Thursday, September 3, 2015

CREATING THE BLACK VEIL BRIDES BVB ARMY ARTWORK!

Our Anniversary with the Black Veil Brides! Pictured are my wife Gayle and daughter Juliet! 
  Recently I decided to do a Question & Answer blog based on submissions regarding the progress of my current art project of The Black Veil Brides.  This piece is intended for possible distribution to the BVB Army, with part of it's proceeds going to a charity. A big Thank You to all of you that submitted questions and I hope this answers some of the who, what, when, where and why I'm doing this.  Please follow me on Twitter or Instagram @rceracreations for the latest updates on this artwork and pass the word along, share, retweet... help support me making this artwork available to you, the BVB Army and all Black Veil Brides fans alike!

Progress on LEGION as of 9.1.2015. 

• What inspired you to do this piece and what are your intentions with it?


Early progress on Legion's face
   In 2014, I created a series of Black Veil Brides portraits intended exclusively for the band members themselves and/or their immediate families.  These portraits were considered "fan-art" as opposed to being officially licensed and therefore were not available nor intended for public distribution.  Many fans and followers inquired about how to acquire one or more of these pieces, to which I had to decline due to the reasons above.

   In response while in the midst of that project, I had a brief discussion with Chris Biersack about the possibility of creating a separate piece, that I hoped to propose to management, as an officially licensed poster intended this time for the BVB Army (official fans of BVB) with part of it's proceeds going toward a charity of the band's choice. Upon contacting management, we (myself and wife Gayle) were given the green light to photograph the band during performance and further given a loose game plan for the project. As it stands, upon completion of the art, I am asked to again approach an opportunity with management to offer this artwork officially in some way or another to the public.  The artwork is being created at a standard wall poster size (24" x 36") yet it can be reproduced on any material at an even larger size, say for a banner or wall mural.

The background wall and logos with textures begun inside of the Photoshop environment.

• Can you share the concept and some details for this piece?

   Basically, the piece is intended as a sort of cornucopia of all things Black Veil Brides past, present and future, homaging their career, personal lives and legacy. The theme will resonate that which Black Veil Brides has always stood for - rising up, standing strong in the face of adversity or oppression, celebrating individuality... being different. Focal point background we have Legion presiding over a performance of the Black Veil Brides below within a massive post-apocalyptic deserted monument. (Legion sits it the same position on throne as does Abraham Lincoln within the Lincoln Memorial).  Accompanying him are a host of recognizable allies and adversaries both real and imagined; fans, family members, objects, imagery, maybe even a couple notorious pets here and there! The scene pays homage to the settings, concepts and artwork of Richard Villa III's album and singles artwork as well as key imagery from videos and tours over the span of BVB's career.  Five "Fallen Angels" each a (non-literal) representative to the members of the group, act as stewards ushering in their entrance.  Several details will be indicative of each of the band's members and many fans should recognize those things both hidden and apparent!

The humble beginnings to CC's "Flying Drums" 
  One of the really interesting details I will share is the concept for CC's drum kit! As we all know CC has spoken on past occasion of taking things to another level.  We will in fact be taking his kit to another level by being the first of it's kind - a sort of hovering craft platform. Yes, CC's drum kit will fly! Amidst the destruction and rubble below one might also look for many more interesting details.   I would like to have Andy emerging out of the coffin from the Coffin video and look for Juliet to be involved in some way. Jake may or may not, I won't say for sure, be accompanied by Ernie and Trixie, decked out in battle gear! A completed background scene depicts Ash as a fallen angel about to crash into a recognizable landmark from the Fallen Angels video.  As for Jinxx, I'd love to homage his love and respect for history while playing both guitar and violin at the same time! Is that even possible? All throughout the piece you'll find details like this and I really hope the attention to it will be very apparent.  Finally I am mulling around the idea, if I have space, to include amassing fans to the "show" in the backdrop with a few faces from friends, family and followers!

• How long does it take to complete a piece of artwork like this?

   It's difficult for me to determine an actual "time" it takes, although if I was really concerned about it I could probably document the time. I typically work around one to two hours a day, five days a week, sometimes more on the weekend if I'm so inspired to.  While some artists can stay at it for hours at a time on a daily basis, my schedule just doesn't permit that with a family, full time job, freelance work and my other equally consuming hobby - playing guitar.  Additionally, I suffer from what I call a self-induced anxiety over creating artwork of such intensity. I rarely can work for more than an hour or two at a time without having to walk away from it.

I decided the wall logos needed more pop, so I went with a hot flowing lava effect.
• When will this art be done?

As of right now, considering my current progress and when I began, I don't foresee completion until mid to late 2016.  This piece has to be the very best example of what I do, not so much to prove it to others but to myself that I can do artwork of this intensity and caliber. Time is not my main concern, quality is.

• Will the Black Veil Brides be involved or affiliated in any way with the creation of this artwork?


   That would be awesome! As previously stated, my plans for this piece are to include countless details that pay homage to BVB's legacy and each of it's individual members, so any input from the guys themselves would serve my concept much better! I'd like to include easter eggs that fans as well as the band will have to discover, that may well really surprise them. Overall I want to create a sense of awe while injecting a little levity and humor here and there. Any details from wardrobe, to experiences, to personal nods that any of the guys might suggest through collaboration would be a real bonus for myself and fans alike.  While I don't expect it, considering their schedules, I have the wherewithal to approach each of the members with a request. There is never hurt in asking. I suppose we will have to see!

This scene depicts the Fallen Angels video homaging Ashley Purdy.
• Why are you sharing so many images of your progress instead of waiting until it's done?

   To be honest, I truly enjoy sharing the creative process, from concept to finish. I also like teaching and giving advice to aspiring artists. I don't share the imagery about this piece or others for fanfare or recognition although every compliment and word of support is entirely appreciated! That being said, I'm also looking to generate a buzz about this artwork with the BVB Army and fans of Black Veil in general. I'm not doing this as a personal gift this time around and I believe that with support and interest, it may be that much more convincing when proposing the finished piece to management as well as the band.


Step by step creation of the "Fallen Angels"
• All we've seen are images of the background. When will you start painting BVB?

   I currently plan on trying to take care of all of the other elements before working on the portraiture of BVB.  That's a whole other animal! Those plans might change though.  I have begun on CC's drums and they are very tedious, with a good deal of parts to recreate. It would only be natural then to complete CC prior to the other guys so I'm sure he'll go first.  Each of the five gents will probably take several weeks to illustrate and paint.

• Why the Black Veil Brides when they already have many other fan-artists doing artwork for or about them?

  Doing artwork about (or for) the Black Veil Brides wasn't pre-conceived nor do I currently view it as ongoing, because quite honestly, I can't usually afford doing artwork as a personal expression or a portfolio piece. Knowing full well BVB is not, nor will they be in the market for a professional illustrator, it is however, my admiration for the band and their craft that serves as the driving force for this above all!  My wife and subsequently myself (and kids) became admirers of their music, image and persona rather recently. Gayle has always been eclectic in regards to music, never settling on one particular genre or time frame. Where some people get "stuck" in an era or with a particular artist, she never has. Additionally, she was a big part of the rock scene and made personal connections with many bands from the Big Hair 80's through to today. I might never have really told her until right now but she's undoubtedly one of my idols!


The Fallen Angel stewards to the entrance of Ashley, Jinxx and Jake.
   Upon her revelation of BVB among others, it was an immediate connection to the style of rock we loved and grew up with - showmanship, image, metal mixed with melody, dueling guitars, blistering percussion, the lights, the big show, the killer album art... all told they were immediately captivating. The first piece of BVB related artwork (Ash) I did was created as a gift to Gayle. Subsequent contact with members of the band and their families spurred me to create portraits for them personally, culminating in presenting each portrait to BVB on our Anniversary at the House of Blues in Walt Disney World!  All told it was a great experience that I had no idea would continue to build!  Now with this new piece, I wish to share more of that kind of experience with the fans.  

   As for being labeled a fan-artist I've never really been fond of the term, but much of my subject matter over the years can be considered as such.  It's literal but somehow feels as though "fan-artist" isn't on a professional level. Let me tell you there are hundreds of fan-artists out there that absolutely should be doing it professionally! I've met several BVB fan-artists doing some truly incredible work! If you're doing Black Veil portraits or pieces because of your love for the band, hell I say go for it. Do what you love!

Throughout the work will be imagery based on the incredible creations of Richard Villa III

• The art you are currently doing sort of looks similar to Richard Villa III's (Exhibit A Gallery and official artist of the Black Veil Brides) work.  Is this intentional and are you concerned that you're copying some of his imagery?

   The concept for this piece was always to encapsulate everything that is, was and may one day be  the Black Veil Brides.  There would be no way to do this sort of thing if I did not include much of the imagery and artistry that Richard created for BVB.  A huge portion of what shapes them as more than just great musical artists is in fact Richard's vision through collaboration with Andy and BVB.  His dark fantasy themes, characters and style are reminiscent of album cover artwork of yesterday, created for some of the metal greats from another era. In a few words, when album cover art really kicked some ass! This piece, when completed is, nor was ever intended to contend with or copy Richard's work.  I greatly admire him!  I can only hope the parts that mimic Richard's creations are viewed as a tribute to his creativity and style as much as it is to the Black Veil Brides themselves.

• Aren't you too old to be a fan artist of Black Veil Brides? Why aren't you doing artwork about bands like Metallica, Ozzy or Judas Priest?

  You're never too old or too young for that matter to love music, regardless of the genre, classic or contemporary. Anyone telling you otherwise is childish themselves.  I love bands and music for that matter from many genres and time frames. Just remember that everyone gets older, including the bands and yes, you! For a band to be truly successful beyond their years, they have to transcend both the genre they are associated with as well as the current fan base. People grow up. People change. The band changes. I personally believe that, if the Black Veil Brides can continue to work together for years to come, they may well carve out the type of legacy and longevity artists like Motley Crue, Kiss, Metallica and Ozzy have. BVB's vision and track record are consistent with that moreso than a lot of bands because they have the interest in reinventing themselves. As for doing artwork about other bands, I've always wanted to be an album cover artist, for as long as I can remember. I idolized Derek Riggs (album artist for Iron Maiden) and his intricate work and advent of Eddie. I've considered doing more music industry related art and I may well turn my attention to other artists but I have no immediate game plan short of finishing this piece. Unless of course, I get a call from Metallica, Ozzy or Judas Priest! ;D

• What is your artistic process like?

  It all begins with an idea and a basic mental picture of the concept or certain elements of a design.  I'm a firm believer that artistic processes can be learned and applied, however the ability to envision something from nothing and then translate that imagination to media is what some might call a gift. I feel more comfortable doing and enjoy concept artwork more so than these full color worked up pieces. Translating my imagination to a visual is something I'm very good at. It's like making a discovery, bringing something to life. It's fun! I tend to get anxiety rendering, painting and finishing art, it's the more tedious part of the process.  This is why I have so many unfinished pieces. Ideas are constantly happening.  
The original quick sketch of the entire piece

  I've had to really discipline myself to finish the work that I start because I'd much rather be conceiving the next idea.  Just like any creative form you can run into a rut... an artists block. I get very down on myself when this happens and I just want to walk away. Honestly, I really had no idea that I would be able to get as far as I have with this art! It took me a long time to get from a mental picture to the progress you see and even then I wasn't sure I could recreate the level of intricacy and accuracy I'm currently achieving. If things go as my mind sees it, this Black Veil Brides piece will (IMO) stand as my greatest artistic achievement to date.

   As for a "process" to this art, I began illustrating a very loose sketch of the entire piece. With digital art, I will sometimes draw directly on paper and scan or sketch directly on a blank layer with a Wacom pen tool at a very light pressure. Once I have a manageable sketch to work from I will usually go right to rendering a particular element and work up the levels of detail in steps to build confidence. 

   I rarely can work on one area for too long.  When I've finished it to an acceptable level, I'll move on to another area of the art. With much of this BVB piece, I am working from imagination and when necessary, reference material.  Where creating new and interesting elements is the spark, rendering say for instance CC's drums is more tedious but necessary work. I bounce back and forth from the imaginary to the real so as not to get bored.  My "process" doesn't follow a procedure! It's more like anarchy and chaos! I know that if I am intrigued by an area I am rendering or conceiving I will more than likely want to continue.  So some areas I may begin might not see attention until much later if I've found another element to focus more clearly on.  No doubt you'll recognize the image you see today may change entirely by the time the piece is finished!

• What is your favorite Black Veil Brides album?

   Wretched and Divine. While the band may have considered their process and camaraderie to be less fulfilling, W&D stands as a very sophisticated melodic-metal composition.  A concept album is a very difficult thing to pull off, but each song, tied together by narration, Jinxx's violin interludes and special vocal cameos, creates a truly original and at times very haunting piece of work. It's a special album, one which probably hasn't received the recognition it deserves. Overall, I feel Wretched & Divine coupled with the Legion of the Black film adaptation truly showcases the full capacity of Black Veil's creative vision.

• Why digital art and are you just Photoshopping parts of this?


Legion's Heart of Fire takes shape
   Digital artistry is a difficult thing to explain to most people. Most that do not understand get the idea that it in some way means cheating. The word Photoshop alone can represent a composite photograph with a massive shark attacking the Golden Gate Bridge all the way up to incredibly intense hand rendered and illustrated art.  The piece I am working on, as well as the previous BVB portraits are all examples of the latter - hand illustrated and hand painted digital artwork. In other words, NO I am not just Photoshopping this. Each portion began as a sketch, each line illustrated, the flesh tones and textures all done by hand painting.  Just like an oil painter has tools to create all sorts of different effects, so does a digital artist through a program like Photoshop and a pen tablet.  For painting flesh textures I utilize special brushes that aide in creating an uneven surface, much like an oil painter would use a fan brush for a particular effect. If I had my choice, I would much rather paint in oils, however they are very expensive and I don't have the space.  I've been using a Wacom pen tablet for nearly two decades and Photoshop for the same. If you have the program and computer to run it, there's really no need for supplies, paints, pencils and so on. It's no muss no fuss. It's also very efficient and much easier to make corrections and additions to say, traditional airbrushing. However the big downside is your true original art is in fact a digital file that needs to be printed. 

   • How do you achieve the level of detail and realism you do?

   Detail and realism takes patience and practice to achieve. For the high level of detail, I usually work one to two zoom levels over the actual size of the art.  In other words, with programs like Photoshop, an artist can zoom into an image to levels impossible for the naked eye to perceive.  This can be both a good and bad thing. Zooming too far in to add detail or fix corrections can really waste a lot of time if your intended art isn't going to be large enough to see it!  

   Realism comes by way of understanding and rendering light and shadow. Since I do not use live models nor do I have a studio with a lighting rig, I more or less imagine how light coming from any number of directions is going to affect the surface. I also utilize reference material as a basis for the type of effect or surface I am trying to emulate.

   Both the detail and realism take shape over a long period of time.  I will often take a break from an area and return back to add more detail or reevaluate how to make something look better several times.  Many beginning and intermediate artists get frustrated feeling their finished art doesn't achieve a sense of realism or maturity.  Most of the time it takes that extra effort - taking a step back and figuring out how to reach a higher level of realism.  It doesn't need to come in leaps and bounds. With practice and exposure to subjects you wish to render your ability to recreate them will increase.


Progress as of 9.1.15 to the top half of the 24" x 36" BLACK VEIL BRIDES artwork. 

 • You recently mentioned a contest for a piece of this Black Veil Brides artwork?

   Yes! I thought it might be a cool idea to take a portion of this finished piece and offer it as a high resolution digital image that can be used as a computer desktop or device background!  The artwork is not licensed at moment, nor complete, nor will I make any profit from doing so.  So yes three BVB fans, so long as they agree not to share the work, will be given a finished portion of the artwork before the entire piece is complete.  The portion I'll give away to these three folks is still a ways from being done. I'm not sure of the details and how I'll choose the winners but do stay tuned to this blog or follow me on Twitter or Instagram and I'll announce further information!


  

No comments:

Post a Comment