Nude Nite Orlando

Posted on by Thor

Celebrating its 15th year, Nude Nite is a body-themed immersive
pop-up art experience. This talked-about art party, is held in a
20,000 warehouse with over 200 of the best nude artworks for sale
from artists around the country. The event features burlesque stage shows, world
class body painting, interactive installations, performance artists,
acrobats, stilt walkers, aerialists and a cast of painted characters
creating a stunning canvas for Insta-worthy photos. Nude Nite is a
multi-sensory art encounter that leaves you feeling hot with what
you’ve got.

Nude Nite has 3 full cocktail bars, gourmet food for
purchase and DJ music to ignite the vibe. Nude Nite is created with
conscious intention. It is female owned and operated, maintains a gender
equal model ratio meaning for every female there is a male. Nude Nite
models are all sizes, colors and genders. The event utilizes sustainable
products wherever possible.

For me the evening is always an inspiring and awesome sketching opportunity. Immediately when I entered I was attracted to this  antique tub with a woman in it. The tableau was set up by body painter Nix Herrera. He said he had essentially used everything from his outdoor patio to set up the scene. The woman sat submerged in water at first in which floated ferns and flowers. When she stood, she would entice people to come closer like a siren. On her belly and legs were written phrases. I didn’t lean in to read them all and the only ones I put in the sketch was the surprising phrase, “You slut.” On her head was a miniature model of the greenhouse enclosure they were in. Behind her stood a stoic and still couple in masks. On the woman’s head was a crown which looked like a model of a cathedral spire wrapped in fabric. When people were not around I heard her giggle occasionally and touch her hand to her lips which never moved. Later when she looked over my shoulder at the sketch, she spoke and I finally realized that her lips were part of the mask. When posing she tended to curl her toes, which made me wonder if she was uncomfortable or cold. There was a space heater beside her. I also wondered about the temperature of the water in the tub. It is strange what you think about while you sketch.

While sketching, I was joined by local artist Erin Colleen who also had a sketchbook. I am very familiar with Erin’s work because of Facebook and was happy to meet her in person. Strange but because of social media I already thought I knew her, or at least her art. I am an antisocial machine when sketching but I did ask her a few questions. She used to work at Madam Tossauds wax museum painting the skin tones for the figures. She hopes to work with animatronics next which would be a pretty sweet gig. I bumped into her a second time while I was considering sketching Mandi Ilene Schiff who was body painting a golden man with a buddha on his chest.

In the center of the room was a peace and tranquility zone with a woman posed in a cross legged pose with a radiating golden crown. From a distance Erin noticed a photo in the exhibit of a woman covered in honey. She said that the photo was of the woman in the golden crown. I looked back and forth and the resemblance was amazing. I am a doubting Thomas however, so I had to walk up to the model and ask if it was indeed her. It was. Of course an artist who could paint wax figures of celebrities, making them come alive, could pick out a portrait from a distance. Erin is also a portrait painter. I was amazed and tickled. The photo as it turns out was by Mandi who had shot her model from a past body painting session. Photos are the only way to immortalize the art she creates.

I never did do a second sketch, I was satisfied with this one. Of all the art on display, I was most impressed by a painted drawing done by artist Broni Likomanov from Studio City California. Titled Nude 4 it had bold charcoal strokes and acrylic paint that created a vibrant Egon Schiele inspired pose. Everything about the piece was inspiring. If I had $500 in my pocket I would have walked out with it. This was a fun night full of surprises.

Tonight February 15, 2020 is the last evening for Nude Nite.

Admission is $35 and tickets can be purchased at the door. The event will not sell out.

There are cash machines on property if needed.

The industrial warehouse is on the site at the Central Florida Fairgrounds

4603 West Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32808

Open to the public. Because of nudity, the show is 21+ ID required.

Self Parking is abundant and complimentary.

Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Cell phone cameras are encouraged. DSLR cameras and video is not allowed.

Stage Shows begin at 9pm, 10pm and 11pm. Entertainment on the floor is ongoing throughout event.

Nude Nite 2019

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Nude Nite Orlando was held at the Central Florida Fairgrounds on February 14-16. Pam Schwartz and I went on Valentines day, the opening night. I wanted to go nice and early to sketch before the place got really crowded. A ticket at the door is $35 and I didn’t have that much cash on hand. We had to get cash from a cash machine in the parking lot. Note that the bar a Nude Nite also only accepts cash. I didn’t get a drink since I was sketching the whole time I was there.

Nude Nite feels so much smaller than past years. It was at the fairgrounds last year as well, but I didn’t sketch because I got the dates wrong. My feeling walking around the event was that the event had grown smaller in scale. I have to say however that artists were just setting up for the night. I quickly decided to sketch Mandi Ilene Schiff as she was body painting. She was set up right in the middle of the warehouse which offered easy sketching access. She was painting a tiger face on they model’s chest. The color she added was a greenish glitter paint.

An art installation by Aubry Roemer consisted of a long roll of white paper on the floor. He painted nude models with blue paint and had them lie on the white paper to create body prints. He then also outlined the prints with large blue brush strokes. He also wore a mask although I am not sure why. A coffin with a plastic skeleton was set up. The premise was that guests could write notes on pages from a book and then put them in the coffin.  The notes would be burned after Nude Nite. I suppose that burning negative thoughts could be a form of therapy.

As we were getting ready to leave, one performer, Sarah Jade, languidly hung from the ceiling with an aerial sling. She did splits and spun. When her routine was finished she gracefully floated down to the floor as if weightless. Performances were just beginning.

My favorite art was simple nude sketches on some form of Mylar. They were on sale for only $150. On the far wall behind Mandi was a huge photo mosaic for about $5000. A woman arched her back as if the Pieta. Another similar mosaic had lots of Bambi fawns. I lost interest since performances didn’t get under way until after 9pm. We decided to go out for dinner to finish off the Valentines evening. We went to Phò Vinh (657 N Primrose Drive Orlando Fl 32803) and I had Bún Càri Gà which is a delicious soup with rice vermicelli with chicken in a coconut curry broth. It was sooooo good, the highlight of the evening.

BASE Orlando – Masquerade Body Paint Art Show

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The Masquerade Body Paint Art Show run by Mandi Ilene Schiff, was at DRIP (8747 International Drive Suite 102 (Behind Denny’s and Senor Frogs), Orlando, Florida.) Unfortunately DRIP on has closed down. It used to be a spot to see some of Orlando’s most edgy art.

BASE Body Art Showcase and Exhibit is one of the few places in world where guests can witness a body painting event of this magnitude. Each body art showcase is centered on a theme and features over a dozen professional body painter’s masterpieces. Artists and models come together to create a truly one-of-a-kind piece of art that only exists for the fleeting moments for that one evening.

 I focused my attention on Nix Herrera who is an amazingly talented body painter that I have sketched at work before. Once all the models were painted, there was a runway show to showcase all the creations. Nix’s mom was curious about my work in progress. Clearly she is supportive of her son’s colorful career.

Afterwards, the only remember the creation is in the photography taken, that can never fully bring back view of the 360 degree, living, breathing canvas. My sketch is just another hint at the art created that night.

BASE Orlando: Beach Bash Body Paint Art Show

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BASE Orlando founder, Mandi Ilene Schiff celebrated her birthday at the10th BASE show, at DRIP (8747 International Dr Suite 102, Orlando, Florida.) Painting for over a decade, BASE brings together the talents of renowned
Face and Body Painter Mandi and Photographer Robert Johnston.

From humble beginnings of face painting at princess parties, Mandi was
inspired to see the entire body as a canvas and potential work of art.
Since then, she has won multiple face and body painting awards, painted
across the state, on cruise ships and in the Bahamas and currently does
face and body painting in Orlando. Mandi and her dynamic team now bring
their work together at BASE Orlando for an imaginative experience unlike
anything else. After her community of body painters spent years
gathering in bars or homes to practice and exhibit their art, Mandi
founded BASE in an effort to reach out to a wider audience and produce a
complete art show. After many wildly successful events, Mandi and her
team continue to offer visitors a remarkable experience through their
one-of-a-kind collection of local artists and performers.

Over a dozen body paint
artists came together to showcase their unique work and channel
their inspiration for the Beach Bash Body Paint Art Show. BASE guests
experienced live body painting while watching talented artists transform
models into living works of art right before their eyes while getting
the unique opportunity to glimpse behind the scenes of professional body
painting.

BASE attendees get up close and personal with live
body art like nowhere else in Florida. While awaiting the final reveal
of the body paint masterpieces, they can browse artist vending tables,
enjoy food and bar specials and live entertainment from the area’s top
burlesque acts, dancers and more. For me, it is always a great sketch opportunity. I have been sketching BASE events for years and the final creations always amaze and inspire.

Base around the World Body Paint Art Showcase.

Posted on by Thor

The Base Around the World Body Paint Showcase was held at
DRIP (8747 International Drive
Suite 102, Orlando, FL.) This showcase is one of the few places
in the world where guests can witness a body painting event of this magnitude.
Pam Schwartz and I arrived early so I could sketch the amazing models when they were
just beginning to be painted. It is fun to sketch as they
turn into creative living canvases. Each body paint show is centered around a
theme. Each model this evening became a different country or exotic port of
call.

Over a dozen body paint artists’ works could only be seen for several fleeting moments of artistic
completion at the end of the evening. Music was provided by
Dub Masters. Besides the body painters, artists also had tables to sell their
wares.                                                                       

I focused on the models in front of a paint splattered rainbow
of color that had the saying, “What Color Are Your?”  One model was being painted all the golden
colors of the Savannah with a large lion face being painted on her butt.  The other model was being painted with green
flames and a Chinese dragon wrapped around her torso.  

The Orlando
community of body painters spent years gathering in bars or homes to practice
and exhibit their art. Mandi Ilene Schiff founded BASE Orlando in an effort to reach
out to a wider audience and produce events
as a complete art show.  Now three years
later the showcases keep getting better. It is always a sketch opportunity like
none other.

Mark your Calendar. The next BASE showcase is going to be a black light extravaganza held November 30th starting at 8 PM at DRIP (8747 International Drive, Orlando, Fl). I am excited to see the glowing colors in the dark. 

Screw fireworks, we all need some Santa on July 4th.

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Usually on the first Monday of each month, I host Orlando Drink and Draw (ODD). In May, I decided to host the event at Frosty’s Christmastime Lounge (50 East Central Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32801). Frosty is a snowman, Frosty is also what you call a cold cocktail or beer. However you interpret it, it is correct. Frosty’s wants to give you the feeling of the holidays all year round. Why wait until December?

Located right near the Orange County Regional History Center, Frosty’s does sport plenty of Christmas bling, like stockings hung with care under the liquor bottles, to a fat Santa near the entrance and the the sexy leg lamp won in the film “A Christmas Story.” Old school large bulb Christmas lights were strung from the rafters and the TVs only played Christmas specials and movies like “Home Alone.” The images on the screen have a strange blue electric haze that may or may not have been intentional, but looked like it was a short circuit.

The specialties at Frosty’s are the craft snow cones with names like, Porky’s Liposuction, Coconuts roasted over an open fire, and the last wurd. I was the only artist around, so I figured it might be a short evening and I ordered a Heineken. Besides myself, there were only 3 people at the far end of the bar. The sketch progressed quickly. Mandi Ilene Schiff stopped by with her fiancé Robert Johnston. Mandi worked up an intricate redesign of the Frosty’s logo. They were soon off to another party as I was finishing up my sketch.

Going to Frosty’s early on a Monday night wasn’t very exciting, but I am sure the place perks up as the evening wears on. I heard that there is snow sometimes, but I didn’t witness it myself. I might return as the weather cools down a bit.

The Human Rainbow

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On June 11th, one year after the horrific hate crime that took 49 lives at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, body painters gatherer at the Other Bar (18 Wall St, Orlando, Florida 32801) in Downtown Orlando to paint 49 models each a different color of the rainbow. The models each represented the lives lost last year during the Pulse Tragedy. The bar was packed and I had to sketch fast since, I had to get to the Shakespeare theater to see O-Town in which monologues based on interviews showed how local residents raised themselves up after the tragedy. 

Mandi Ilene Schiff of Base Orlando organized the event which was similar to a body painting event held last year. Each body painter was assigned a color and once a model was painted, another would quickly take their place. There was no time to waste when there were 49 bodies that needed to be covered in pigments. It was a triage of rainbow colors. After models were painted, they move to the other side of the bar where an impromptu rainbow dance party broke out. A body painter’s shirt read, “We Are One.”

Nix Herrera was painting blue people, and I focused my attention on the body painter in an American flag t-shirt that was painting her model orange. The body painter’s husband watched me work and he was in charge of making sure models were lined up ready to be painted. With so much color and sensuality it was at times easy to forget the somber reason for the artistic effort. Outside the bar the 49 gathered and posed in line for the full effect of the 49 person rainbow as it illuminated the grey afternoon.

The Orlando Strong Group Body Paint at The Other Bar.

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Mandi Ilene Schiff of BASE Orlando organized this amazing evening where 49 models were each painted a separate color of the rainbow. Of course the 49 models represent the 49 who fell at the Pulse Terrorist Attack. Six survivors are still in critical condition. The Other Bar (18 Wall St, Orlando, FL) is located right next to the Orlando History Center. Outside the bar was a huge wooden chair with each of it’s wooden slats painted a different color of the rainbow.

When I entered, models were already being painted. Robert Johnston , Ilene’s fiancee offered me a seat at the bar, and I got right to work. The model closest to me was being painted purple. She must have locked her knees because she suddenly felt faint and had to sit down. People rushed to get her water and juice. She gradually recovered. I have had this happen with a model before and it can be quite terrifying for the model, and the artist. There were far more women being painted than men. I admired James Brendlinger‎, a producer and director who was being painted blue. Perhaps in the future if male models are needed. I will volunteer. It would be nice to get a bit more fit first. Some of the women were extremely fit. Model Monica Edwards created special Pulse Tribute Dolls that sell for just $25 each. This tragedy hits incredibly close to home for Monica and these dolls are
intended as a fundraiser for the victim’s recovery and for the families
of those we lost. All proceeds will be going to the Pulse Victims Fund, gofundme. 

 Outside the bar was a surreal scene in which dozens of beautiful brightly colored people milled around the bar and socialized. Every model got a wrist bracelet with brightly colored beads. It was funny to find that clicks formed over time with the reds sticking together at the bar. One purple woman exited the bar and shouted out for a short purple man. ” Did anyone see a short purple man?” A purple woman hugged a yellow woman as they posed for pictures. A beautiful lesbian couple kissed in front of models that represented every color of the rainbow. There was so much love everywhere I looked. All the bright colors swirled around me.  Then all 49 models were encouraged to go to the park in front of the Orlando History Center for photos. I stayed and watched, soaking in the joy and lore for those still trying to recover. Mandi created an amazing event that celebrated life while honoring those lost.

The Blue Boxes are disappearing but the law requiring their use is still on the books.

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27 Blue Boxes are painted on sidewalks in Downtown Orlando. These
boxes are for panhandlers and buskers. Busking is possible only during
day light hours. Although set up for panhandlers, police often insist
street performers must use the blue boxes. Performing outside the boxes
can result in 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. These Boxes represent the only places downtown where
theoretically there is freedom of speech. They are Orlando’s First Amendment Zones.

On February 29th Mandi Ilene Schiff offered to do a body painting in Blue Box number 6. On the map, the box is located near the Bob Carr Theater on West Livingston Street. Because of construction this street can only be approached from the West off of Parramore Avenue. Mandi arrived before me and was waiting in front of the UCF Center of Emerging Media. Her model, Yvonne Clar, hadn’t arrived yet. I began searching across the street for the blue box. The problem was that half of the street and sidewalk was ripped up and now fenced off due to construction.

A guard from UCF came out and asked if he could help us navigate the construction to get to downtown Orlando. My experience with people who say, “Can I help you?” is that they will be an obstruction to my completing a sketch. Though he went back inside the UCF lobby, I knew we were on his radar. Our search for the blue box was out of the ordinary. Mandi and I decided to settle in front of a large blue banner that was the logo for the construction company that was digging up this prime real estate. Mandi’s idea was to camouflage the model, so she disappeared against the Blue sign. As she unloaded her paints and brushes, the guard came out and shouted “You can’t be setting up over there!” I thought it odd that he didn’t cross the street to speak to us. He was like a dog who barked at the edge of its property. I shouted out, “Why is that?” He shouted back that he had to protect the high school kids. That is odd, I thought, UCF is a college, there are no minors. I contacted a UCF instructor I know, just to verify that this guard has no idea of the age of the students he sees everyday.

Since I was getting over a cold, I decided to walk across the street so I didn’t have to shout. I told him that I was documenting the 27 blue boxes and explained what they are for. I showed him the location of blue box number 6 on the city map figuring he might help me in locating it. “I don’t know anything about no blue boxes, all I know is that you can’t set up over there. I have to keep these kids safe. There are pimps, prostitutes and drug dealers who are always hanging around this area.” Now, If I was a prostitute I wouldn’t work this abandoned stretch of road, I thought. Did he think Mandi was a prostitute? He would definitely have a heart attack if the model took off her shirt in front of the school. This was a loosing battle, since we didn’t have the security of a blue box to stand in, I decided we needed to move to the next blue box which was half a block East near I-4. I shook the guards hand, thanked him for his help, and we headed East.

Blue Box number 7 was also torn up by construction, but there was a hint of several blue dotted lines remaining on a curb. Yellow caution tape separated us from being able to stand in the patch of dirt which had once been the blue box.  We decided instead to set up outside the rented fence near the Orlando Centroplex sign. Yvonne showed up just as Mandi was settled in. I was in the midst of blocking in my sketch, and I didn’t want to spread my cold, so I kept working. This was the first time that the performers were not protected by actually standing inside a  blue box. The stakes were high, but Mandi and the model bravely took the chance. City codes on indecent exposure had been researched, and the model could have legally been painted in nothing but pasties and panties, but Nix Herrera another body painter, had advised Mandi against taking the chance. It could have resulted in regulations for an art form that has so far stayed off the city commissioners radars.

With a liberating flourish, the model took of her shirt and her black bra defied any notion of indecent exposure. The race was on to complete the sketch and body painting before we were caught. Mandi began by painting a blue box on Yvonne’s belly, then she began painting iconic Orlando imagery, like a swan, the fountain, an orange breast, and the skyline wedged in Yvonne’s cleavage. Ten minutes into the sketch, I felt that art had won. I had enough on the page, so that even if police or security stopped us, I could finish the sketch back at the studio. A construction worker asked what are were doing. I discussed the blue boxes and explained that we would be done within an hour. “I don’t mind.” he said with a smile.  Theo Lotz, the Flying Horse Editions director from UCF also asked about our project and I quickly explained the Blue Box Initiative. I get excited, having the chance to explain the need for free artistic expression. His bus arrived and he had to run off mid sentence.

We were right near a bus stop and each time a bus stopped you could see a dozen passengers with then noses pressed against the windows. A driver honked his approval. My quick rough sketches don’t do Mandi’s amazing work  justice. Be sure to check out these photos her fiance Robert Johnston took. It certainly felt like we were tempting fate on this day, but some amazing art was created.  Yvonne became a gorgeous living postcard that celebrated the City Beautiful.

Base Orlando Pin Ups Pose with Hot Rods.

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After sketching all the body painters and models inside the Majestic Event Center (801 North John Young Parkway, Orlando, FL) I walked outside and ordered a hot dog from the food truck and settled in to sketch the hot rods on display. I was then rewarded as the models came outside to pose next to the cars. Rosie the riveter was the first, and she showed off her biceps. Her  tattoo on her muscular arm read, “We Can Do It!” The model with the heart shaped glasses had a yellow bikini painted on. She feigned surprise as she pursed her lips as if to say oooh!

Mandi Ilene Schiff the Base Orlando organizer has volunteered to be part of the Blue Box Initiative next Monday. She will setup a body painting station in one of the side walk boxes and work for several hours. Her blue box is near the Bob Carr Theater. That entire block is under construction, so there is little foot traffic except for UCF Center of Emerging Media Students. Body Painting on the streets of downtown Orlando should push the limits of what is considered to expression in the City Beautiful. To date, I haven’t seen a single police cruiser while doing a blue box sketch. Perhaps this will finally be a case that catches an officer’s attention.

Mark your Calendars! The next Base Orlando event is Pop-Art themed and is tonight, on March 3, from 8pm to 11pm at the Majestic Event Center (801 North John Young Parkway, Orlando, FL). Tickets are $10 to $25.