Have a look at Brian M. Viveros surreal world of tough and erotic women that are in most cases covered in blood and almost inevitably with a cigarette in their mouth. He calls them his own army and says even though they all seem to be battered, there women aren't victims, but winners. They have just won a war, a bull fight or a box match. Viveros claims he paints empowered females in their victorious moment.
When asked why does he always paint females and could he imagine himself painting men, he answered that he could never paint men, because he finds endless inspiration in the beauty of female form and that he feels great rush while painting each painting. That probably could never happen while painting a man. And he even pointed out his favorite "part" on female body - he said he simply loves the part from neck and lower to the shoulders. And I have to agree, I find this also to be the most elegant, effeminate and sensual part of female body.
If you want to read some interviews with the artist so you could probably come to better understanding of his work, you can find two here at Ough and Juxtapoz Magazine.
