Here's a question.

If I wanted to study art, I'd want to study art like "the old masters," (i.e., none of this modern art jazz for me.) Central to the study of art is the human figure and anatomy and all that fun stuff.

My initial reaction to having to draw nude people is "Gross. No way." But the thing is that having a basic understanding of the human figure is pretty much essential. Seriously.

So my question is, is drawing/studying the human nude morally wrong?

I understand that Doctors must study things like that because they actually need that knowledge to help people. But artists... is it anything more than entertainment? Of course it all deals with the heart motivation - an artist can glorify God. He has given us the power to be creative, and one way we praise Him is by using our creativity for good.

Take Michaelangelo's David. Does it glorify God? I'd say yes. It exalts and glories in the beauty and majesty of God's creation. But I always turn the page quickly when I see David, or other nude works of art. I've always felt it wrong to stare at nudes the way I examine other beautiful works of art. But is it?

Some people can use works of art for their own sensual lusts. But, does that make the work of art wrong? Or is it that people just have a tendency to mess up anything that is good? Is the painter wrong for painting the nude, which might cause the viewer to stumble? Or is only the viewer at fault? Or both?

Now, I have no desire to paint nude people. But I kind of have a desire to study anatomy and the human form. Is that wrong? Would that be wrong?

And, then, you know how when you learn something, you never look at that thing the same way again? (Like Hayley and Rowena can never look at a house in the same way without thinking about the architectural style and period.) I'd be afraid that once I'd studied all sorts of bone and muscle formations and shapes and forms of people, I could never look at anyone the same way again. I might start undressing them in my head - not in a sensual or lustful way - but just because I'd been studying the human shape. It might just be that I'd be talking to people and instead of focusing on their eyes, I might be thinking about the shape of their skull.

Is there a way to learn about the human form without dealing with these issues? I'd like to improve my skills as an artist, but not at the expense of my morals. I just don't know how I feel about this issue.

What do you think?