It’s turned out to be a body art kind of week. I don’t plan these things, but sometimes they just happen! Today’s Beautiful Thing is Austria’s 17th annual World Bodypainting Festival. The artistry exhibited in this festival and competition is just unbelievable. The artists compete in many categories such as sponge, brush, special effects, and face painting. They even have a night-time competition for UV work.

I’m as fascinated by the accompanying costumes and poses as I am with the makeup. I would love to attend the festival one of these years so I can see this work in person. I know it kind of falls apart up close. I’ve been around bodypaint, and in my experience, it’s a bit crusty. But from the right distance . . .