A simple, fun composition of Philadelphia-themed Funko Pop sports figures. Painting is a sister to the painting “Justice League” created a few years ago. Had the opportunity to adjust the reference photo on Procreate. Enhanced colors and contrast. Blurred out the background. Have gotten comments – “why that guy?” I wanted to represent as much of the Philly sport scene as possible. And, I’m limited by Funko Pop availability – some of my favorites don’t exist as a Pop. Would love to have added Dr J. and Mike Schmidt. Would have also liked to include the Philadelphia Union soccer team. But, love that a Reggie White Pop was released just as I started preparing this composition.
Started this painting with idea of doing a still life of artist figurines – finger puppets and Funko Pops. Then, thought about adding some images of artists. Morphed into using self portraits. Loved adding artists like Frank Frazetta and Boris Vallejo, ones that I idolized in my youth (and still do), to classic artists like da Vinci and mixing them in with modern artists like Matthew Barney – loved bringing all of those who’ve inspired me together – would love to be a fly on the wall at that “party.” Took liberties with the portraits – exaggerated color saturation and value contrast and changed elements of the portraits to serve the broader needs of the painting. When researching portraits, as I looked at Warhol images, was struck again (as I have been in the past) of his repeating grids – a few of his self portraits repeat the same image with varying colors in a grid. Struck me – in our current COVID-restricted environment, I’ve participated in a number of Zoom/Google meetings during the day. Staring at Brady Bunch Opening-like grids of people all day long, and saw the commonality with the Warhol paintings – his portraits seemed prophetic. Inspired by that for this painting. Also liked inserting figurines on top of a “flat” surface and creating a stark contrast – was a fun challenge getting the figurines to read as if they’re popping off the background. With this painting, I’m pushing the boundaries of what’s considered a “still life”, celebrating artists that I’ve been inspired by, and celebrating our current situation/virtual meeting culture.
Created this colored pencil drawing from a photo taken in Ireland a few Summers ago. Bagpiper was standing in an ally near Blarney Castle, “priming” his bag – wasn’t playing at the time. Loved the contrasting colors and textures of his outfit.
Learning how to use the digital program Procreate. “Painted” this image of cherry blossoms from a reference photo of an autumnalus cherry tree in my back yard. Beautiful tree – sometimes blooms twice a year in the Spring and Fall. Amazed at the capability of Procreate. Painted this back to front. Like the ability to layer. Can create a layer, then blur it a bit – creates a nice atmospheric perspective. This piece came alive when I figured out how to blur and erase within a layer. Was able to really define the edges of the petals. Sometimes, success is as much about removing something as it is adding something.
This is my first venture into the digital art world using Procreate. This drawing of David Bowie was copied off of the Scary Monsters album cover. I created this digital drawing from a colored pencil drawing I created in high school. Scanned and used my drawing as a base layer. Drew on top of it. Then, went back to the original reference to make improvements. Really blown away by the capabilities of Procreate – hope this is the start of a beautiful relationship with that software. Loved revisiting a topic from high school. As the years have progressed, my admiration for Bowie has grown.
Created this drawing from some reference photos of my son, Cole. Wanted a compliment to drawings of his sisters completed from their senior prom photos. Cole’s senior year was crazy and limited given the COVID pandemic – he didn’t have the opportunity for a senior prom. So, created this from photos of his junior prom. Some “artistic license” – added facial hair and glasses to mirror changes to his look. Combined elements of multiple photos.
Never tire of drawing my beautiful bride. Reference photo taken from a Christmas market in Center City Philadelphia. Captures her poise and beauty.
My lovely bride. Drawn from a reference taken at a Christmas park in Central Philadelphia. Captures her spirit. Always poised. Always classy. Always beautiful. I’m a lucky man.
Drawing of my lovely bride. Drew this from a reference photo taken on our 25th Anniversary trip to Iceland. Photo outside of the hot springs baths. Stacey is more beautiful every day.
My son, Cole, took the reference photo for this one at Sunset Beach at the Jersey Shore. Took this Summer of 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Love that he was moved enough to take some photographs. Painted this quickie in under an hour.
