Nude figure drawings are beautiful, but they can be very off-putting for the average homeowner, so I compiled my favorite tasteful figure drawings that aren’t nudes. Hopefully, this post will demonstrate that you can have the beauty of sketched figure drawings without your home becoming X rated. All joking aside, have you searched figure drawings on Etsy lately? Trust me…don’t do it. Or at least, don’t do it if little eyes are nearby. It’s that bad.
Listen, I’m no prude when it comes to art. I understand the point and beauty of nude figure drawings…I just don’t like them. As a Christian mom and wife, I personally believe they are inappropriate for the walls of my home. I understand the history of nude sketches and sculptures. After all, I did grow up in a family of artists and studied art all throughout my schooling. And I know that if we were to travel to Europe with our girls, they would see nudity in the sculptures and artwork everywhere. But, I don’t want to have naked figures displayed in our home for my family to see every day. It’s not a morality issue, it’s a personal preference based on our values and standards.
I love the way this gallery wall looks…classic and elegant. But then, when I look closer and see that there are two nude women on the wall, it ruins it for me. No disrespect to the late Kate Spade, or anyone else who chooses to use nude figure drawings in their home, but I just don’t care for them in mine.
Home of Kate Spade
Again, no judgment for those who love and appreciate nude figure drawings, but this piece, called Motherhood, is more my speed.
For me, it’s about the story the art tells. A nude figure drawing, for me, doesn’t tell a story that has any importance to my family. So, as with all of my intentional design decisions, I stick to what is authentic, appropriate, and undeniably us.
I’ve had the idea to draw my own collection of tasteful figure drawings for a long time. I used to run an Etsy art shop, and I miss drawing and painting. But until I’m able to wear the hat of artist again (not anytime soon), I’ll just keep weeding through what’s out there and finding pieces that are appealing to me.
Here’s my roundup up of figure drawings that are tasteful, interesting, and modest enough for anyone’s home. I love all of these pieces and chose #8 for my entryway, but I’m already planning to incorporate more of these beautiful drawings into my décor this year.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15
I know all of those aren’t technically figure drawings, but I thought I would offer a variety of different subjects so you could see that it’s more about the feel of a sketched figure drawing than an actual figure. You could also use those animal figure drawings in a kid’s bedroom and they would be so precious and different.
What are your thoughts on figure drawings? Do you love them, hate them, or fall somewhere in between? Let me know in the comments below.
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Thank you for sharing! You addressed this topic beautifully. As an art historian who wants a beautifully decorated home I have also considered these ideas and appreciate your perspective. I adore the sketch of the mother and child. Thank you for being willing to be different and honest.
Wow! An art historian…very cool. It’s such a touchy subject, but my personal belief is, I don’t want to desensitize my girls to the naked body by hanging it on my walls in the name of art. They’ll see plenty of that out in the world and if we we ever travel to Europe. It’s just a personal decision, but I know there are others who feel the same way and I really wanted to offer some good figure drawing options for those people. I’m glad you liked the post, and thank you for reading!
I don’t care for nudes either. To tell you the truth, they make me feel uncomfortable and embarrassed. Why on earth would I have art in my home that makes me feel uncomfortable? I agree with you and appreciate your effort to find collections that aren’t nudes.
Love your style!
Thank you Brenda! Yeah, they make me uncomfortable too. I’m glad you like the roundup!
I love your blog and your style!! I definitely can relate to nude art being a little…er…awkward. I don’t have any in my house and I probably won’t, but the topic got me thinking about *why* I feel this way. I have two little daughters so I ponder all these deeeeep questions, like, is it wrong to lie to my kids about Santa? Lol. But your post got me thinking…do I want my daughters to think that nudity is wrong or embarrassing or inappropriate? Something for “other people” but not for us? Your point about religion and how it shapes our reaction to the human body AND how there is so much nudity in religious art was intriguing. I don’t identify as Christian, although I’m a confirmed Catholic (it was important to my grandparents) and I don’t remember learning anything about nudity being wrong or taboo or not in the “guidebook”. I absolutely don’t judge you for your opinion and choices, and I appreciate that you made sure to be clear that your opinions are your opinions. Sorry to leave such a long, rambling reply but I’ve been thinking about it ever since I read this post. 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment Amy. I completely understand thinking about these deep things, as that’s what I do so often with everything from the food we eat to our decorations. I don’t think nudity in and of itself is inappropriate, but we teach our girls that it’s something special for marriage, and it’s a gift that should only be shared with someone they love. My husband is a child abuse detective, so my girls know A LOT about what’s inappropriate and/or embarrassing. I just have a strong conviction that nudity is sacred (not shameful) and I don’t care for it being splashed around my house like it’s no big deal. That said, we do live in Southern California…home of beaches and bikinis, so it’s no like my girls are sheltered or anything. I’m just doing my best to teach them class, modesty, self respect, and decorating with art that’s not distracting (ha…that last one was kind of a joke, but you get the point). My girls have a healthy perspective about their bodies, and I’ve worked hard to teach them they are beautiful no matter their size or shape. I guess it’s just as simple as I don’t think the nude body makes for beautiful, appropriate art…just my opinion. Thanks again for stopping by!
Thanks for this. I appreciate you living by your convictions. These are all great options!
And I appreciate you saying that. It really is who I am, so it’s as authentic as can be. Thanks for reading!