I caught up with Neil for a behind-the-scenes look at his stunning erotic art.
How did you discover and start to explore your passion for art?
It was a natural thing really. Even as a toddler and at play-group, I spent all my time in the art room. When my mum collected me, she was presented with a stack of paintings.
When I got to my early teens, I started to draw muscular superheroes from comic books – I drew them naked. At that age, it felt like a really naughty thing to do.
I studied art for many years. I realised my passion was portraiture and figurative work.
When I studied at the Royal College of Art in London in the mid-90s, my flatmate ran a life-drawing class in Earl’s Court.
She was one of my close friends. She was a regular on the then vibrant Earl’s Court gay scene – she recruited her gay friends as life models.
I attended these classes. Years later, I decided to sell the drawings I’d produced on eBay. They sold, and this inspired me to create more.
Who are some of your art heroes or inspirations?
As a young man I was fascinated by the work of fashion photographers like Herb Ritts and Bruce Webber – their homoerotic postcards could be bought in card shops like Athena.
The image by Herb Ritts of Fred With Tyres is an image of masculine perfection that is beautiful.
My artistic choices have also been influenced by Ancient Greek and Roman sculpture that depicts a pure, smooth, faultless masculine beauty. As well as the muscular male figures within Michelangelo’s work.
I visit museums and galleries regularly, but no artworks have left me so in awe as the Sistine Chapel and David. For me, Michelangelo is the megastar of art.
I also have to mention Tom of Finland who showed me that art could be sexually beautiful and truly erotic.
Are all of your male nudes drawn in grayscale?
I work in many different ways and with varied media – I’ve created coloured illustrations, etchings, coloured mono prints, and lino-cut prints.
However, I get the most attention and appreciation from the graphite tonal nudes.
How do you decide which men to draw?
Sometimes, I create a fantasy male by merging features and images. Sometimes, I’ll ask beautiful men if I can draw them.
I’ve always got commissions on the go. I have people asking me to draw them naked, draw their boyfriends naked, or make celebrities nude.
But it’s not all nudes. I also draw portraits, and have been known to draw the occasional dog,
I’ll consider most requests, if they suit my style.
What are some of your goals and aspirations for the months ahead?
My goal is simply to continue.
I love what I do. I’m keen to hone my skills further, and to trial new materials and media.
The great thing about being an artist is that there’s always something new you can try – but I have no plans to change from drawing male beauty.
