RuPaul Body Paint Series Pare Wars Was High on Art, Light on Drama

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I'm continuing my deep-swoop into "lost" realty gems that are finding new lives via the magic of streaming. This fourth dimension, I'yard taking a await at a quality reality competition to binge: Skin Wars, originally premiering on GSN August 2014 and currently found on Netflix. The show featured professional body painters competing for a gamble to win $100,000. Hosted by the lovely Rebecca Romijn with judges RuPaul Charles, Craig Tracy, and Robin Slonina, the challenges are crazy, the designs immaculate, and the all-time part? It's mostly complimentary of contestant drama- simply judges trying to instigate drama? That'south a different story.

A look at the first season of Skin Wars (Image: GSN)
A look at the first season of Peel Wars, with Rebecca Romijn and RuPaul Charles (Image: GSN)

Each episode in that location are two rounds; the showtime one a small blueprint that grants the winner an advantage into the main challenge when they face elimination. The contestants pigment super hero's, sea creatures, elements, their fears, attire, even a few drag queens. Truly the well-nigh immaculate are the rounds in which models must blend into their background, present well underwater, and the nearly challenging, using five models to form ane unified design. It'southward beautiful, information technology'south fierce and you really fall in love with some of the contestants as they grow as artists.

While the testify has received a lot of heat for poor judging and unfair decisions based on bias, personal interest and relating to some contestants over others, I for 1 don't really pay attention to the judging itself just rather savour the bear witness for its masterpieces. The first season for me is the best, although I did dear some of the talent featured on season three and was ecstatic that Rick Uribe won. While some of the other contestants may have shown greater skill set than him in the first he truly emerged as a unique artist.

Season one featured probably the most brilliant artists Dutch Bihary existence near likely everyone'due south pick to take domicile to win, merely wah wah wah – he didn't. Natalie Fletcher who won the competition and was crowned the first Skin Wars champion had spunk, talent, and personality. The woman arranged her contortionist'due south models in the shape of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Her camouflage was immaculate and the work she did painting her greatest fear on her ain face stunning. Lawrence "Gear" Duran some other simply mind-blowing technical painter exquisite detail piece of work, imagination, and bulldoze. Could have done without the Gear and Natalie drama, simply it's a reality competition subsequently all.

As much as I honey the show and often leave it on in the background I was not likewise fond of the spin-off Skin Wars: Fresh Paint hosted by RuPaul where non-pro body painters are paired with a mentor. It feels similar a catty run-down version of the original. Would beloved a flavour four although I would recommend they dress Romijn ameliorate (was at that place nothing budget for this thing?). She's a model and an actress, just I spent more time than I should accept wishing she wore outfits that flattered her body smidge better. Peradventure instead she should simply have her entire body painted each episode, only I digress. So go and savour Skin Wars only be warned: you lot'll savour it for its art, creativity, and the possibilities the body presents every bit a canvas- only you'll be left disappointed if y'all're here for a drama show.

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Most Margo Staten

Margo Staten is a Ukrainian built-in, raised in Brooklyn, organically driven, coffee loving, twice-divorced mother of one babe Einstein. Has a passion for books, yoga in the park and all things 80's and New Orleans.