My friend JMT* introduced me to Jordon,* and upon entering the studio he immediately responded to my collection of mid 16th Century style armor. One of my favorite paintings in all the world is in the collection of the El Prado in Madrid and it is Diego Velazquez's Mars. A nude Mars is seen in helmet resting after removing his breast plate, sword and shield. Great art speaks forever and this painting from 1640 has for centuries held the soldier's admiration and an erotic quality for gay men.  I am sure Velazquez was aroused during the painting of his model, it shows in the charged color and brush work.  Inspired by the Mars painting, and Jordon's appeal for the armor, I surrounded his resting nude body  with elements of a Spanish knight but painted him in a lying position. A Castilian-Leon banner hangs behind the model for color adding a historical note.

This was Jordon's first time to model nude and I was delighted. Jordon possesses none of the sexual hang-ups imposed by the religious right or conservative parent head-trip's. This was a refreshing and rewarding experience for me and I wish I and all my models possessed the same loving openness. I look forward to painting him again.

*Real names have been changed or not used in the titles when requested.