDE magazine at most major news stands, Borders Books and Hastings Books... Now, NUDE Magazine can also be purchased at Barnes and Noble book stores.  Remember though.... NUDE Magazine sells out fast. Every issue, so far, has pretty much sold out of most places in the first week. With a cover and issue like this? It is gonna sell fast. Be safe with a subscription.

NUDE Subscriptions

Oh yeah... Since this is my blog and I should talk a little about myself . :)  Glamour-Con 42 was this past weekend. I can honestly say, I was surprised. Rewind a bit. Glamour-Con is a convention of sorts that brings Playmates old and new as well as erotic models and artist to the fans. I believe the show is sponsored, in some way, by Playboy magazine. I hadn't been to a Glamour-con in a few years. It really wasn't much of a show at the time. This time, new hotel, bigger ballroom, and lots of models. The biggest surprise though was the Saturday turnout. Lots of people.

I did pretty good.. Sold a bunch of sketch books old and new, and I sold a few prints. Bet If I had Sydney <3 there, I would have sold out ;)

It was a good show. I may do the next one in November. Look for me... New work posting soon!!!

Nikki and Linda's Hair

Two of my favorite models.. Well only one actually modeled for me. Nikki, I draw a lot. She is my best friend, shark enthusiast, beautiful, and has great hair. I love this image. It was from a picture where she wasn't really ready for the pic. (Pre-mature shutter release). Not ready, but a captured moment I think was great.

Linda O'Neil never modeled for me. This was from a found photo. She has always been one of my favorite models and like Nikki... has great hair. :)

NUDE Magazine update... Winter storms have delayed the magazine release. Trucks carrying issue 2, the winter issue, have been slowed if not stopped by bad weather across the country. Hopes are west coast should release this weekend at newsstands. Middle states should get it at the beginning of next week, and the east coast should be getting it next weekend... Should being the operative word.

Hey... Maybe I can get NUDE's "Sydney Brown <3" to model for me? Hmmmmm.... She's Hot :)

My Work in NUDE Magazine and subscriptions

First let me start out but saying how honored I am to be a part of NUDE Magazine. What an amazing Magazine, if you want to call it that. It is like I have said all along, it is more like a quarterly coffee table book. It doesn't even feel like a magazine. From the printing to the paper and cover stock it is amazing, and packed full of really amazing, talented photographers... And... Sydney <3 Brown, cover model...

Just as amazing is how fast the magazine sold out at the stands and book stores... Borders Books sold out all across the country. Copies are going for $15+ on the Internet. All I can say is get ready for the next one.. More great photography, more great art. Another spectacular cover model...

If you don't trust your news stands or want to take a chance on Borders having enough copies... NUDE is offering subscriptions now.. Check it out here

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Now... Since the first issue is primarily sold out with the exception of a few copies that go to the first few subscription purchasers... I can share my interview.

The Art of Joel Adams

If one could choose their talent and be born into a family of that specific talent, then what we would have is an artist from birth. At NUDE we do have it in Joel Adams. Joel is an ongoing contributor to NUDE and we really wanted our readers to get a sneak peak into his life and we know, because we know Joel that before he could walk the legendary illustrator Neal Adams (Joel’s father) had a pencil in the babies hand. While others were out playing during their high school summer vacation Joel was working on advertising campaigns for major advertising agencies. What we wanted to know is why the offspring of one of America’s most talented families heart and soul is involved in illustrating the female form for NUDE.

CARRIE: Joel, we have known each other for years, it feels like I am interviewing my brother.

JOEL: (laughs)

CARRIE: What was your first professional job?

JOEL: At the age of sixteen while working summers in my fathers art studio, I drew a storyboard for a Toll House Cookies commercial. I was allowed to pretty much do the job myself. My first solo gig.

CARRIE: Very nice then what?

JOEL: After graduating from SVA in New York. I went to work back at my fathers company doing storyboards, comic book work and whatever else came through. After about a two years, I moved to Los Angeles to help run my fathers west coast studio. I did that for a few years.

CARRIE: Then what did you do?

JOEL: I had gone freelance for a bit, then had begun work in Animation as a Character designer

CARRIE: Television animation?

JOEL: Yes. My first job was for the "Incredible Hulk" animated series. Then moved on to shows like King of the Hill, Nascar Racers, Cyber9, etc... I did a lot of double duty working for both animation and licensing on most of the projects.

CARRIE: Do you find growth in your work?

JOEL: Yes, I am constantly experimenting with art, styles, mediums and working with new elements.

CARRIE: With all the mainstream art in your background what draws you to illustrating the nude female form?

JOEL: Love of the female form. I have always done it, always been obsessed with it. When most of my friends were drawing male superheroes, I was drawing women. I cant really think of anything more beautiful to draw. Not for me at least. I love to draw what I love to look at

CARRIE: What type of woman do you like to draw?

JOEL: I like strong women. Women who have a little bit of a darker side, maybe a little fetish to them. maybe a little Goth too.. Then tomorrow?.. Maybe an angelic blond. ;)

CARRIE: I notice that your feet and hands in your illustrations are amazing.

JOEL: Feet and hands are very important to me. My dad changed many things about the comic book world one of those were his drawings of dynamic hands, so I grew up with that as part of my focus.

CARRIE: It is in modeling too. Do you photograph your subjects and then draw?

JOEL: Yes, especially for the more realistic work.

CARRIE: So they need to know how to move their hands and place their feet?

JOEL: It is extremely important, sometimes, I have to demonstrate to the models how to do the movements I need. I am sure it can look funny sometimes.

CARRIE: What inspires you?

JOEL: Something that catches my eye, a look or a movement of a woman. Shapes, fashions, patterns. Most recently, my friends. One of my closest friends, at a time when I was really feeling dead creatively, posed for me. She was, at that time, very uncomfortable with her body and some weight she had gained, but she disrobed for me down to a pair of panties and posed. She was so uncomfortable but did it for me anyway, she was beautiful, and what I got from it was a piece that will always be one of my favorites. She is now, much more comfortable in her own skin and continues to inspire me. She is the muse for much of my recent work.

CARRIE: I welcome your ongoing contributions to NUDE and hope the readers enjoy your work as much as I do.

JOEL: Thank you

Below is the image I was talking about in the interview, but it didn't fit with the work I was showing.. But I can show it here.

I luvs ya Nikki.. Yer the best

Borders Books Hollywood launches "Carrie Leigh's 'NUDE' Magazine"

Borders Books Hollywood launches "Carrie Leigh's "NUDE" Magazine".

In attendance will be:

Photographer / Publisher, Carrie Leigh.

NUDE Magazine's first cover model, the stunning Sydney Brown <3, and other feature "NUDE" Models.

The first issue of "NUDE" features 8 Great Photographers, In attendance will be Photgraphers: Perry Gallagher and Nick Ash.

And on-going contributing artist, Joel Adams.

The event takes place October 5th, at Borders Books - Hollywood, at 7 pm.

1501 Vine St.
Hollywood, CA 90028
Phone: 323.463.8519
Map

Carrie Leigh's "NUDE" Magazine - Out Now

Finally! It is out.. Carrie Leigh, a long time friend has published a wonderful magazine called "NUDE". It is not a "nudie" magazine and not filled with the typical, commercial, Playboy or Penthouse work. It is a black and white, very high quality magazine featuring work of mostly photographers, from around the world. Names like Carrie Leigh, Dave Rudin, Jorris Van Dahle, Calvalto, Nick Ash, Norbert Guthier, Perry Gallager, Kim Westin, and legendary names like Stan Malinowski.

The magazine celebrates, artistically, the female form. I like to refer to the magazine as a quarterly "coffee table book". The quality is amazing from the work inside, to the print quality, to the paper and cover stock/ When you hold it, it doesn't feel like a magazine, but more like an soft cover art book.

I have two pieces and an interview in this issue. Following this, I will have a double page spread in every issue.. Cuz I'm cool like that. :D

Check my name out on the cover... If you can get past the cover model, Sydney<3.. . How beautiful is she.. What a great picture. Below is a list of locations in the United States of where to get this Magazine.. (Sold out, so I edited out locations 10/11/07)