tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82987346506319215772024-02-02T13:12:22.859-08:00CREATIONS BY RUSSELL R CERArceracreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727778985552326559noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298734650631921577.post-62494800557431942742021-12-09T06:43:00.005-08:002021-12-09T06:47:20.730-08:00MAHARSHI DAKSHIN - AN EPIC SAGA OF A CELESTIAL SAGE<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiA31Ksqf0G4Qc9W0OAfnAT_9PB8jtIxhRw7LjejcGQ2kWJokLSzrZzuz7OGJUZVwWtTGnQd2EdK4ik3MewZt-kRxDhMKfTg31ilu6V5E585W0r8Lgi2qeKECXKP8qQvz9M-_mvfphw/s2508/MAHARSHI+DAKSHIN+FINAL+24x48.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiA31Ksqf0G4Qc9W0OAfnAT_9PB8jtIxhRw7LjejcGQ2kWJokLSzrZzuz7OGJUZVwWtTGnQd2EdK4ik3MewZt-kRxDhMKfTg31ilu6V5E585W0r8Lgi2qeKECXKP8qQvz9M-_mvfphw/w680-h340/MAHARSHI+DAKSHIN+FINAL+24x48.jpg" width="680" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final artwork for Maharshi Dakshin - An Epic Saga of a Celestial Sage</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Article coming soon!<p></p><div>Please visit <a href="http://maharshidakshin.com">maharshidakshin.com</a> for more info!</div>rceracreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727778985552326559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298734650631921577.post-23695454385558010682020-06-30T09:14:00.003-07:002020-07-13T09:54:06.188-07:00ASH COSTELLO - THE ONE TRUE HARLEY QUINN<div class="separator">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJen_yamLfXPs32qWp9VCKElQR9Af1EXGrkC8oPKhq2WZ_eNtMFVpzlAITW8fWdAN5HlmYFNwxnFKXqYH4D_hqVh0pfluSJKkgYS9IAbflbkySEsKDlmuZ7Lwe3w53owOXc3MUJDIHWg/s1600/ASH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJen_yamLfXPs32qWp9VCKElQR9Af1EXGrkC8oPKhq2WZ_eNtMFVpzlAITW8fWdAN5HlmYFNwxnFKXqYH4D_hqVh0pfluSJKkgYS9IAbflbkySEsKDlmuZ7Lwe3w53owOXc3MUJDIHWg/s640/ASH.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final completed piece of Ash Costello in The One True Harley Quinn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Embarking upon any new project, I often recognize that things are going to take a turn for the more elaborate somewhere along the way. Admittedly, when I contacted Ash Costello in early Spring of 2016 about creating a custom piece for her, my original vision, while not modest, was something I figured I could pull off in a few months. Surely a portrait/montage of her performing, much like my previous Black Veil Brides pieces would be the right idea.<br />
<br /></div>
Was I wrong... thankfully!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And why I would think, for one moment, that the incomparable Ash Costello deserved anything less than a creation that spanned well over a year and spoke directly to and about her as an artist?</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So when Ash accepted and answered my inquiry with the suggestion of creating a Harley Quinn themed piece, it made obvious sense. It immediately allowed my imagination to run more freely and not be constrained by the trappings of a standard portrait- collage style. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The good thing was that all the while, my original intention was to create something that communicated the visual "duality" or two sides of Ash as Harley Quinn, naturally divided visually due to her (as well as interpretations of Harley's) trademark red and black "half head" hair. For one side of her I would choose a reference image that was intense and angry while the other more seductive and satisfied. Those references came rather easily, as I employed an earlier, intense close up photoshoot Ash had done as the inspiration for the piece.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
However, I began to struggle with how to create a two sided portrait with two entirely different expressions. If both sides were placed against one another, the effect would look completely unnatural. In order to do this effectively, I conceived splitting the two halves with some sort of imagery up the middle. Initially the concept was a tear, or some visual effect inherit to Harley's erratic and diabolical nature. None of them really worked. I struggled for a very long time attempting to decide how and what to do, and I must admit, there was a point where I began to question the concept altogether.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAM2QOA466E2KHmSU2U2n0TUhI0ey9OqWoIUQ7tsEdApp4xVlWUZvS2JKTcZhVc08Xz8SofRAFTHVPS22f5rNjHiMWuMBPQ793wgXgtWXAK4D91VbvblAbVv_5fbFBOSU2B7vv40YffA/s1600/IMG_0621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAM2QOA466E2KHmSU2U2n0TUhI0ey9OqWoIUQ7tsEdApp4xVlWUZvS2JKTcZhVc08Xz8SofRAFTHVPS22f5rNjHiMWuMBPQ793wgXgtWXAK4D91VbvblAbVv_5fbFBOSU2B7vv40YffA/s400/IMG_0621.JPG" width="345" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side by Side comparison of Left Side artwork to reference photo. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Regardless of the overall concept challenge, I got to work immediately on the left side - facing observer - portrait, or the red side of Ash as Harley. Here I cold concentrate immediately on Ash's portraiture and likeness, which required less of my imaginative skills versus the technical. Often my art works this way. When I'm not able to conceive something fresh or innovative to the piece, I will work on areas that require little to no imagination. In other words I am replicating a skin texture, an eyeball, shadowing or worst of all, hair!<br />
<br />
The difference this time, to my portraiture in the past, was that I wanted to create the most photo-realistic painting I had done to date, all the way down to the most minute skin texturing. I intended the final effect, when art was put side by side to the original reference photo, to appear nearly identical.<br />
<br />
So painting began and proceeded rather smoothly and quickly on the "left box/right side" of Ash. In order to recreate her skin texture and Harley's "New 52" style makeup, I worked at an extremely close level, painting textures and lines that, are nearly impossible to pick up from afar. I added three streaks of smeared eye makeup as well as the indicative Joker smile, smears and streaks due to stress and sweat. All the while, building a story behind the imagery. This hyper-detail, while tedious, was exactly the look I was hoping to create. The "Left Side" would be far more menacing, tougher, harder... I wasn't concerned with making Ash's skin texture smooth, as I wanted the makeup to convey the erratic and unpredictable nature of Harley Quinn in the midst of some taxing conflict. The left side would contradict the right, and neither would need to be consistent, creating a frantic, broken series of moments.<br />
<br />
During the time, I continued to conceive ways to create the full composition. It began to dawn on me that the subject matter presented the perfect opportunity to create something more authentic to the character of Harley Quinn, while playing off of the real life persona of Ash Costello. Instead of just a split view of two separate close ups of Ash, a middle panel could present an opportunity to do a full bodied portrait in an an immersive environment. Once this idea came to fruition, it made complete sense to create a three panel comic book style and an illustrated story excerpt for the entire piece.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPBFCOg6NZ0LU6jioloU7CqctKwnO5kQEYBEzuKhCeRVYAoWK4D7CYOjD4TvUdc6If0NBVnZtFtUIQ2aZDkXxyCiUhZ3-6SQEv-Ho6kMkuzipJBwiHigfdZHjfO2R-_Zz7Zm1lo_gQw/s1600/ASHNEW5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="879" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPBFCOg6NZ0LU6jioloU7CqctKwnO5kQEYBEzuKhCeRVYAoWK4D7CYOjD4TvUdc6If0NBVnZtFtUIQ2aZDkXxyCiUhZ3-6SQEv-Ho6kMkuzipJBwiHigfdZHjfO2R-_Zz7Zm1lo_gQw/s320/ASHNEW5.jpg" width="317" /></a> One of my first homages in the work to Ash Costello's career and influence, was a cleverly conceived means of recreating the New Years Day band logo, to which Ash is the popular group's extraordinary front woman. Having no prior concept to do so, I thought it may be a great idea to recreate her hand holding a weapon of Harley Quinn's greatest foe, one of the Batman's Batarangs. Upon the Batarang, inscribed in the (perceived) blood of Batman himself is written New Years Day. Ash's hand was actually created by taking a photo of my own hand in the position I wanted and illustrating it side by side. It took nearly three weeks alone to recreate every texture, crease, fingerprint, nail and tattoo, utilizing a number of textured brushes as well as entirely hand rendering and painting every single detail.<br />
<br />
With the left side panel primarily completed, I now began to turn my attention to the center panel, where I had concluded to create the full bodied portrait of Ash amidst a backdrop of Gotham City. The first order of business was to recreate Ash's likeness and physique from reference. At the same time, I researched the "New 52" version of Harley Quinn, selected the outfit I wished to recreate her in, and began illustrating this portrait, which from top to bottom would take nearly four months to accomplish.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYk4y0rdTL8DeQGAzNzgoMVmbT1peGGvYdb6TzsXF-L24qoOOigBWYLPO28jD3CgjIj2TyupuR9fllDmlYV4_chGUn3Isfl_ugMWg3CDQPutrkG4ivsvA5ZHGSmyMzl_rOkvU0SV85pw/s1600/ASHNEW8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1105" data-original-width="1314" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYk4y0rdTL8DeQGAzNzgoMVmbT1peGGvYdb6TzsXF-L24qoOOigBWYLPO28jD3CgjIj2TyupuR9fllDmlYV4_chGUn3Isfl_ugMWg3CDQPutrkG4ivsvA5ZHGSmyMzl_rOkvU0SV85pw/s640/ASHNEW8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ash's Harley Quinn, prior to adding face makeup, against the backdrop of Wayne Tower and the Bat Signal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The setting in which Ash's Harley would exist, took some time to conceive, where often I had a clear mind's-eye for what I wanted, yet couldn't quite materialize. At one point, I had her at street level, in a narrow alley, with flashing police lights behind. However, I quickly realized the perspective of this shot left a lot to be desired, with the walls of the facing buildings taking up far to much visual space in a very mundane way. I often became discouraged at this stage, still concentrating on Ash's portrait, which took a great deal of time and effort to recreate small wardrobe details like buttons, lace and leather seams.<br />
<br />
Then I recalled, that I had started another piece some years prior, of Batman, in which I had begun to develop a Gotham City backdrop. The centerpiece would be Wayne Tower, of which I had partially completed. I was confident, that this Batman art wasn't something I planned to finish any time soon, so I basically transported the background from there to this one! From the vantage point and perspective of the city behind Ash, I wanted to place her up higher than ground level, so I conceived that she would be standing upon a rooftop with a short wall backdrop. From there, I started to illustrate other buildings, some in foreground, that would make for a central storyline for the entire artwork.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UoMkz-Hc1_HIv5-lxTjJZ4Mb6cYv_0U-8rhcfxApwgiE_NpqqwkeigLop4MaVpL9ZIEnNR3aU1Urc0jwSNE8byocOhtrxAQBePfmhcdRNVKpFmHdLmYm4FEX508OJF8lviEnehrAJg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-06-30+at+12.48.32+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1137" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UoMkz-Hc1_HIv5-lxTjJZ4Mb6cYv_0U-8rhcfxApwgiE_NpqqwkeigLop4MaVpL9ZIEnNR3aU1Urc0jwSNE8byocOhtrxAQBePfmhcdRNVKpFmHdLmYm4FEX508OJF8lviEnehrAJg/s640/Screen+Shot+2020-06-30+at+12.48.32+PM.png" width="454" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire and smoke, created by airbrushing with various levels of color and brush effects</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One of the most dramatic highlights of this central panel, which was now starting to take shape, would be the destruction of two of the main focal point buildings directly behind Ash's Harley. I began rendering fire and smoke pouring from several building windows, eventually adding more and more until these structures were entirely engulfed. This work, of course, would be the responsibility of one Ms. Harley Quinn, and having some current vendetta for which she felt the need to send a message, setting an entire block of the city ablaze.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXOCg8ZSKjVK56POodBevhI-f2GDqudjstQoVTx5l9-9VSwhTy7FPWxf9ny4wxa8zhyphenhyphenXXdWb1rAPq2qdCiZ0TezXMFznaX_L3giJvwjfbH2eGrrNzdtU27vJ9rgTwU5GpUSWC3wdhHg/s1600/ASH2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="978" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXOCg8ZSKjVK56POodBevhI-f2GDqudjstQoVTx5l9-9VSwhTy7FPWxf9ny4wxa8zhyphenhyphenXXdWb1rAPq2qdCiZ0TezXMFznaX_L3giJvwjfbH2eGrrNzdtU27vJ9rgTwU5GpUSWC3wdhHg/s640/ASH2.jpg" width="390" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearly completed center panel prior to the addition of dialogue bubbles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The story behind this art was really starting to take shape. I would begin to question, how might I be able to correlate Ash Costello to Harley Quinn in the tale this piece was trying to tell? I began to conceive that maybe Ash Costello was indeed the ACTUAL Harley Quinn, and while others were out there, they might be posing as her, and that, retribution for such was necessary. Hence the idea behind "The One True Harley Quinn", which would eventually become the title of the piece. On panel one, I had created a seething, angry Ash, who would be appalled by the fact that another were claiming to be her. The middle panel would pan out, to reveal her actions taken, to apprehend the imposter and show her malice through destruction. Finally, the third panel would show Ash satisfied, cunning and resolute, where she would reveal the final play in her story. So, in effect - conflict, action, resolution! These tenants of storytelling translated perfectly, and while I hoped that the imagery would speak for itself, I realized that, while I am creating a comic book icon, I should turn the entire piece into a three panel comic, complete with dialogue.<br />
<br />
This new idea led to the addition of the "other" Harley Quinn, to whom Ash would be referring to throughout the story, and would have apprehended. I thought it would be clever to illustrate Margot Robbie as the "other" Harley Quinn character, in her reminiscent attire from the DC Suicide Squad film. This was a difficult pose to create, as she would be hunched up, knocked out and in captivity. To further enhance the Ash Costello tie-ins, I conceived that, the means of bondage would be a microphone, who's cable would wrap around the wrists and ankles of her captive.<br />
<br />
Months went on, illustrating and rendering more and more details and "Easter Eggs", which my recent work had become noteworthy for. I added newspapers under Ash's custom NYD (New Year's Day) steel adorned thigh high boots, further creating the storyline. To homage New Years Day even further, the story itself would take place on New Years Eve, where coincidentally, the band would be ushering in the year end festivities, which would culminate in a massive fireworks display over Gotham. Of course, Ash would be taking this opportunity to create her own fireworks display, by not only setting the Narrows ablaze, capturing the "false" Harley Quinn, but taking out the Caped Crusader as well!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0GCWyf7kMstERK5iESu_zoggzQl0iT4UJqhsKIT4xB2Sg9Af8-Dds5dw1SZ6v1ILVWoHlMDoeh-ssIUcSmkrCfRfPjwSfEwIx_en5X9TclpszqxSkIdAxlpeNphovSPNpzA4Cw83gQ/s1600/ASH104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="954" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0GCWyf7kMstERK5iESu_zoggzQl0iT4UJqhsKIT4xB2Sg9Af8-Dds5dw1SZ6v1ILVWoHlMDoeh-ssIUcSmkrCfRfPjwSfEwIx_en5X9TclpszqxSkIdAxlpeNphovSPNpzA4Cw83gQ/s400/ASH104.jpg" width="388" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Depiction of a captured "Margot Robbie's" Harley Quinn.<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The completion of the center panel was truly an accomplishment, as I had labored countless hours trying to conceive a way to illustrate the idea I had floating around my head for a very long time. With some extra added touches, I was on to the final panel, which again, would be less about conceiving more story, but more about completing Ash Costello's likeness again, just with a different expression.<br />
<br />
This method, part concept and creative while part technical and mechanical, really helped to keep the project moving forward. While nothing was. nor ever is "easier", being able to bounce back and forth between the big creative ideas and experimentation one day, while faithfully recreating imagery or rendering textures the other, provided a diversity of applications and a break from either one or the other. To be entirely honest, as a conceptual artist, some days you have it and others you might not. Coming up with clever ideas happen in big Eureka moments, so when they aren't revealing themselves, the things that need to get done help to keep the project constantly going.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqp_929hHyWoWfEOq3LbDVxoJI3IQZ4lE7_v9fk-0P_An6B7EVdJX697MYd9InzhPf-Wt5AeofkpxYWS7Zad_HzdIQ0tKe9N3UJ9umPc-wMUCjzOI1-SZ4OUlQvmQIXUAR2jAZlQlzQA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-05-23+at+9.00.30+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1213" data-original-width="1463" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqp_929hHyWoWfEOq3LbDVxoJI3IQZ4lE7_v9fk-0P_An6B7EVdJX697MYd9InzhPf-Wt5AeofkpxYWS7Zad_HzdIQ0tKe9N3UJ9umPc-wMUCjzOI1-SZ4OUlQvmQIXUAR2jAZlQlzQA/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-05-23+at+9.00.30+PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homage to both Joker and Jimmy Trigger, Ash Costello's husband.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
rceracreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727778985552326559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298734650631921577.post-47463826214452602882020-05-06T10:49:00.000-07:002020-05-12T05:41:39.989-07:00BLACK VEIL BRIDES "FROM KNIVES AND PENS TO A LEGACY"<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-cr5ePe-TffpFLgRV8pOpis-HfGmPb34XSL2w3LtgvYRG3nF2oGRgc2eIg2LeTN1KOqiGp8QPxq7lFEVAzvG6z-QOLPgOdYXPTUKMm5OuRRRCj0SmsSy1xOWshE4xqCYhmDmMA4TZw/s1600/FORART.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-cr5ePe-TffpFLgRV8pOpis-HfGmPb34XSL2w3LtgvYRG3nF2oGRgc2eIg2LeTN1KOqiGp8QPxq7lFEVAzvG6z-QOLPgOdYXPTUKMm5OuRRRCj0SmsSy1xOWshE4xqCYhmDmMA4TZw/s1600/FORART.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The completed <i>From Knives and Pens to a Legacy</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
In late December of 2014, I began to conceive a new and ambitious project inspired by and for the renowned rock band the Black Veil Brides, as well as their ever-devoted fan base - the BVB Army. At the time, I had absolutely no idea how life-encompassing the artwork would become, nor the magnitude of the reception it would generate over the course of it's creation.<br />
<br />
The completion of <i>From Knives and Pens to a Legacy </i>finally came, nearly four years later in September of 2018. Four years of my life, (more or less the majority of my creative time), was dedicated to researching, developing, sketching, painting, networking and advertising, what would eventually become the ultimate tribute art to one of today's most beloved acts in rock. It's finish marked an end to what felt like an era, touching off a wide range of emotions that, to this day I still feel with the same intensity almost a year ago.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjps74KBqkF8dnqfFG7u1sR_2_TZW2aWoklPJm52GqcKaSylsCjwBvVnbHroeNCnjsnoeXnh6NaUTRSUfaiiiwbIwb31IQSXGjAqKlw22Uu7SKWzeh9ISLdomDy_YJ-PrO2uu_PF3Q4-Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-05-06+at+1.37.37+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="775" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjps74KBqkF8dnqfFG7u1sR_2_TZW2aWoklPJm52GqcKaSylsCjwBvVnbHroeNCnjsnoeXnh6NaUTRSUfaiiiwbIwb31IQSXGjAqKlw22Uu7SKWzeh9ISLdomDy_YJ-PrO2uu_PF3Q4-Q/s640/Screen+Shot+2020-05-06+at+1.37.37+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
While on one hand I was ecstatic to finally step back and realize the art in it's entirety, I was also deeply melancholy. I was leaving behind, with no further need nor desire for embellishment, an intense relationship with what I considered (and still do), my greatest artistic achievement to date. Without want to be over-dramatic, creating <i>From Knives and Pens to a Legacy </i>was, in all honesty, a monumental effort. And while I contemplated how many more stories this art could have continued to tell through it's details, homages and Easter eggs, I simply had to be able to say... STOP.<br />
<br />
Throughout <i>From Knives and Pens to a Legacy's</i> course were numerous stalls for reasons both personal and professional, some that spanned weeks into months. There were other all-consuming projects and diversions. Those of note: A project labeled <i>The One True Harley Quinn </i>created for Ash Costello, which took well over a year on it's own to complete. A satirical piece titled <i>Ronnie Wants You! -</i> created for Ronnie Radke and Falling In Reverse. An album cover contest entry for Motionless in White's <i>Graveyard Shift. </i>And finally, my first actual album cover created for Jacky Vincent's <i>Life Imitating Art. </i>All told each and every piece took incredible amounts of imagination, energy and dedication - and so, amidst <i>From Knives and Pens to a Legacy,</i> which sometimes forged and other times dragged endlessly on, I persisted.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJH2iWF57XDTuoojOVxZFal-I01jKPvbZmf7Ys5gZ6J4SL3UN4IFrgDbLaVC35ZpwFUmNwvQrl-MDVk9MEKltjzLaMPhSraxxHCrWTN22lLgH3iljIAzGwDEYayRrsfyskkwd9_zK_tQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-05-06+at+1.29.07+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="1600" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJH2iWF57XDTuoojOVxZFal-I01jKPvbZmf7Ys5gZ6J4SL3UN4IFrgDbLaVC35ZpwFUmNwvQrl-MDVk9MEKltjzLaMPhSraxxHCrWTN22lLgH3iljIAzGwDEYayRrsfyskkwd9_zK_tQ/s640/Screen+Shot+2020-05-06+at+1.29.07+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It seems looking back, even to others, that these works just occurred easily. They did not. Often I advise and console other creatives, especially those with grand compositions in mind and meticulous techniques to get them there, that the creative block, while dreadful, is a natural occurrence and necessary to the process as a whole. I went through many of these creative blocks on <i>From Knives and Pens to a Legacy</i>, some so intense the mere thought of sitting down to it made me nauseous. During some very long spans, I couldn't even bring myself to approach the art let alone paint a simple stroke. The cure to this ill came in two parts.<br />
<br />
The first and greatest benefactor to completing <i>From Knives and Pens to a Legacy </i>was sharing my progress of the piece on social media platforms. That progress was always exciting to reveal, since many parts of the massive collage, adorned with details (some obvious, others subtle), could be completely independent works, telling a story entirely on their own. This technique - creating a portion of the art that stood on its own in order to share with fans, was a way of feeling accomplished for a short period of time until inspiration and imagination reignited to continue forward.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkmjdmPacQ_LUP4XV0UE1qIUbPJDKcU9YHoqABkZX-WOKNsqwqkHJ5MQ2591WNsEChJQmpcrsXt-egIj6MR6whe2YPOIy8cnb0h-tbr0ivF5ObFStuQ59VrA-7pg76bD1aJfcu0hxRA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-05-06+at+1.39.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1600" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkmjdmPacQ_LUP4XV0UE1qIUbPJDKcU9YHoqABkZX-WOKNsqwqkHJ5MQ2591WNsEChJQmpcrsXt-egIj6MR6whe2YPOIy8cnb0h-tbr0ivF5ObFStuQ59VrA-7pg76bD1aJfcu0hxRA/s640/Screen+Shot+2020-05-06+at+1.39.34+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Originally, <i>From Knives & Pens to a Legacy</i>'s concept was rather modest. I wanted to create a piece that featured the entire band in the midst of a live performance. The thought was, that opposed to the vertical oriented portraits of BVB, I would do this piece as a landscape, allowing a wider, panoramic perspective, much like an actual stage would. This, of course, changed rather quickly.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpJAaLU-MUifEUsGpWbkvP08T8vLPWOrzdcAMgxqYj_1Ul4igNmeFfKnKDRaRiUc1wacRR-zVWPsJNKAhHY8F7h6yJyoe9-fUQVfh-jax05WCa6zklB97bNWW71R27T-BxbZLmXOkjQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-05-06+at+1.44.11+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1589" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpJAaLU-MUifEUsGpWbkvP08T8vLPWOrzdcAMgxqYj_1Ul4igNmeFfKnKDRaRiUc1wacRR-zVWPsJNKAhHY8F7h6yJyoe9-fUQVfh-jax05WCa6zklB97bNWW71R27T-BxbZLmXOkjQ/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-05-06+at+1.44.11+PM.png" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fallen Angels; these guardians of Ash, Jinxx and Jake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you've read a prior article on my site, CREATING THE BLACK VEIL BRIDES BVB ARMY ARTWORK, you would have discovered the intent behind the conception of this piece as well as what inspired it. In that article, I mentioned the incredible experience of 2014. A gift to my wife Gayle spawned the creation of portrait collages for each of the band's members. We were honored to present and gift the art to BVB prior to a show on our Anniversary at The House of Blues, Walt Disney World. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience!<br />
<br />
And yet, throughout that year and continuing through to present day, one of the most satisfying experiences was and is, my introduction to so many good and passionate people that took real honest to goodness interest in my work of The Black Veil Brides.<br />
<br />
While I will not recount the details covered in that previous article, I would like to take some time to pay homage to those people - offering my heartfelt thanks to YOU - my extended family, friends and supporters... the entire BVB ARMY.<br />
<br />
<br />
• FOR THE BVB ARMY •<br />
<br />
I assume anyone reading this knows what the BVB Army is, but allow me to reflect from my own perspective. Imagine the most intensely, loyal collection of fans you'll find anywhere and multiply that by the thousands and you're only coming close to what the BVB Army is. The Army, millions strong, is an eclectic collection of all sorts of people - of all different ages, from all different walks of life. What is truly inspiring about their makeup is twofold.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZ53ysbglHjbFpeVvggp0EYLlHpqeP35zo67W3d2Dkj-fjP-EWmWYsQibdW3pVmBnUsOELpyreR_GmkCbejlVsbVMWQsGDaEJNZoSkhm7-bZGZRQzFwK2pzxCAx_5W1kHafcfBXeZQw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-05-06+at+1.50.57+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1438" data-original-width="1138" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZ53ysbglHjbFpeVvggp0EYLlHpqeP35zo67W3d2Dkj-fjP-EWmWYsQibdW3pVmBnUsOELpyreR_GmkCbejlVsbVMWQsGDaEJNZoSkhm7-bZGZRQzFwK2pzxCAx_5W1kHafcfBXeZQw/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-05-06+at+1.50.57+PM.png" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BVB dedication to Chris Holley is one of several. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Many younger fans have been introduced and inspired by this genre of music through The Black Veil Brides - who can be explained as a band having one foot planted firmly in the alternative rock (insert sub-category here) scene of today while the other rests comfortably in the nostalgic glam and thrash metal scene of yesterday. The latter attracts the more mature fans - that number far more than you might think - to a group that made an indelible impact into re-introducing image and presentation, searing riffs, screaming solos, crushing dual-base beats and melodic, memorable choruses back into the current rock scene.<br />
<br />
In the midst of creating <i>From Knives and Pens to a Legacy</i>, I felt an overwhelming sense that I had to honor this fanbase in some special way. As the piece developed, I had planned for a fan section, albeit a traditional crowd, which naturally, would be turned toward the action and away from the viewer. This didn't truly solve the issue and while I did create the foreground pit crowd, with plenty of homages, it wasn't as personal a dedication as I had envisioned.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
• ENTER THE "VIPs" •<br />
<br />
Then something struck me that would change the trajectory of the art completely. However, considering the idea meant adding months of work and asking for a level of collaboration that would require fans - the BVB Army, to be directly involved. I thought it might be a really awesome touch if many of the people that supported me throughout this endeavor as well as BVB family and VIPs could in some way be included in the art. That was when the "backstage" idea took flight.<br />
<br />
I thought, how cool might it be, if I could make it seem like there was a special VIP section backstage, where a collection of ACTUAL BVB Army - the fans themselves, could express their love for the band, while I expressed my gratitude back for their support and love for my work! Logistically, it would be a real challenge.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjpqjwtP2xBnUGEVpp3dXDghTvPfHzrh8jsavvks1UMHhcTte2gYk7Vl5orMlDd6K_vgKPIf-4Se9Sq9kIhRBhQ3hLHtP_eAUJGDPdI97PFY_rBmhtIG8BINjAEBvtmzvZMeKsvwHlg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-05-08+at+12.31.16+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1166" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjpqjwtP2xBnUGEVpp3dXDghTvPfHzrh8jsavvks1UMHhcTte2gYk7Vl5orMlDd6K_vgKPIf-4Se9Sq9kIhRBhQ3hLHtP_eAUJGDPdI97PFY_rBmhtIG8BINjAEBvtmzvZMeKsvwHlg/s400/Screen+Shot+2020-05-08+at+12.31.16+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Biersacks, the Pitts, and the Ceras together in the VIP section.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The first of which was... who should I include? Sure, there were many I already had a spot for, the "BVB Brass" - the families and partners of the band members themselves, but how about making the majority of this section just for the fans?<br />
<br />
Then something else dawned on me. What if I began a series of contests in order to randomly pick BVB Army members to be included in the artwork? This would make the selection of those lucky enough to win a spot, fair! Surely I could only include handfuls of the millions-strong, however, those that entered would all get an opportunity to be in this VIP section, cheering on their beloved Black Veil Brides, just as if they were at the actual "show"!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0eC82fOKNi9IGjWncl8xHqnnyYEe3F8NqLoFgPrHcG8ij04j8JtkTI5tV_zABKa7UxL0uJNWxZxrTE4a3gujqvFAB4QNFiqia1D1ChLcv97IbEnqP8FsRljOZwSkJ9suTRmMBkcYPww/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-05-08+at+12.35.44+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="492" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0eC82fOKNi9IGjWncl8xHqnnyYEe3F8NqLoFgPrHcG8ij04j8JtkTI5tV_zABKa7UxL0uJNWxZxrTE4a3gujqvFAB4QNFiqia1D1ChLcv97IbEnqP8FsRljOZwSkJ9suTRmMBkcYPww/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-05-08+at+12.35.44+PM.png" width="200" /></a> I knew I was on to a really great idea, one that would involve and invite so many more people along on this journey I had chosen to take. Still, the idea of illustrating and rendering dozens more faces and somehow creating them to look like they were at the show was going to be daunting. And quite frankly, it was, yet all the more worth the entire endeavor "In the End"!<br />
<br />
Upon the first call for contestants, I knew this was going to be an undertaking all onto it's own. Hundreds of fans entered as over a dozen individual contests were run for BVB Army members to join the VIP section. With each announcement of winners, several were chosen. The response was overwhelming and ecstatic. It transformed creating From Knives and Pens to a Legacy from a personal project into an ACTUAL fan-inspired event!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtZqAHX9uOqlq7kgJ4ChobLYsXvFslTQL7KAHkSbI8vYgOZogF2_z16t-q8hmJCEm-agUnj4AgasPbu8VtNIwFDim38SVyUjy5VwDXxmgWGFDg3kZTYuWd11wS78x5mPFbpfHqLLoNQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-05-08+at+12.34.35+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="936" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtZqAHX9uOqlq7kgJ4ChobLYsXvFslTQL7KAHkSbI8vYgOZogF2_z16t-q8hmJCEm-agUnj4AgasPbu8VtNIwFDim38SVyUjy5VwDXxmgWGFDg3kZTYuWd11wS78x5mPFbpfHqLLoNQ/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-05-08+at+12.34.35+PM.png" width="320" /></a><br />
Each winner would be asked to pose with their BVB gear on, acting as if they were cheering or looking generally pleased to be at this once in a lifetime BVB "show." This was of course, another huge challenge. Not only was I, essentially a stranger asking other strangers to send me photos of themselves, but I would also need to faithfully recreate their likenesses from, at times, low resolution selfies where many had a hard time pretending to act excited. This was not easy to say the least and at times, I went through several revisions to recreate the likenesses enough to please the winners!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
All told, the VIP section includes fourty-two portraits, and one of a very special pup. The addition extended <i>From Knives and Pens to a Legacy</i> by nearly four months! Within the backstage crowd, thirteen members are front row VIP, including the Biersack family, the Pitts family, the Cera Family, Mama Jinxx, Moggy Katz and Anna Sherman with the late, great Callie Coma.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkmcpFOJGjWLPlQmEJotQ-aMnpbjUiD06Za2SeMNmkamPTOrq9J0BGCJg85MWYBm6l8FDk8gzQIppoErSs9GW2NPs3oPUwOzgw8vSIBgXWBYFZaLzzSF04BWGxtB24x2g4n3HCsHp0g/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-05-08+at+12.34.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="910" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkmcpFOJGjWLPlQmEJotQ-aMnpbjUiD06Za2SeMNmkamPTOrq9J0BGCJg85MWYBm6l8FDk8gzQIppoErSs9GW2NPs3oPUwOzgw8vSIBgXWBYFZaLzzSF04BWGxtB24x2g4n3HCsHp0g/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-05-08+at+12.34.59+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
All of the participants were so entirely gracious and appreciative for the opportunity to appear on <i>From Knives and Pens to a Legacy </i>and were I able to have found more room I may have considered adding to the VIP section. With some, I had the opportunity to share personal stories, especially their love for the Black Veil Brides and the work I was doing. It was an incredibly special moment in time, where I knew that my creative abilities were speaking directly to so many. I wouldn't trade the experience in a million years, and I thank, from the bottom of my heart, each and every one of you who attended the greatest Black Veil Brides show ever - <i>From Knives and Pens to a Legacy</i>!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />rceracreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727778985552326559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298734650631921577.post-3655514378416586262016-11-28T10:05:00.001-08:002016-11-28T13:28:52.835-08:00MOTIONLESS IN WHITE ALBUM COVER CONTEST<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64RbMOYx0lF6TVPEEo2je_wEWEyN6-SbwWLeQM33bdhAT8n7sU8ardvfwjy56KzlSiPyst_S2D3S9PZD-MIsFIJ3CfFSVkxcH0FCpTesDzVw87-86rVaCsLE2En_ohdqzMhT0SPmAuQ/s1600/MIW-ALBUM-COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64RbMOYx0lF6TVPEEo2je_wEWEyN6-SbwWLeQM33bdhAT8n7sU8ardvfwjy56KzlSiPyst_S2D3S9PZD-MIsFIJ3CfFSVkxcH0FCpTesDzVw87-86rVaCsLE2En_ohdqzMhT0SPmAuQ/s640/MIW-ALBUM-COVER.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Entering contests has never been my bag. Yet, when I was informed that Motionless In White <a href="http://motionlessinwhite.net/">motionlessinwhite.net</a> , one of my favorite contemporary bands was holding a contest to create the cover for their upcoming fourth album Graveyard Shift, I jumped at the opportunity! The contest, hosted by Creative Allies <a href="http://creativeallies.com/">creativeallies.com</a> (contest - <a href="http://miw.creativeallies.com/">miw.creativeallies.com</a> ) and judged by the band themselves, opens the doors for hundreds of artists and creative people looking to break into a very difficult industry.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The creative idea for my entry was to tell a story without words, that exemplified MIW's macabre, gothic metalcore style. As opposed to utilizing their logo in a standard format, I wanted to actually involve it within the artwork, making it part of the story itself. My concept happens upon a graveyard at midnight, where someone has intentionally unearthed something of terrifying nature from the fiery depths below. As with all of my work I enjoy homaging my subject in subtle ways, as shown upon the gravestone at top left appears the name Abigail - the fourth title off MIW's first album <i>Creatures </i>and the subject of the intentions of the would be gravedigger. Where the title Graveyard Shift can be taken literally, possibly a scorned cemetery keeper working the overnight or a non-literal shift - a change - that erupts from the graveyard itself.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nearly a month of intense day to day work digitally illustrating and hand painting each and every nuance, blade of grass and detail has resulted in the above. I'm honored to be among a wide variety artists whose submissions are nothing short of incredible. I wish all who have entered the very best of luck!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Below is the link to my submission on Creative Allies:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_955958208"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://woobox.com/zv5z6c/gallery/tkUw8jKqCr8">http://woobox.com/zv5z6c/gallery/tkUw8jKqCr8</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Russ</div>
rceracreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727778985552326559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298734650631921577.post-56925598665308299342015-09-03T18:18:00.003-07:002015-09-08T06:49:02.591-07:00CREATING THE BLACK VEIL BRIDES BVB ARMY ARTWORK!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8rBKCPH8thKRi_WMzk7vAb1KK7FrQL7rhbUC-wjg-2ZoHbYAla4X0ED54KBLKDtxvZ1cSebKIgFJyRGIAHNqdo975x5_IDZtSb3d9stB_iOsmjvXKZ9UUjuDMXhwglsxyIuEv7hbVQ/s1600/photo-3+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8rBKCPH8thKRi_WMzk7vAb1KK7FrQL7rhbUC-wjg-2ZoHbYAla4X0ED54KBLKDtxvZ1cSebKIgFJyRGIAHNqdo975x5_IDZtSb3d9stB_iOsmjvXKZ9UUjuDMXhwglsxyIuEv7hbVQ/s640/photo-3+copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Our Anniversary with the Black Veil Brides! Pictured are my wife Gayle and daughter Juliet!</span><b style="text-align: justify;"> </b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"> 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 <i>intended</i> for <i>possible</i> 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!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqLBChD9FRE9eLJh99_SHlG7w-AxuXD7yvCtjzCGCLvZ_Sa7CAJIDiEjZ1Jdjce6zv0J39sbBySQ7SMruBZ3st5w0ckzxVcK0tOemrrsT2zYXpOev3cV6niwtJlovbxqIeY7r23PD7A/s1600/art101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqLBChD9FRE9eLJh99_SHlG7w-AxuXD7yvCtjzCGCLvZ_Sa7CAJIDiEjZ1Jdjce6zv0J39sbBySQ7SMruBZ3st5w0ckzxVcK0tOemrrsT2zYXpOev3cV6niwtJlovbxqIeY7r23PD7A/s640/art101.jpg" width="566" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Progress on LEGION as of 9.1.2015. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><i><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">• What inspired you to do this piece and what are your intentions with it?</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24zEHHXIWO4IHYLepppVqVqYBT22aM_iTjF_lHWEMTdgObQGt0TK2GY91Js2UABDyt7GKUDrmYdPYoVMt5jeeGEplqwzgCBqRMLKg9yasOvqUZcWSfCP4bX-Stc-f-NJCbvQ8qwU3Ww/s1600/BVB-COLLECTION.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24zEHHXIWO4IHYLepppVqVqYBT22aM_iTjF_lHWEMTdgObQGt0TK2GY91Js2UABDyt7GKUDrmYdPYoVMt5jeeGEplqwzgCBqRMLKg9yasOvqUZcWSfCP4bX-Stc-f-NJCbvQ8qwU3Ww/s640/BVB-COLLECTION.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigm3dzyTeIiD6IbP4eWrDpxX2C3X4yuPDuppw5_wPBVO4NS7kXaauyiVwBPJPGi30V5mKVg2Rz0v7l-_YbjTk2iIDYfXA8F46hWSk7E1GseJB3Ed_a2FakQH2e8O5IC1RgKNQF2hdyQg/s1600/legion4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigm3dzyTeIiD6IbP4eWrDpxX2C3X4yuPDuppw5_wPBVO4NS7kXaauyiVwBPJPGi30V5mKVg2Rz0v7l-_YbjTk2iIDYfXA8F46hWSk7E1GseJB3Ed_a2FakQH2e8O5IC1RgKNQF2hdyQg/s320/legion4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early progress on Legion's face</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbpNnR42Ke0zIqAAd1u9nNKEyhOmjgORZr-BenOv7mJvSePm_rZHtgIP5x7XuZgPfzW56Z6NlHaThnOZXY1BfhHHzZAx3SEPZeADhRVh1ZGWC5kOI7C8N-6lElAceLXIi_r-RA45Pjw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-22+at+9.38.00+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbpNnR42Ke0zIqAAd1u9nNKEyhOmjgORZr-BenOv7mJvSePm_rZHtgIP5x7XuZgPfzW56Z6NlHaThnOZXY1BfhHHzZAx3SEPZeADhRVh1ZGWC5kOI7C8N-6lElAceLXIi_r-RA45Pjw/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-04-22+at+9.38.00+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The background wall and logos with textures begun inside of the Photoshop environment.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">• Can you share the concept and some details for this piece?</span></i></b><span style="color: white;"></span><br />
<div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRd2WsAaGJg0rgflaFGYQ6jpCmqeQmoglNeiCNgE9dEHvHi0faegtDonX0dEUCtm6ahIP8oLlHlUxBxZMrKrvKcuzfAQZUf0NCwOb-6Z64mHnvV5P7UOO15vAoNl5bRA0oAu08rdsoeQ/s1600/CLOSE1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRd2WsAaGJg0rgflaFGYQ6jpCmqeQmoglNeiCNgE9dEHvHi0faegtDonX0dEUCtm6ahIP8oLlHlUxBxZMrKrvKcuzfAQZUf0NCwOb-6Z64mHnvV5P7UOO15vAoNl5bRA0oAu08rdsoeQ/s320/CLOSE1.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><i> </i></b> 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!</div>
<div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4_mPLdmuzAh4sbygP-a0Hu-krk2C2VTK6BG8aC3V4uboheoLBGmY7V-PJIBxhRTpdxJV0l0JXIS_3kmjsPF_RFC6dwiDtcCtQ6gVWmTboSbqFME4h-3zCpT0yx4ie5wDyEYEcopQAA/s1600/drums.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4_mPLdmuzAh4sbygP-a0Hu-krk2C2VTK6BG8aC3V4uboheoLBGmY7V-PJIBxhRTpdxJV0l0JXIS_3kmjsPF_RFC6dwiDtcCtQ6gVWmTboSbqFME4h-3zCpT0yx4ie5wDyEYEcopQAA/s400/drums.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The humble beginnings to CC's "Flying Drums" </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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 <i>Coffin </i>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 <i>Fallen Angels </i>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!<br />
<b style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">• How long does it take to complete a piece of artwork like this?</span></i></b></div>
<br />
<b><i> </i></b> 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.<br />
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUr6amFBT4ChWxis602ahxwOM28TD2QFXL1GX-9VybXykmYBjzqX0VbA56yJKV32CFO5gwCkuAiv2sF2AGH38g81ixllJiKW6jFw8R1ydAJ-doyOT1lLp6ZGjVlqHPqYNRh6AJ8s-FQ/s1600/bvb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUr6amFBT4ChWxis602ahxwOM28TD2QFXL1GX-9VybXykmYBjzqX0VbA56yJKV32CFO5gwCkuAiv2sF2AGH38g81ixllJiKW6jFw8R1ydAJ-doyOT1lLp6ZGjVlqHPqYNRh6AJ8s-FQ/s640/bvb4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I decided the wall logos needed more pop, so I went with a hot flowing lava effect.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">• When will this art be done?</span></i></b><br />
<b style="text-align: start;"><i></i></b><br />
<b style="text-align: start;"><i></i></b>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.<br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i style="background-color: black;">• Will the Black Veil Brides be involved or affiliated in any way with the creation of this artwork?</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"> 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 </span></span>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!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTF3NbrvxvjqCvFg_9n_gtaHL8HETxtynX2MV56cLreBaWPK98HDSPyYjMQkvTs3dBrO_V4g6jP94aSciigMSCqVTwrxr4OqBTvKy-bSjYIGe1-VTH8nIXBFQ0Q87Jbmh01IEkpJ6Zlg/s1600/ash1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTF3NbrvxvjqCvFg_9n_gtaHL8HETxtynX2MV56cLreBaWPK98HDSPyYjMQkvTs3dBrO_V4g6jP94aSciigMSCqVTwrxr4OqBTvKy-bSjYIGe1-VTH8nIXBFQ0Q87Jbmh01IEkpJ6Zlg/s400/ash1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This scene depicts the Fallen Angels video homaging Ashley Purdy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">• Why are you sharing so many images of your progress instead of waiting until it's done?</span></i></b><br />
<b style="text-align: start;"><i><br /></i></b><span style="text-align: start;"> 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.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitE9tmi4_KOF2O3gJeJAGTn0EEorWR1dt7OgF_rI1D8L3fGGmIPrCBcQVfhQYGomvFzdsRAkdj6bJ6C3BQZjqPOUFK1Iz8GFelM0JmKmiei_s8FpmgT0cHoRfY4YwJwLrzj55ywfDtKQ/s1600/angelz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitE9tmi4_KOF2O3gJeJAGTn0EEorWR1dt7OgF_rI1D8L3fGGmIPrCBcQVfhQYGomvFzdsRAkdj6bJ6C3BQZjqPOUFK1Iz8GFelM0JmKmiei_s8FpmgT0cHoRfY4YwJwLrzj55ywfDtKQ/s640/angelz.jpg" width="393" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step by step creation of the "Fallen Angels"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">• All we've seen are images of the background. When will you start painting BVB?</span></i></b><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"> 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.</span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></span>
<b style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">• Why the Black Veil Brides when they already have many other fan-artists doing artwork for or about them?</span></i></b></div>
<b style="text-align: start;"><i><br /></i></b>
<span style="text-align: start;"> 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!</span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMa6f_D30EpXEbcbmhYgBfeZ-eI3d0VtAYqGHIsAIv-XiLrBthYQmjGEB5UJPW7lGmkAxugRG7_aFmyzQXbqicm44Zs0hmb-UmpzZOyQ7vnerTGaeKB0bAFy3LIFrmIdmyYf8sBRGsdQ/s1600/angels1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMa6f_D30EpXEbcbmhYgBfeZ-eI3d0VtAYqGHIsAIv-XiLrBthYQmjGEB5UJPW7lGmkAxugRG7_aFmyzQXbqicm44Zs0hmb-UmpzZOyQ7vnerTGaeKB0bAFy3LIFrmIdmyYf8sBRGsdQ/s640/angels1.jpg" width="588" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fallen Angel stewards to the entrance of Ashley, Jinxx and Jake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: start;"> 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! </span><span style="text-align: start;">Now with this new piece, I wish to share more of that kind of experience with the fans. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"> 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</span> doing Black Veil portraits or pieces because of your love for the band, hell I say go for it. Do what you love!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnByX2mo1Gj5kPyf3lSXwBWBuzjNQryxp4_cCbbnjXcSF37Lgx9cD4SfPZ0wEr-0Qs8aZOEaSnBQJn1uPcZgJiSTrkwUJChaNCvt7xh0ozjxtcfnbTskBqLTBurjYoHwF_DbhjLKiXg/s1600/close2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnByX2mo1Gj5kPyf3lSXwBWBuzjNQryxp4_cCbbnjXcSF37Lgx9cD4SfPZ0wEr-0Qs8aZOEaSnBQJn1uPcZgJiSTrkwUJChaNCvt7xh0ozjxtcfnbTskBqLTBurjYoHwF_DbhjLKiXg/s640/close2.jpg" width="638" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Throughout the work will be imagery based on the incredible creations of Richard Villa III<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: white;"><span style="text-align: start;"></span>
<span style="color: white; text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i style="background-color: black;">• 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?</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="color: white; text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i style="background-color: black;"><br /></i></b></span></span>
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 <i>his</i> creativity and style as much as it is to the Black Veil Brides themselves.<br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: white; text-align: start;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">• 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?</span></i></b></div>
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><br /></i></b></span></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"> 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</span></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: white; text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i style="background-color: black;">• What is your artistic process like?</i></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><br /></i></b></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> 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. </span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNisQBQfG4WWj0Oi_134eEly4A5FwqOrik9kFvKk2DxeZ2XFzlkxX8qDE3tBnvRZGDuLT1Z9Y56wChRqaBtalQTWMcXPaIxgQRoGAh5q4qtxQTFipMq1RWowA32P5To_yitAQG2mYmA/s1600/L2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNisQBQfG4WWj0Oi_134eEly4A5FwqOrik9kFvKk2DxeZ2XFzlkxX8qDE3tBnvRZGDuLT1Z9Y56wChRqaBtalQTWMcXPaIxgQRoGAh5q4qtxQTFipMq1RWowA32P5To_yitAQG2mYmA/s640/L2.jpg" width="420" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original quick sketch of the entire piece</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> 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.</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> 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. </span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> 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!</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: white; font-weight: normal;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i style="background-color: black;">• What is your favorite Black Veil Brides album?</i></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><br /></i></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> 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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><br /></i></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><b style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">• Why digital art and are you just Photoshopping parts of this?</span></i></b><br />
<b style="text-align: start;"><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxpPAqlv7Nd-av28Jv6GIBxRSLNx_ia3i4HGpisR2Ubp-5cwx9cOrpFI26wuzl6wpMsAKqp5XFlf0i5A4AjH-JeCSLfVW5GgB5XskZElQuVjCVdjs5mhZMX4H8jfq5kkA1YBnq8dzBw/s1600/bvb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxpPAqlv7Nd-av28Jv6GIBxRSLNx_ia3i4HGpisR2Ubp-5cwx9cOrpFI26wuzl6wpMsAKqp5XFlf0i5A4AjH-JeCSLfVW5GgB5XskZElQuVjCVdjs5mhZMX4H8jfq5kkA1YBnq8dzBw/s400/bvb3.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Legion's Heart of Fire takes shape</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b><i> </i></b>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. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><br /></i></b></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i> </i></b></span></span></span><b style="text-align: start;"><i>• How do you achieve the level of detail and realism you do?</i></b></span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i><br /></i></b></span></span><span style="text-align: start;"> 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! </span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"> 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.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"> 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.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8V-IAykONft-FcLPxZlLGTT8hdQLyoVVnvjmyIc4TggHntEoilE0Zl9W3_GZbwF-AelNQiTKXMZyq1NLRF56pPvJgHC-CM-ymsvKlJLsPhh0BTuW5wz7HJHwICzwfLj8Ie8QrkBkoDg/s1600/art102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8V-IAykONft-FcLPxZlLGTT8hdQLyoVVnvjmyIc4TggHntEoilE0Zl9W3_GZbwF-AelNQiTKXMZyq1NLRF56pPvJgHC-CM-ymsvKlJLsPhh0BTuW5wz7HJHwICzwfLj8Ie8QrkBkoDg/s640/art102.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Progress as of 9.1.15 to the top half of the 24" x 36" BLACK VEIL BRIDES artwork. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: start;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="text-align: start;"></span>
<span style="color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i> </i></b></span></span></span><b style="text-align: start;"><i>• You recently mentioned a contest for a piece of this Black Veil Brides artwork?</i></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i></i></b></span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: start;"><i></i></b></span>
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 <i>portion </i>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!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
</div>
rceracreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727778985552326559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298734650631921577.post-9155416560020032872015-04-18T19:33:00.000-07:002015-04-19T21:11:03.778-07:00RONNIE RADKE WANTS YOU FOR FALLING IN REVERSE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQ3u1uEZiaiqy6VrJcjqiUBwrTr1zAQA-24JnOafnKA8dX1BE0x9T1-nADuQL1Qzfm-f-Gs_rFRZ448CF15b2kHkEwRtsU8PiF-NHsxF92AvV6kl0-8dp3vo0AbSfyY_RarseQfxfWQ/s1600/RONNIE-USA-FLAT-WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQ3u1uEZiaiqy6VrJcjqiUBwrTr1zAQA-24JnOafnKA8dX1BE0x9T1-nADuQL1Qzfm-f-Gs_rFRZ448CF15b2kHkEwRtsU8PiF-NHsxF92AvV6kl0-8dp3vo0AbSfyY_RarseQfxfWQ/s1600/RONNIE-USA-FLAT-WM.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #dfcea5; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #dfcea5; font-family: Cardo;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;">Adore him or not, Ronnie Radke is THE quintessential rock star through and through and better yet, he makes no excuses about his ills, rests not on his hardships, falls not to his struggles, but is a continuous force of lyrical and melodic energy that never repeats the conventional norms of the categorical musical genre.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #dfcea5; font-family: Cardo;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #dfcea5; font-family: Cardo;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;">Late in 2014, while in the midst of completing my fourth piece for the Black Veil Brides, I thought I might give it a shot and contact Ronnie Radke - the notorious "King of the Music Scene" and front man for Falling In Reverse, proposing the idea of doing a portrait for his home. I was absolutely thrilled to receive his acceptance shortly thereafter. However, it wasn't until early 2015 that I could truly wrap my imagination around what to do for Ron. While I thought it would be perfectly fine to do a piece in the same vein as the BVB work, I was leaning toward something a little more original that would reflect who this truly extraordinary artist is. For those reading this article that know all about Ronnie Radke, his life as well as career, anything I might say here comes as no surprise. In fact I wish not to use this space to recount it as Ronnie himself is an open book. And yet, to put things simply, Ronnie has been through more triumphs and tragedies in his young lifetime than many people put together. Where any one of his past struggles might defeat another, Ron has overcome (or continues to do so) with unmatchable ability, strength, will, determination, loyalty, brutal honesty and best of all a scathing and infectious sense of humor.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #dfcea5; font-family: Cardo;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;">While we and countless others are tenacious admirers of Ronnie Radke and his many talents, he is not without his detractors as well. Although the majority may just be teen kids behind keyboards looking to push Radke's buttons for a moment of his attention, often such behavior from his critics peaks his emotions. For, as Ronnie speaks plainly through his music, his tough exterior is wrapped around a broken heart and rightfully so.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #dfcea5; font-family: Cardo;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbwX9VfkAa6-A62ijXrNFX4dwysuHGNYN5u8HmVOJOkWu-VxG7CBC2w_wWHWipbAQlvvEqFFtG-T_GBD6Peq1PahJpF9STQ4VSo7nEGf0ZSbnoflWlM0YtoU55l8o6FkUY8rUyRavRQ/s1600/WP_20150314_13_13_35_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbwX9VfkAa6-A62ijXrNFX4dwysuHGNYN5u8HmVOJOkWu-VxG7CBC2w_wWHWipbAQlvvEqFFtG-T_GBD6Peq1PahJpF9STQ4VSo7nEGf0ZSbnoflWlM0YtoU55l8o6FkUY8rUyRavRQ/s1600/WP_20150314_13_13_35_Pro.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My collaborator and inspiration Gayle with the final piece</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #dfcea5; font-family: Cardo;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;">So when contemplating this piece for Ronnie, I wanted to reflect everything he is in one way or another. While I knew I could not say it all, I opted to appeal to Radke's personal life as well as his persona more so than do a static serious minded portrait with on stage poses. P</span></span><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #dfcea5; font-family: Cardo;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;">ouring over countless photos and articles, I became really fond of photoshoots for Alternative Press where Ronnie was depicted as the President of the United States. I loved the tongue in cheek humor of the imagery and felt, that if I were to do something that Ron would truly appreciate, it would come by way of this style. The iconic propaganda poster of Uncle Sam immediately came to mind. What better way to depict Ronnie Radke than this stalwart image of strength and yet how amusing to make it a mock promotional poster for Falling In Reverse as well?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #dfcea5; font-family: Cardo;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiob3YFLtaBhh4pAtz8NSKlI4-B8doZM_xy6kVXEfoA18afyNrXWxXAWUNM-vO9__tPsu77agrpYb93wutSfffqz59JZXeuammlJQNwiNwt9zMlqBzx9mIgjFNcZap8iRiSe44gmAx6g/s1600/20150312_153923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiob3YFLtaBhh4pAtz8NSKlI4-B8doZM_xy6kVXEfoA18afyNrXWxXAWUNM-vO9__tPsu77agrpYb93wutSfffqz59JZXeuammlJQNwiNwt9zMlqBzx9mIgjFNcZap8iRiSe44gmAx6g/s1600/20150312_153923.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final canvas piece lays out to dry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #dfcea5; font-family: Cardo;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;">My original sketch began on paper where I worked to depict Ronnie with much the same expression as the brooding Uncle Sam. Naturally, the first attempt looked nothing at all like the final piece shown above. After much difficulty with his pointing right hand, I was satisfied enough to scan the sketch in and begin hand drawing and rendering the artwork using a Wacom pen and tablet through Photoshop. Countless resource photos were researched to create Ronnie's likeness and after a couple months I finally settled upon the final details of his face, turning then to the difficulty of recreating his hand and tattoo work.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #dfcea5; font-family: Cardo;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #dfcea5; font-family: Cardo;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;">All the while I contemplated how to add special touches that would make the piece truly personal. Rips and tears in the hat were added to </span></span></span><span style="color: #dfcea5; font-family: Cardo;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;">subtly depict Ronnie's hardships and struggles, resulting in a "battered but not beaten" message. Initially, I thought it might be interesting to have Ron breaking through the background, with the opposite side of the "poster" revealing several lines of his lyrics from FIR's albums. Later, I then added the logo as the catalyst for this effect. Feeling there needed to be more homages, I created Ron's left hand holding a contract, upon which the "Falling In Reverse" pledge of allegiance is inscribed. I intentionally signed the left side of the art, providing space near the bottom of the contract, should Ron himself sign it. Three political buttons on Ron's lapels depict the latest FIR album </span><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;"><i>Just Like You, </i>Ronnie's<i> HOODS UP </i>clothing line and finally a dedication to Ron's daughter Willow.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #dfcea5; font-family: Cardo;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4V-Jnv-Ll_d010Sh2NpQpADkbha63atBZ4kNg9bWMk6hKunYuQ0wL1jl1U1_voVDYSCMtvFTbHtwfVCb3lDLqAw6Jd9dociQ72NafNZNA6Yl5bRqsrO7kd3weMvMXcbv8IM0ycYTbzQ/s1600/WP_20150314_13_04_41_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4V-Jnv-Ll_d010Sh2NpQpADkbha63atBZ4kNg9bWMk6hKunYuQ0wL1jl1U1_voVDYSCMtvFTbHtwfVCb3lDLqAw6Jd9dociQ72NafNZNA6Yl5bRqsrO7kd3weMvMXcbv8IM0ycYTbzQ/s1600/WP_20150314_13_04_41_Pro.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself and daughter Juliet - Ronnie's biggest little fan!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #dfcea5; font-family: Cardo;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;">After completing the image in late March, I reached out to Ronnie again to gain his approval on the work. His response was </span></span></span><span style="color: #dfcea5; font-family: Cardo;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;">enthusiastic and graciously offered a guest list opportunity on his Three Ring Circus tour to present the canvas piece directly to him. More updates will follow!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #dfcea5; font-family: Cardo;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #dfcea5; font-family: Cardo;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;">I would first like to thank Ronnie Radke and Falling In Reverse, not only for two amazing shows on the 2014 Black Mass tour, the aforementioned opportunity and the honor to do this piece for his home. A huge thank you goes out to Gayle, my wife and collaborator, </span></span><span style="color: #dfcea5; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;">who introduced Ronnie's music to our own home. To</span><span style="color: #dfcea5; font-family: Cardo; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;"> my kids Tristin and Juliet - Ronnie's biggest little fan, who have Falling In Reverse on constant replay on their stereo. Finally a big thank you to the fans of FIR and my followers who's kind words and praise is a constant source of inspiration!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #dfcea5; font-family: Cardo;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;">So what will my next Ronnie Radke piece be? To take a cue from the man himself, it won't be anything like the one that came before it!</span></span></div>
rceracreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727778985552326559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298734650631921577.post-10322813462346674032014-08-03T15:20:00.003-07:002015-01-18T16:41:51.237-08:00THE BLACK VEIL BRIDES: HOW MUSIC INSPIRED ART<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_B6-DFZr8MheByq92ftz9W1jRvkEX8-44ZSEpUNfS1TMLGwi_4KM1-tDX4b3bWQ59hNyiv4tW6Qv7ieIURDCrBNM7OttCyqNYTxkfvpE6hHP0A4tmpl89pocvRjG30X-YdOm-wNxX9A/s1600/photo-3+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_B6-DFZr8MheByq92ftz9W1jRvkEX8-44ZSEpUNfS1TMLGwi_4KM1-tDX4b3bWQ59hNyiv4tW6Qv7ieIURDCrBNM7OttCyqNYTxkfvpE6hHP0A4tmpl89pocvRjG30X-YdOm-wNxX9A/s1600/photo-3+copy.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JBv1dqduqD0ztXK6v_6Xboc3If4rJEd6W-SQfruxClSkeKH7z-OiiG-XWZHDHwAfte-qt_Y6vV1Rxz69HGEtVbKFk4C5lH-BFRBUoElHyg7Nv1Y6Jny-Q7_HgfTnSBd6EJpkchlCbg/s1600/BVB-COLLECTION.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JBv1dqduqD0ztXK6v_6Xboc3If4rJEd6W-SQfruxClSkeKH7z-OiiG-XWZHDHwAfte-qt_Y6vV1Rxz69HGEtVbKFk4C5lH-BFRBUoElHyg7Nv1Y6Jny-Q7_HgfTnSBd6EJpkchlCbg/s1600/BVB-COLLECTION.jpg" height="233" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
If I was told a year ago that in 2014, I would have created personalized artwork for The Black Veil Brides and members of their families, I would have said that was absolutely crazy! Well, 2014 has come and gone and "The Black Veil Brides Collection" is complete and delivered! On December 4th, (my wife Gayle and my wedding Anniversary) my family had the opportunity to meet and present the work to the guys at the House of Blues in Walt Disney World - coincidentally where we were married! Talk about an amazing cap to an incredible year! </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Enter 2015 and I am currently collaborating with Gayle and management to conceive a collective piece(s) intended for the fans themselves - the ever expanding and tenaciously loyal BVB Army.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4qi30dk5lH5mbdBQSj1x9xDhGou4HEFJpKQnIq2vBzdwGjSKd35Gsmkrfx7xRsqeotqGuTN3JkcvHztp_AHU6h5e5zJIiR-Eyllp9-BF2AeN7LfOf8OKImBjX59kqCjbuitP9_SkTg/s1600/photo-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4qi30dk5lH5mbdBQSj1x9xDhGou4HEFJpKQnIq2vBzdwGjSKd35Gsmkrfx7xRsqeotqGuTN3JkcvHztp_AHU6h5e5zJIiR-Eyllp9-BF2AeN7LfOf8OKImBjX59kqCjbuitP9_SkTg/s1600/photo-6.JPG" height="640" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy with our daughter Juliet! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7CnOsDUvs4TB7g2GJfzdflB38uMMTc1XsNF0Le2q8yJH8MHTl0I3qJsvRYqkdmc8hu_zmxVcYojEo9MLrMwSNOQUUbPUf-VvYL6-obQRFseRyI51jKtXitgOEXDAW_Wp6QSkwCpDeA/s1600/10849821_645371732239830_9105772315679225229_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7CnOsDUvs4TB7g2GJfzdflB38uMMTc1XsNF0Le2q8yJH8MHTl0I3qJsvRYqkdmc8hu_zmxVcYojEo9MLrMwSNOQUUbPUf-VvYL6-obQRFseRyI51jKtXitgOEXDAW_Wp6QSkwCpDeA/s1600/10849821_645371732239830_9105772315679225229_n.jpg" height="640" width="434" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy had some really great words for the work!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The first of the collection, that of notoriously mischievous bassist Ashley Purdy, was actually created as a gift to my wife Gayle, with no real plans to take things further. With her inspiration and our mutual admiration for the band, I decided to continue doing a series of each of the band's members, all with a similar motif to encompass their collective accomplishments but with differing color combinations and distinct attributes that celebrated their individuality.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrY-ohjzDrC_ZjOBdPZcKH5sVVXomv0RC-1J9P6F-0khzCA7MbpCI15TJ4_hROxzip3h8KbJ7qZhgFwRb5CRpLr5fiisJ73fO92jowbpjkB2p0ITA15Y_TszATJDyU_BokdFFCtYLmwQ/s1600/ABADVERT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrY-ohjzDrC_ZjOBdPZcKH5sVVXomv0RC-1J9P6F-0khzCA7MbpCI15TJ4_hROxzip3h8KbJ7qZhgFwRb5CRpLr5fiisJ73fO92jowbpjkB2p0ITA15Y_TszATJDyU_BokdFFCtYLmwQ/s1600/ABADVERT.jpg" height="516" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy Biersack's piece was created exclusively for the Biersack's home. At right - Chris Biersack - Papa B - with canvas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
So how did all of this occur? To begin, this article is not intended as a showcase for my accomplishments but rather to celebrate it's inspiration - the Black Veil Brides themselves first and foremost, their wonderful families and yes, the extended family that is a very devoted and ever-growing fan base. It also serves as a massive thank you to my wife Gayle, for whom our collaboration into this endeavor would have never taken flight. I am so proud that every bit of her love and devotion to the Black Veil Brides breathes through each of these paintings and every one to come. Finally, I hope this may inspire the incredible artists out there illustrating or painting portrait work of BVB (or any subject for that matter), to continue doing what they love to do.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPrYBGjMinbZRhyphenhyphen3FH2NNW5Emvt3lEeoKdHTTWAPT_5nYHALS8Ys0FMSWNmcmYa-WFjaZUvdtVPi9vukjUQMiwJ-pGul8IRGl-Iwp36U5fFYSFzxJjXG6ea4_hA0LCw13r79lPDHGzg/s1600/BllO1wEIcAAAnXJ.jpg-large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPrYBGjMinbZRhyphenhyphen3FH2NNW5Emvt3lEeoKdHTTWAPT_5nYHALS8Ys0FMSWNmcmYa-WFjaZUvdtVPi9vukjUQMiwJ-pGul8IRGl-Iwp36U5fFYSFzxJjXG6ea4_hA0LCw13r79lPDHGzg/s1600/BllO1wEIcAAAnXJ.jpg-large.jpeg" height="320" width="181" /></a></div>
To be honest, only a short while ago I had lost any true passion I had for fine art altogether, mostly abandoning it outside of employment, necessity or profit. As anyone might know, when your talent becomes your work, down time is rarely spent doing what you do for a living. My pursuits instead, centered mainly on writing, to which I poured countless hours of my creative time into. The goal of mine to author one of many stories I formulated and/or collaborated upon became an obsession. Artwork merely became an attachment to, or the device by which I made a living, with very little sense of progression or achievement as an artist. Meanwhile, I would still do personal portraits, especially for Gayle, of those that truly inspired her. One such portrait was that of Damien Echols of the West Memphis Three. His horrific experience on death row, superseded by sheer will, spirit and love became the cornerstone of her revitalized love for life. Researching songs written for or attributed to the WM3, Gayle discovered Knives and Pens - (which also features a clip from the trial at it's onset). <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEKyKj7wKtlNRuYcjTfC93phD1WJCuvboAm_wDsxQZWj4ZiGB7ItVtWTZgh3BmfUCRdTDSDLg72zc5dCb2K1jIToW_vdFrnx6ZY5Fd1sI0sjLdYHUh81POPpalcKpF5XxepQa4To36A/s1600/AP-PORTRAIT-REV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEKyKj7wKtlNRuYcjTfC93phD1WJCuvboAm_wDsxQZWj4ZiGB7ItVtWTZgh3BmfUCRdTDSDLg72zc5dCb2K1jIToW_vdFrnx6ZY5Fd1sI0sjLdYHUh81POPpalcKpF5XxepQa4To36A/s1600/AP-PORTRAIT-REV.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Completed 24 x 36 portrait of Ashley Purdy<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJSrHL0srf2a69h4R2HhaJPBv5MRtSw1qIWzGYCb2zKbRHgMdklroAUU-RVtBvADs-Hxl367SKk-IeS0rkLFYSrLBOYiEY4HT0BrbzrRBHcdxuMQm_FvPZNVb8KXZCPI-gwpVBxthjQ/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJSrHL0srf2a69h4R2HhaJPBv5MRtSw1qIWzGYCb2zKbRHgMdklroAUU-RVtBvADs-Hxl367SKk-IeS0rkLFYSrLBOYiEY4HT0BrbzrRBHcdxuMQm_FvPZNVb8KXZCPI-gwpVBxthjQ/s1600/photo-3.JPG" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ash posing with his portrait.<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjdSO1BVlAd0k3R9I0OwKvNQLnwSTFAKVhH9dBrDSGrwy5kJYNti34IOQ8MQMM9LA1MbUoIjplg3BuoNvwmwsbJZcfya93hu3lN0htYxlVIF_20KfuEJeOAK7fQ_Az0VbIHYE5AjA4g/s1600/g3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjdSO1BVlAd0k3R9I0OwKvNQLnwSTFAKVhH9dBrDSGrwy5kJYNti34IOQ8MQMM9LA1MbUoIjplg3BuoNvwmwsbJZcfya93hu3lN0htYxlVIF_20KfuEJeOAK7fQ_Az0VbIHYE5AjA4g/s1600/g3.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gayle with Andy Biersack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Having been a long time music aficionado of many genres formulating several personal friendships with bands classic and new, she has constantly been on the forefront of music, never settling into one particular group or era. And so the Black Veil Brides entered into our lives through her passion for incredible music and an element long lost from an era of rock we grew up with... showmanship and theatrics. Here was the answer (for us) as well as so many others! A contemporary "metal" band playing as hard and heavier than other bands in their genre or earlier, combined with that lost element from the 80's arena rock or glam metal that we both adored. Not only were these guys hugely talented (and yes, good looking) but they had the balls and ingenuity to create a memorable image. It was clear from day one that BVB was more than just another band in the mix. While not without their critics (due to selfish and immature cause), the group as well as it's members remained steadfast to their unique creative vision. Instead of just releasing an album, their third - <i>Wretched and Divine</i> (The Story of the Wild Ones) is a concept album - the music tied together under one storyline accompanied by an elaborate and powerful film - <i>Legion of the Black</i>. Very few artists have taken on the challenge of creating such a project and even fewer have been successful. Yet <i>Wretched and Devine</i> accompanied by <i>Legion of the Black</i> proves nothing short of revelatory and stands as a truly mature and masterful musical and theatrical composition.<br />
<br />
2014 saw the release of the band's fourth album (self titled Black Veil Brides IV) with legendary producer Bob Rock at the helm. The album represents the band's current collective vision, breaking from the storyline aspect of W&D with a darker overall tone and several homages to previous bands in Rock's stable. IV truly showcases the technical talents of BVB's members, focusing more on straightforward power rock and metal. Christian Coma takes percussion to "another level", literally, where Jake Pitts' and Jinxx's guitar tone, harmonizing and duel leads are blistering. Pitt's solo work has reached a new pinnacle. With an overall fatter sound, here Ashley Purdy's baselines are in your face and Andy Biersack's writing and vocals are darker and more aggressive focusing more on personal challenges he faced over the course of the last album.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
While all of this may be obvious to the BVB fan reading this article, for those who are not, these guys <i>truly</i> care for their craft and even more so, their fans. In the End (no pun intended) they recognize the inherent relationship where success comes not just from their talent but from the people that truly appreciate it. While those unaware might assume the Black Veil Brides' message is typical of a particular genre, theirs' is that of acceptance, self awareness, empowerment and the challenging of social stereotypes and stigmas. In fact, many fans attribute life changes for the positive to the Black Veil Brides. And, contrary to misconception, their music touches lives both younger and older - at 43 I am living proof!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01cag9jsG1UDIc69HzUDC9lHsrMq6FuI1Y993N7u_qn0blM54-JfSPn4XyJM1tIFFQRZ-nIkxG2A8Xi2S8xBasz0L9-xi79hcV0pcZYeT0ByG5uxNK2JF1lhEubSslcU_HmcCXNDSEw/s1600/jinxxypaint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01cag9jsG1UDIc69HzUDC9lHsrMq6FuI1Y993N7u_qn0blM54-JfSPn4XyJM1tIFFQRZ-nIkxG2A8Xi2S8xBasz0L9-xi79hcV0pcZYeT0ByG5uxNK2JF1lhEubSslcU_HmcCXNDSEw/s1600/jinxxypaint.jpg" height="336" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">In progress facial detail work on Jinxx. Reference photo at left. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvJdHbCnY4oQ1nIC4Chqilii7Thb8frtubyli54tnfIzUzs-Kk6QbZT9z38crRVyW3mzDuFao0qE1J6TvOo4dfM5h2IIERvO9u-NUj6Enuf0dikcnZXAXwqD7k3amuS2hiPyzZpI_0w/s1600/JINXX-FLAT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvJdHbCnY4oQ1nIC4Chqilii7Thb8frtubyli54tnfIzUzs-Kk6QbZT9z38crRVyW3mzDuFao0qE1J6TvOo4dfM5h2IIERvO9u-NUj6Enuf0dikcnZXAXwqD7k3amuS2hiPyzZpI_0w/s1600/JINXX-FLAT.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Completed 24 x 36 portrait of Jinxx</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZGNHwqH6vvSLKu4W0KlKXOQ57k6hTIfaYAm3H2oRtQWOgTMcXrGAspQbg1sXM4QjgBYY9-NTLyifzqD0MFEGYLyE5s_jHKlGla-UHpligKRMMMgulTXyXR10TsTtUtekMHGftAkwiQ/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZGNHwqH6vvSLKu4W0KlKXOQ57k6hTIfaYAm3H2oRtQWOgTMcXrGAspQbg1sXM4QjgBYY9-NTLyifzqD0MFEGYLyE5s_jHKlGla-UHpligKRMMMgulTXyXR10TsTtUtekMHGftAkwiQ/s1600/photo-4.JPG" height="394" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jinxx admiring his portrait</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">I cannot begin to express the gratitude and pride I have in doing these both for the guys themselves as well as their families. This of course would not have been possible if they were not so accessible to their fan base. In Jake Pitts' (lead guitarist) case, I asked if he would accept one for his home and he accepted prior to me creating it. I knew I had to do something special, besides the art itself and chose to digitally print the art on actual canvas. When complete, his father Mark was so impressed by a photo of it that he asked that he could receive one for his home in Hawaii as well! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6c6Flq9W0gOq2bWYR8uhkuXEfkgmvYkaRifoLZteSdplLpDNpf99aIvUtVwck0MygNtogI_JIOk234HWpqLFhogRC_Dne0uLUvUxGhs7BmxHOFS0JuCO8lbgngPaznx1jlIl2U5A0g/s1600/JAKE-PITTS-FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6c6Flq9W0gOq2bWYR8uhkuXEfkgmvYkaRifoLZteSdplLpDNpf99aIvUtVwck0MygNtogI_JIOk234HWpqLFhogRC_Dne0uLUvUxGhs7BmxHOFS0JuCO8lbgngPaznx1jlIl2U5A0g/s1600/JAKE-PITTS-FINAL.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Completed 24 x 36 portrait of Jake Pitts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBZAwNFsByo7-QT8QkHrYTxqsQrRmZPUWADtH86uzck8fElDFo8DZtx2uikSVzkxY2sMpiyeNiX0OfIATqH3R7VjoEKAyuagwQcKAidjMFq4nbnYm-cG_Whx27SzWUworo23pcWuN6g/s1600/photo-7.JPG" height="640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="360" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jake with his portrait.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgLgn6mUXmsMhLES6X7tyRUj8jF0eTU3UQy7WIDJW3y0cwZZn_anPIQtjDXhE6-XK93FgXYlNxfgw2cleGeYLP5HH8XRpEEDzEVyF4auQOP0FD5kg0N4KaRx44ZFjWxFjgnNzc4hBVw/s1600/mark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgLgn6mUXmsMhLES6X7tyRUj8jF0eTU3UQy7WIDJW3y0cwZZn_anPIQtjDXhE6-XK93FgXYlNxfgw2cleGeYLP5HH8XRpEEDzEVyF4auQOP0FD5kg0N4KaRx44ZFjWxFjgnNzc4hBVw/s1600/mark.jpg" height="400" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark Pitts with his canvas portrait of his son, Jake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Having made prior contact with Chris Biersack, father to lead singer Andy and patriarch to the legion of us fans, I asked him if he too would accept one of Andy. He and Amy graciously accepted promising to frame the piece and display it in their home! Truly an honor I have never received prior! Shortly after receiving the finished canvas, not only did Gayle and I have the pleasure of speaking with Chris personally, Gayle met up with the Biersack family and photos with Andy the night prior to attending the Alternative Press Music Awards in Cleveland! I'm so grateful to Chris, Amy and Andy for spending time with us and formulating an acquaintance that we will truly cherish for years to come!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuytv4ZQVtCObuJyT_wMSmh8AHsRmZyXY6l_v5EKdQQC-T53vsRgHc6nfO_QiUPpJDzajU9HhSOaMYcRpTiUFSWAZrsPB79qkTCJIYyRHZ0c1KmDPU89lBb8zwIojRqzZu3FseBLaHg/s1600/CC-FINAL-X.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuytv4ZQVtCObuJyT_wMSmh8AHsRmZyXY6l_v5EKdQQC-T53vsRgHc6nfO_QiUPpJDzajU9HhSOaMYcRpTiUFSWAZrsPB79qkTCJIYyRHZ0c1KmDPU89lBb8zwIojRqzZu3FseBLaHg/s1600/CC-FINAL-X.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Completed 24 x 36 portrait of Christian Coma</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqSL4CpkgMRDla0Dbhv__I7qFAO3ddf8cHWcBh_B6m680zT7MmmTKt-k_Vf4lm-38sARobNZXJzlEOWbHmog0X3AM-4Af8yXBCSmio102sogskyuUllkZ7l5Y1v4DIA1hDEvY7sZu3Q/s1600/ccjpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqSL4CpkgMRDla0Dbhv__I7qFAO3ddf8cHWcBh_B6m680zT7MmmTKt-k_Vf4lm-38sARobNZXJzlEOWbHmog0X3AM-4Af8yXBCSmio102sogskyuUllkZ7l5Y1v4DIA1hDEvY7sZu3Q/s1600/ccjpeg.jpg" height="640" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CC hamming it up with his canvas portrait!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWF9vqS_MZRKlZ_i_a7TRVGiugLsDLlPNCp9Ls8fQBpfvd8-jqh4PNH2olhMMFy8mqIH5B3dia_Z_zkZw4cVPx0L1EkCkLUZeCXixbtwORNN5qwF4dvgKKo2H09hstqP-GRQMlDRE1bw/s1600/cc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWF9vqS_MZRKlZ_i_a7TRVGiugLsDLlPNCp9Ls8fQBpfvd8-jqh4PNH2olhMMFy8mqIH5B3dia_Z_zkZw4cVPx0L1EkCkLUZeCXixbtwORNN5qwF4dvgKKo2H09hstqP-GRQMlDRE1bw/s1600/cc.jpg" height="177" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Progress on CC main portrait. Art at left painted side by side of photo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As for artists out there doing portrait work of the Black Veil Brides or any subject for that matter, just keep doing what you love! With each piece you create you'll get better at your craft. You will demand more of yourself with every creation. The same occurs at any level, including myself. With each of these pieces, the amount of detail and attention to accuracy has increased twofold, forcing me to go back to update or correct. I am constantly learning and evolving as an artist and will never consider myself above anyone no matter what level of ability they have in any skill! As previously noted these pieces are hand illustrated and painted using a Wacom pen tablet through Photoshop. While I utilized reference photos for each of these, the rough sketch is done side by side using what I call, the graph technique. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This simply means that I achieve accuracy by way of graphing out specific features though use of a grid. No, I do not trace, if you are wondering, although novice and intermediate artists should find no shame in doing so! Once the basic features are illustrated, I utilize the reference photo side by side to my work at a 1:1 scale, literally hand painting every feature. I do employ special brushes in Photoshop to paint the realistic skin textures and render every strand of hair individually. For more information and tutorials on my art, feel free to return for subsequent posts regarding how I do what I do! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thank you again to ALL for the wonderful words and encouragement. A special thank you again to Chris Biersack, (who puts up with my lengthy DM's on Twitter), Amy Biersack and Mark Pitts! I truly enjoy our conversations and you've all been nothing short of outstanding to us in all regards. I certainly hope our friendship continues! A huge thank you (hopefully not the last) to Andy, Ashley, Jinxx, CC and Jake not only for your music but your kind words regarding my work. Finally I want to thank my wife Gayle once more. If not for you, I would probably still be listening to music from the 80's! You truly are the inspiration for this and everything I do and hope I've made you proud! </div>
<br />rceracreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727778985552326559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298734650631921577.post-52489174905738869102014-05-15T12:18:00.001-07:002014-08-02T08:44:33.674-07:00JAKE PITTS COLLAGE COMPLETED AND RECEIVED BY MARK PITTS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGajf6ij2AX0BaZFKZ5J_FRsb-tmCPeKeqaZYIi-VOoUbJGRpNaLYJy_HWDSQQaK42HK2ZuHr-ym3N3B3G2dGArGLM48_zBoYpCB3Ovb3bWfcEiZlypVwsvHl_Hf5vROQMYyrvbMZ9Q/s1600/JAKE-PITTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGajf6ij2AX0BaZFKZ5J_FRsb-tmCPeKeqaZYIi-VOoUbJGRpNaLYJy_HWDSQQaK42HK2ZuHr-ym3N3B3G2dGArGLM48_zBoYpCB3Ovb3bWfcEiZlypVwsvHl_Hf5vROQMYyrvbMZ9Q/s1600/JAKE-PITTS.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I am proud to announce that my latest portrait work, that of Jake Pitts, lead guitarist of the Black Veil Brides has been completed and delivered to Mark Pitts - Jake's father! (Pictured below)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1VTuZfZ3ACfcIlrD4ngFD4ESLrGPKSwY2xAjC8ZEdwlcpX0drJ8OGIKN-qqwUWTPv5cmWK0S6xM015j7Zfw18-K5ijZVO-BsN7kWsUQ_s_H7TykQkKc14rMFQqmjRMfN3TKd9rUbPQ/s1600/mark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1VTuZfZ3ACfcIlrD4ngFD4ESLrGPKSwY2xAjC8ZEdwlcpX0drJ8OGIKN-qqwUWTPv5cmWK0S6xM015j7Zfw18-K5ijZVO-BsN7kWsUQ_s_H7TykQkKc14rMFQqmjRMfN3TKd9rUbPQ/s1600/mark.jpg" height="400" width="303" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The image, entirely hand illustrated and rendered, further enhanced by graphic text and embellishments is one in an entire series dedicated to each of the band's members as well as their families. Inspired by my wife and our mutual admiration for the band, I set upon the task of creating individual portraits after completing a personal gift for her - a 24 x 36 poster sized portrait of Ashley Purdy, the notorious bassist of BVB. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Afterward, I thought why not continue, planning a portrait for each band member with personal embellishments and differing design motifs and color arrangements. I had the good fortune to briefly request Jake's acceptance of one for himself over Twitter, to which he kindly accepted.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
What an honor it was to know that I would be creating something that would go directly into the hands of this incredible guitarist as well as one of my personal heroes! The honor became even greater, when Jake's dad Mark saw the finished work and requested one for his home in Hawaii.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiI_yjqThWvkQW6UGZzzb9CSCi6eqp3Vxfg24Pp26PcwhXcmLs2hUSLIGycCQP4LIILf98WDLndr2M4-hZMnqYqN_xRp2ucJmKPowJWvJVHwQC-9Dfc4M_ASKwmixWHhYn24ikXRyrw/s1600/InstagramCapture_bb5d86dc-b2c9-40cf-8cb5-5ed0d8a92898_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiI_yjqThWvkQW6UGZzzb9CSCi6eqp3Vxfg24Pp26PcwhXcmLs2hUSLIGycCQP4LIILf98WDLndr2M4-hZMnqYqN_xRp2ucJmKPowJWvJVHwQC-9Dfc4M_ASKwmixWHhYn24ikXRyrw/s1600/InstagramCapture_bb5d86dc-b2c9-40cf-8cb5-5ed0d8a92898_jpg.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWsA3Vdi96EEca8hdfkps5HRpnwNIA_XiWf9ylAgiBWJrN1l3nTI7veJRLvq0AbpPmDh7UcmwRNh_ONz4m1o0jysNlciRY3ITdQ5awUc5pUToYLxBIjIgXmFG6VT-Vz3aAo622TIyfg/s1600/InstagramCapture_f3113075-022c-49a3-8bfb-4764304037f5_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWsA3Vdi96EEca8hdfkps5HRpnwNIA_XiWf9ylAgiBWJrN1l3nTI7veJRLvq0AbpPmDh7UcmwRNh_ONz4m1o0jysNlciRY3ITdQ5awUc5pUToYLxBIjIgXmFG6VT-Vz3aAo622TIyfg/s1600/InstagramCapture_f3113075-022c-49a3-8bfb-4764304037f5_jpg.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The piece took well over thirty some hours if done consecutively, Pouring over photos for reference, I decided upon Jake's photograph that he uses for social media as the main portrait. The true challenge would be recreating this image of him in a very large format, as anything openly available on the web was very small and somewhat blurred. More difficult however was the foreground image that would compliment the piece. I decided upon a photo I would later embellish and make changes to reflecting Jake in a more contemporary light.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While a great deal of very talented artists, as well as we fans of the Black Veil Brides create incredible portrait work of the guys, I really wanted to do something unique and not stereotypical. In Jake's case, I chose to create the piece with the artist in mind and not the persona, free of the "character" or theatrical image indicative of BVB over past albums.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While the main portrait is (as faithful as I could come) to his photo, I embellished by adding more recent tattoo work. In fact, the foreground photo, taken in 2013, did not feature Jake's finished chest piece (dedicated to his late mother). I had to use other reference photos to recreate the amazing tribute to her, as well as request more current photos from Jake on his right arm sleeve.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That wasn't all however. I decided to replace the guitar in photo with his signature series edition from Schecter. I further personalized the piece by adding a flourish framework, mirroring the flourish work done on his mother's tribute piece.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyySkw4VEawqhJikFZYTb0pSxnvXKo4MrwYOoKi1VXgH-WfgJ4ndGKGgRirzE4GyvWQtLJ6DkBxS6-22qHoVWBjssQ-2iDs31T2R7sDyuP74CFUIcckWUkPB8EX3OVPGXB_CHjt3lbzw/s1600/WP_20140610_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyySkw4VEawqhJikFZYTb0pSxnvXKo4MrwYOoKi1VXgH-WfgJ4ndGKGgRirzE4GyvWQtLJ6DkBxS6-22qHoVWBjssQ-2iDs31T2R7sDyuP74CFUIcckWUkPB8EX3OVPGXB_CHjt3lbzw/s1600/WP_20140610_002.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While doing the work was incredibly enjoyable, I knew I had to do something in order to really display the amount of detail and rich color work. I chose to print a 24 x 36 inch canvas from the digital printer at Ampro Sports, the company I have worked as an art director for nearly ten years. Not only did the image replicate perfectly, the canvas was durable, lightfast and not susceptible to wrinkling or warping.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While I'm still yet to send one to Jake Pitts himself, his father Mark was so gracious to me and thankful beyond expectation when he received his own. It is a such a true honor to know that my work has touched someone emotionally regardless of their stature or notoriety. Mark intends on framing the piece and hanging it in his home in Hawaii.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At current, I am further embellishing the piece I will be sending to Jake. Current updates to tattoo work as well as a supernatural "element" to mirror my pieces of Andy Biersack and Ashley Purdy will further help to make the series synonymous. I may arrange another action shot as well however I have not concluded upon that decision just yet. Hopefully upon Jake's reception of the canvas he will find it a lasting tribute to his dedication to us, the fans of the Black Veil Brides and a big thank you from this artist and guitarist as well!</div>
<br />
Below are several progress images of Jake Pitt's tribute piece. Meanwhile, stay tuned for more Black Veil Brides pieces in the near future!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrQaeTXsLEC1-J94amm8BwfIu7vjEG8JzZAX9DMX9WsmUCz4u2jsznZ-Gs1R0_YWZFTxctmxQ2oBRF7yjS83-vq6d3XO2_939wROpBnpgg9UdIXiCSurlOtzbPDRdLXHLhGw-eudvCw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-07+at+12.05.00+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrQaeTXsLEC1-J94amm8BwfIu7vjEG8JzZAX9DMX9WsmUCz4u2jsznZ-Gs1R0_YWZFTxctmxQ2oBRF7yjS83-vq6d3XO2_939wROpBnpgg9UdIXiCSurlOtzbPDRdLXHLhGw-eudvCw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-07+at+12.05.00+PM.png" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhxLRvSjYTxEgRlxuW0FDygnt0WRBE97m-D_Zd-mSG2i55Vdy3vdJB0N72ZbrKcVYwojbTrNx_BAMOauTXjlXMV4N5pBF2Yn-uRnOQqatoApB8-dOlklG-ugcxJFFUhi1AWJQBee40Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-07+at+1.04.02+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhxLRvSjYTxEgRlxuW0FDygnt0WRBE97m-D_Zd-mSG2i55Vdy3vdJB0N72ZbrKcVYwojbTrNx_BAMOauTXjlXMV4N5pBF2Yn-uRnOQqatoApB8-dOlklG-ugcxJFFUhi1AWJQBee40Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-07+at+1.04.02+PM.png" height="224" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRkwzHs9QCZ_EeON__8LrRj6ujaF0y-TmejizUwdAnO-vtOfEWvRzleoRGsD4FvMziqs10UwQTaShFsGvlFo7OZH3ik7cKQ6LSgRB1EplVzySM5Bx_Y7_OMSZO1HRstU0I-SqKTWAoQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-08+at+1.00.37+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRkwzHs9QCZ_EeON__8LrRj6ujaF0y-TmejizUwdAnO-vtOfEWvRzleoRGsD4FvMziqs10UwQTaShFsGvlFo7OZH3ik7cKQ6LSgRB1EplVzySM5Bx_Y7_OMSZO1HRstU0I-SqKTWAoQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-08+at+1.00.37+PM.png" height="111" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7TLlPKetqcenjOwLNUdrDEN95EwuM8hfo3ZDXv2Fr2ZxDWr2e2A0HYrlP37oAq81XJwyI0B5IXfdcBJ72j2zKG8MNisUUZtATM7haRgchbg9xte9JF_Vfvhh3LM7OnicUR5-_rG-Xg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-14+at+12.26.55+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7TLlPKetqcenjOwLNUdrDEN95EwuM8hfo3ZDXv2Fr2ZxDWr2e2A0HYrlP37oAq81XJwyI0B5IXfdcBJ72j2zKG8MNisUUZtATM7haRgchbg9xte9JF_Vfvhh3LM7OnicUR5-_rG-Xg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-14+at+12.26.55+PM.png" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4m6e5hulS9EdGSW4yQKzJpxJh0zhuQVc9heWAXYBOskcvNbX2s6n-T5o71wpHoBObyeXd4RxASgoXEnsE0aExUaIuXwFUIdzZlzcmVX4buEtmn4pcrQncjDPqo_F9bIkhj3i1oL8mg/s1600/jake52814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4m6e5hulS9EdGSW4yQKzJpxJh0zhuQVc9heWAXYBOskcvNbX2s6n-T5o71wpHoBObyeXd4RxASgoXEnsE0aExUaIuXwFUIdzZlzcmVX4buEtmn4pcrQncjDPqo_F9bIkhj3i1oL8mg/s1600/jake52814.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGh3aJmr62rBfOo82ljY1wnPmDhdxIAPHH9Ns04fFpScLrWNEfVkirrYi2dvw5LDH3f2_KzNAwgVUju1HSTM3-inLHBPNcbQkExgD3sXYEfWEw7LXsYcKsHsSy37GfJ3uNiasXfkEp_A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-27+at+3.44.06+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGh3aJmr62rBfOo82ljY1wnPmDhdxIAPHH9Ns04fFpScLrWNEfVkirrYi2dvw5LDH3f2_KzNAwgVUju1HSTM3-inLHBPNcbQkExgD3sXYEfWEw7LXsYcKsHsSy37GfJ3uNiasXfkEp_A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-27+at+3.44.06+PM.png" height="179" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSMrzOtZ0l_pZMAwYxONsOLMasaihkorEdw8LcH3Rzdy0EcCwJRPo8Y4IlIZg1ZbAImi1HMMQogm4UaVErll0AlDcBO5QVhXS417f2xIaCxTg9jM59hqqBTpRUIt0zKE4JnS7wLOe3w/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-15+at+2.54.10+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSMrzOtZ0l_pZMAwYxONsOLMasaihkorEdw8LcH3Rzdy0EcCwJRPo8Y4IlIZg1ZbAImi1HMMQogm4UaVErll0AlDcBO5QVhXS417f2xIaCxTg9jM59hqqBTpRUIt0zKE4JnS7wLOe3w/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-15+at+2.54.10+PM.png" height="179" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBDEcRYrDbl0cNquaZKlwhyphenhyphenbTHounyWaovxmZquQuBa4bdvsWdF2ELhLtYbTKG4If5QzYInyJlTjjNk5J6KhE-NtFJC1pCx1kW1_mXiQcW2Wso_DRsw0vd4yCophs0Ivibv6EsGJv9w/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-27+at+10.03.01+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBDEcRYrDbl0cNquaZKlwhyphenhyphenbTHounyWaovxmZquQuBa4bdvsWdF2ELhLtYbTKG4If5QzYInyJlTjjNk5J6KhE-NtFJC1pCx1kW1_mXiQcW2Wso_DRsw0vd4yCophs0Ivibv6EsGJv9w/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-27+at+10.03.01+AM.png" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvOPoQ_PY2iaaCbVeOOJSbCgfJuIiDwpK3wiVWO7zvbDo32_GYWDd4qzWOwAB_zrATjYWf6Bv8NDVymzosmY4fnEzM1NqH7wBxCMhMSS_TkSlBIyTP2zGnYOJjqDkxgYZH0Sj6Tm5tw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-28+at+1.05.12+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvOPoQ_PY2iaaCbVeOOJSbCgfJuIiDwpK3wiVWO7zvbDo32_GYWDd4qzWOwAB_zrATjYWf6Bv8NDVymzosmY4fnEzM1NqH7wBxCMhMSS_TkSlBIyTP2zGnYOJjqDkxgYZH0Sj6Tm5tw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-28+at+1.05.12+PM.png" height="112" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxQOUGCxGrbVZFcWji9ltnCIUnytUeU41zGiP5tcYYqJrXROkF02DwAeNyWUXcC-4za49u1ipmdHRq1SHKhrFi3y1VrX7ZotKd1AkfjhY5Bd_2po2VfWb_mLR4WIQgpCgJ0nULVsP4A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-03+at+1.06.17+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxQOUGCxGrbVZFcWji9ltnCIUnytUeU41zGiP5tcYYqJrXROkF02DwAeNyWUXcC-4za49u1ipmdHRq1SHKhrFi3y1VrX7ZotKd1AkfjhY5Bd_2po2VfWb_mLR4WIQgpCgJ0nULVsP4A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-03+at+1.06.17+PM.png" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDzx6f941BsyPA4S3jQ03-ohtkF5BXJtX4VqR7vixvbIN2xAixIf3nSp8bfD3gqzcQEGt1Bm8m29wszpGneZnsHrEwRgnm8opsGqI3czggX2Oa9UgHCjT704vqtvX1hLBw3ow2X3Q4g/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-10+at+1.02.25+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDzx6f941BsyPA4S3jQ03-ohtkF5BXJtX4VqR7vixvbIN2xAixIf3nSp8bfD3gqzcQEGt1Bm8m29wszpGneZnsHrEwRgnm8opsGqI3czggX2Oa9UgHCjT704vqtvX1hLBw3ow2X3Q4g/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-10+at+1.02.25+PM.png" height="112" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hR2Uv0lzPaNvN443ZyVSVCSCNElsAmPMKWT1oIuxC1V7EYEv64eSKDmD9gIVekL6cNb-So_pUE3GvEAg-kQF2b-a98EUWd9HzeB3XhwerelXQIyoWXGybkaUs32G76uvfgeoS7ZnpA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-15+at+10.01.34+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">d</a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
rceracreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727778985552326559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298734650631921577.post-13471514258408341422014-05-05T10:11:00.002-07:002014-05-15T12:24:16.795-07:00GAYLE'S ASHLEY PURDY PORTRAIT COMPLETED!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ68pZTlgf8Rl-0jJESeIsnCemebRqc4hJ40c_HO1DcTao1yfrsc245klfjvHVSmLOs5vlCUomL6PoUWl0faLvl_zBg37eaELMiWWbUdVtCUkQ-gJHbwOQ7fWRK9cT9Kr8wOk0Hg47FQ/s1600/purd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ68pZTlgf8Rl-0jJESeIsnCemebRqc4hJ40c_HO1DcTao1yfrsc245klfjvHVSmLOs5vlCUomL6PoUWl0faLvl_zBg37eaELMiWWbUdVtCUkQ-gJHbwOQ7fWRK9cT9Kr8wOk0Hg47FQ/s1600/purd.jpg" height="522" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Completed Ashley Purdy portrait at left. Gayle with the final piece printed and framed at right!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">I'm so proud to have finally completed this massive digitally illustrated and hand rendered portrait of Ashley Purdy of The Black Veil Brides for my wife Gayle (pictured above)! She is the ultimate Ashley Purdy fan, or "Purdy Girl". She has a massive back tattoo dedicated to him to prove it! I will (hopefully) attempt to get his signature for her, which would truly make it a one of a kind gift!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This piece took immeasurable hours to complete, with a great deal of the time and effort put into hand illustrating and painting his own body art! Everything was hand rendered using a Wacom pen tablet through Photoshop at 400 dpi.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
I currently plan to illustrate in the same fashion, each member of the Black Veil Brides to complete as a full set, of which Jake Pitts (lead guitarist) will be next. He's even agreed to accept one for himself! This of course will be a great honor to have one of my favorite guitarists own my work!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXf2jmQ76oj4N5FFLiPOQEYYH19zpLdm4tghCfPtqMIOw5iiiCPkho9j6_zcm6NsF1Lqo8V7yN874Dm2oFyN62Af7ITQytMCShWICYYtSeAnHJY2wAwe4sTjS6rG7jOdyhFlt9u3k0A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-11+at+1.09.41+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
rceracreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727778985552326559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298734650631921577.post-79715756928659674052014-05-05T09:17:00.001-07:002014-05-05T09:17:22.873-07:00ART UPDATE ON DARK KNIGHT PIECE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHt7LOfgSXmO9UufEHlSg1CnspYwWTzFN-EIFzF5BKtlYR_zBI-jkINdDg5bhZPBIMQM-jF3OflN3rb5MAxa9k7BeCHrxMIabNBGIFVoijTL66X8nHWNztXDDGu0PzjWZxSfz6nuq4-A/s1600/BATMAN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHt7LOfgSXmO9UufEHlSg1CnspYwWTzFN-EIFzF5BKtlYR_zBI-jkINdDg5bhZPBIMQM-jF3OflN3rb5MAxa9k7BeCHrxMIabNBGIFVoijTL66X8nHWNztXDDGu0PzjWZxSfz6nuq4-A/s1600/BATMAN.jpg" height="640" width="466" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Work continues forward on The Dark Knight piece with the latest additions being the skyline of Gotham. Development is slow as each and every window and detail requires a great deal of time. The Bat signal and bats at right were added to round out the imagery. Batman in silhouette will be perched at top of building upon a gargoyle, heeding the call - over his (portrait) right shoulder. Further development on the Batman portrait will continue as well as embellishments and coloring on Bruce Wayne (Bale). Further elements are not determined yet, although I am considering the Tumbler in action or other portraits of select characters from the films. Check back for further updates coming soon!</div>
rceracreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727778985552326559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298734650631921577.post-52622844987581220332014-04-17T06:57:00.002-07:002014-04-17T07:00:40.115-07:00GENERAL UPDATE Hello to all and welcome! Thank you for visiting the page or following me on Twitter -@rceracreations or my Creations by Russell Cera Facebook page. Just a general update on creative things as I have not paid as much attention to this site as I should. I look forward to more updates in regards to art and writing as well as other projects I continue to push forward on!<br />
<br />
I've just completed a personal project, a birthday gift for my wife that I can't wait to print and frame for her! The subject is Ashley Purdy, bassist for the Black Veil Brides, and her absolute favorite person on the planet! I love doing portrait work and tattoo art for her and it's always a challenge artistically. This portrait in particular was very difficult as I had to hand draw and paint his own "art" - the tattoo work on his arms. The piece was completely digitally illustrated and rendered from scratch taking well over 40 hours to complete!<br />
<br />
I may choose another popular subject to create a high end digitally rendered portrait of so stay tuned for possible updates on that!<br />
<br />
I will also resume the Dark Knight piece, which is meant to be an intense collage of imagery from the Nolan series. I'm not sure exactly what characters or subjects it will include as of yet, as progress is very slow with the immense amount of detail necessary.<br />
<br />
On the writing front, things have stalled somewhat, but I'm happy to announce that Gayle Cera is now collaborating with me and hopefully, co-writing and editing a story and possible others that have long been on my mind over hundreds of pages of excerpts. It has been entirely difficult for me to push forward and writing has taken a back seat to the illustration and other creative pursuits as of late.<br />
<br />
I am also happy to say that I have been concentrating on my guitar playing and have opened up a Youtube Channel called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDFWO3jrTPhdw-98faBEZ7w" target="_blank">Trials of the Stay At Home Metal Guitarist</a>! There I will be posting videos and lessons, hoping that in doing so it will improve my playing as well as instruct beginners and intermediates as well!<br />
<br />
Thanks again for stopping by and drop me a line if you're interested in my work. Prints of many of the works can be purchased by contacting me directly and I'm available for commissioned work in any subject at this time!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />rceracreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727778985552326559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298734650631921577.post-37247391238458037482013-09-18T10:01:00.002-07:002013-09-18T10:02:53.542-07:00TWISTED EARTH PROLOGUE EXCERPT ADDED<br />
<div style="font-size: 14px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;">The visions are terrifying, and when they come to me,</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;"> they bid me to create awful things...</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;">things inspired by an apparition of persuasive evil.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;">Yet, amidst them all...</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;">there is still one faint glimmer of hope -</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;">an image of lasting beauty that comforts my tortured mind.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;">While I cannot decipher the meaning, nor recall it's purpose,</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;">I've secretly employed my talents to recreate this vision,</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;">hidden under the guise of darkness from the One that seeks to unhinge me.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;">If my effort to do so proves successful,</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;">I may still be saved after all....</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;"> I see flowing waves of golden hair dancing softly over a gentle breeze. The delicate tendrils frame the flawlessness of an angel's face, concealed partially by a half mask of pure white porcelain adorned with halcyon decor. A pale sunrise spawns over a landscape of rolling countryside behind her. The grass amidst her feet, caressed by the first kiss of winter's silver frost. Her piercing aqua eyes - how haunting they are... vividly apparent from within their encasements, they sear into my own, causing an intense, unwavering gaze. They seek answers... answers from my soul - to which I regretfully have none. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;"> Her slight frame stands motionless as a statue, wrapped elegantly in fine white linen to it's end; a long and flowing train snakes away into broken stalks of overgrowth, still producing the sweet aroma of autumn's last breath. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;"> Then, her blank expression changes, the crease of her lip turns upward to an apprehensive smile... and for one moment I am witness to a dream, warm and basking in that sudden turn, unashamed, accepted, yet strangely unaware of her identity.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;"> It is here that I wish for the vision to cease - yet it does not. However, this one moment... is perhaps a sign... a beacon... one saving grace, so minute against a backdrop of terrifying thoughts, yet so poignant... that I must somehow find a way to always recall it... or manifest it. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;">...and then I realize, She is my daughter... my savior.</span></div>
rceracreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727778985552326559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298734650631921577.post-3647821091324094702013-09-11T15:25:00.001-07:002013-09-11T15:25:23.527-07:00VOTE NOW FOR DIABLO RISING!Hi everyone and welcome! I recently created a piece for a contest called DIABLO RISING, which depicts The Lord of Terror himself from Blizzard Entertainment's Diablo III. The contest is being held by Design By Humans.<br />
<br />
You can vote for my design <a href="http://www.designbyhumans.com/vote/detail/231625" style="color: yellow;" target="_blank">DIABLO RISING</a> here!<br />
<br />
This image is completely illustrated and rendered digitally in Photoshop utilizing a Wacom drawing tablet at over thirty hours of work! Below you can see DIABLO RISING, from the garment concept, full image and facial detail. To all who visit and vote I cannot thank you enough! Good luck to all the entries and more on DIABLO RISING in the future!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3z7qM1RBjmTPWG-Sqx4tZ_SKvnqx3VZ2nDhBUpzE64DoIACNpl1-gkZavW_ujAQJ_lgIBACEFDV3ftXiFRKNxGpvMEzqSULeDt1QRwHnEb_2V642PDAPDcM3If4Qwdlr5fD1_sVikoQ/s1600/diablo-template.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3z7qM1RBjmTPWG-Sqx4tZ_SKvnqx3VZ2nDhBUpzE64DoIACNpl1-gkZavW_ujAQJ_lgIBACEFDV3ftXiFRKNxGpvMEzqSULeDt1QRwHnEb_2V642PDAPDcM3If4Qwdlr5fD1_sVikoQ/s1600/diablo-template.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbDmZXstmEiNZw0tgABOV4TthNFOBMJKHD08ptrMNu9Y9TmrrnXvq4KV9THsz_nE74Ggjf0TXbi5SIB09_QH2iI_6mWBVTz-0bGae-qYNrJMWLNjPGvKrVjNPULUS_ojrGxkg3j_LQw/s1600/DIABLO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbDmZXstmEiNZw0tgABOV4TthNFOBMJKHD08ptrMNu9Y9TmrrnXvq4KV9THsz_nE74Ggjf0TXbi5SIB09_QH2iI_6mWBVTz-0bGae-qYNrJMWLNjPGvKrVjNPULUS_ojrGxkg3j_LQw/s1600/DIABLO.jpg" height="640" width="552" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qz86voCIai1EPXMkr-e5oCo8K-GtNnxd3rmsf8l2w5GUBQjxlZ3Ol4vu2NnibBLAyBe6pqAmb3RLtJF95OZPgLPTWSOf4ghGtRIjd9laESq4zZV2KgmGKX7GsZ6GJtlhA-zPiIguvw/s1600/diablo-preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qz86voCIai1EPXMkr-e5oCo8K-GtNnxd3rmsf8l2w5GUBQjxlZ3Ol4vu2NnibBLAyBe6pqAmb3RLtJF95OZPgLPTWSOf4ghGtRIjd9laESq4zZV2KgmGKX7GsZ6GJtlhA-zPiIguvw/s1600/diablo-preview.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
rceracreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727778985552326559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298734650631921577.post-28923080613268223752013-09-09T16:35:00.000-07:002013-09-09T16:54:20.986-07:00JUST WHO IS IT?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Hello all, today I thought I might begin to post a work in progress that <i>begins</i> with a portrait of a very famous actor who played a very famous role. This work, intended for a very special person, will be a collage piece, that, I assume will take a very long time to complete. The portrait will only be a portion of the overall image and should make for a very exciting piece. To note, this is fully digitally illustrated and rendered art, meaning it is drawn and painted on computer using Photoshop and a Wacom Pen tablet!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
In the mean time I thought it might be interesting to share the creative process with anyone interested in seeing how something like this is done. Now please, do not consider this a tutorial, as many of the images will jump ahead in progress quite abruptly. However, I will explain some of the technique that goes into each of the steps provided.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
While you're viewing the images, you may want to try to guess who this is! For some of you it may be easier than others and if you're someone who knows I'm working on the project already, please do not guess! As further progress is made I will continue to update in separate posts!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
So let's begin!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Image No. 1 </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I start by doing an overall simple sketch of the subject. There are several ways to do this. In Photoshop, you can scan, drag and drop or import a photograph into a LAYER. On a separate layer directly over the top of the photo, the basic facial points can be sketched. The best way to do this is to use a very thin brush (airbrush tool) at a very low pressure and trace over the photo, which can be reduced in opacity to see your lines over the top of. There is no need for exact precision in sketching this layer as it will not be part of the final image. While tracing is an option, someone with more advanced illustration skills might opt to illustrate by eye. I chose instead to illustrate the portrait by not tracing, doing a side by side copy by eye from a photo of the subject. This of course is much more difficult and can lead to inaccuracy. Below is the simple sketch on it's own layer titled Portrait Sketch.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-GwKGZEDg3Mb05iXBO2GwQ1ZJEuRoyNSCVWy3p34k9-vK8Ce3kwlrl5YzSXi11w0NjARQkoO9KVM5lDraQz-vhaUx_ayfqKEgpO57BS7ULTsJnNSjOq6LSueaVbUK9xor9qZz5KbDA/s1600/ss1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-GwKGZEDg3Mb05iXBO2GwQ1ZJEuRoyNSCVWy3p34k9-vK8Ce3kwlrl5YzSXi11w0NjARQkoO9KVM5lDraQz-vhaUx_ayfqKEgpO57BS7ULTsJnNSjOq6LSueaVbUK9xor9qZz5KbDA/s1600/ss1.jpg" width="560" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Image No. 2<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
Eyeballs! Eyeball placement accuracy can be difficult and nothing throws a portrait off more than misaligned eyes. Here, I've used a circular selection tool to create the pupil and iris (on different layers) and filled them in basic colors. Once I have created the first eye, I can then duplicate it and place it in the correct location based on my original sketch. I then erase the section of the eyeball that will be covered by the top lid.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XYYHBD-qIOwS3NfdRXonHb1mVjMP-7f2_Zt7Z67GPVjHTNZJicj0RYAaiupGMnrUmVY7BPY-mcxBVwwlCobd_8GgvebDklamMxvBem05JNUMdXbGNsBedGV44IaIwqjRBb1_SqOJGA/s1600/ss2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XYYHBD-qIOwS3NfdRXonHb1mVjMP-7f2_Zt7Z67GPVjHTNZJicj0RYAaiupGMnrUmVY7BPY-mcxBVwwlCobd_8GgvebDklamMxvBem05JNUMdXbGNsBedGV44IaIwqjRBb1_SqOJGA/s1600/ss2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
Image No. 3 </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The third basic step is to create a layer where you will do your base face paint. Choosing a temporary flesh color I paint (on the separate layer labeled First Flesh) over the sketch loosely, a solid area, then on a separate layer I paint with a soft brush a very basic shadow flesh. You can still see the original sketch layer, which is over the top of the face paint layers but reduced in opacity.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNK12o4XmW0dPNYD4EFV8Pgjn6B0ZHF6kei3sd3lSXtM81EtQI_X-5r5KmRRG7fRVRJ5S5vAVZ4ZwOdH611yHf68EjEZODCUD1MAddz_-dDKmvSeEr0L1pnFSR8_LP8qTCTHEavdlauA/s1600/ss3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNK12o4XmW0dPNYD4EFV8Pgjn6B0ZHF6kei3sd3lSXtM81EtQI_X-5r5KmRRG7fRVRJ5S5vAVZ4ZwOdH611yHf68EjEZODCUD1MAddz_-dDKmvSeEr0L1pnFSR8_LP8qTCTHEavdlauA/s1600/ss3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Image No. 4<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
Now I've gone ahead and jumped some steps, but the next image begins to illustrate a basic level of details in and around the eye. Using different brushes, pressures and techniques, I've begun to construct the upper lids, paint the iris and and highlights, even begun to shape the eyebrows. As for the skin in and around the eye, I've begun to dab in highlights and shadows to give the effect of the uneven surface, pores and wrinkles. This can easily be created by being patient, using a custom spatter style brush at a very low pressure. The entire idea behind airbrushing either on computer or with the real tool is to build layers of color and effects very, very slowly.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-yMbGym09HKD3-8jKN4tM_51nr_gQXpbi1klLX8LGJSEzYPdz4JJjxnbrSGwKx3-b3J_ktNKhcKu0bzF_GOzjGQ2BWScfHqIDzpAuMIhom6tcNNaYVPJpkk9bHKIOZ-ZyMhQ4g0A7w/s1600/ss4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-yMbGym09HKD3-8jKN4tM_51nr_gQXpbi1klLX8LGJSEzYPdz4JJjxnbrSGwKx3-b3J_ktNKhcKu0bzF_GOzjGQ2BWScfHqIDzpAuMIhom6tcNNaYVPJpkk9bHKIOZ-ZyMhQ4g0A7w/s1600/ss4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Image No. 5</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
Image 5, our final for this post, shows the addition of more facial features, wrinkles and effects. I've started to shape the nose area, adding highlights and shadows based on the photograph of my subject. Zoomed out to this level, the facial surface is beginning to look somewhat realistic on the left side and the eyeball at left is ready to duplicate the same look again over to the right. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFP80BV5CU-kMzvbRkLLwPcW4A-wrObRMmzBA4BW5fjYNx9mmoIBaJnqbFDFwiUFnwSAzu_q0hyphenhyphenlI8iXd-5RPrX015mmQ6w1c4mee-BOcQ9VgkToLW6BJ72oax0L2q5exs7lbYi03XLA/s1600/ss6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFP80BV5CU-kMzvbRkLLwPcW4A-wrObRMmzBA4BW5fjYNx9mmoIBaJnqbFDFwiUFnwSAzu_q0hyphenhyphenlI8iXd-5RPrX015mmQ6w1c4mee-BOcQ9VgkToLW6BJ72oax0L2q5exs7lbYi03XLA/s1600/ss6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So have you guessed who the subject is? If yes, then I congratulate you! It's very difficult to recognize this person at this point and I'm certainly nowhere close to achieving a likeness. If not, no worries, as I will continue to update the progress of the piece as I move forward! I'm sure you won't be in the <i>dark</i> for too long! Thank you all for stopping by to witness this work in progress!</div>
rceracreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727778985552326559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298734650631921577.post-6665475242634580612013-09-05T21:56:00.000-07:002013-09-05T21:56:01.576-07:00THE MAN OF STEEL<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyrf_hkosWtWxd_RQuSQTraFpgyjQKCm3h8M1RKZ68GWAu1kNKtp3fm3qV6sdSHPCBWHL3-iPSMaUJECnlaocYOaEMuGVWPAYVNJCAVQmzNhBDbJCOSBTchZIWqKoh7HLgYtaycVofg/s1600/Superman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyrf_hkosWtWxd_RQuSQTraFpgyjQKCm3h8M1RKZ68GWAu1kNKtp3fm3qV6sdSHPCBWHL3-iPSMaUJECnlaocYOaEMuGVWPAYVNJCAVQmzNhBDbJCOSBTchZIWqKoh7HLgYtaycVofg/s1600/Superman.jpg" height="640" width="479" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Due to the extremely popular nature of the subject matter a watermark has been added for copyright protection.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Man of Steel - my latest piece is of course, a portrait of the late, great Christopher Reeve as Superman. The original art was created at 11 inches by 14 inches, sketched in pencil then completely rendered using prismacolor soft lead color pencils. Upon completion of the original, the image was scanned then further hand painted and embellished in Photoshop utilizing a Wacom pen tablet.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In regards to digital rendering, it is possible to achieve a level of detail that far exceeds what can be done by hand. The reason for this is the ability to zoom up to levels the human eye simple cannot. This presents a real crux for the artist as so much effort toward detail at a zoom level of say, 400 percent, will simply be unrecognizable once the image is printed at actual size. The Man of Steel was no exception to this!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The piece will hopefully be a first in an ongoing series of super hero related art, which I intend to be more sophisticated in technique over the course. I plan on doing a Dark Knight montage next, with Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne as the centerpiece and Batman looming behind. Possible other characters from the series may be included, yet I have not begun the planning stages yet.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Personally, the original art for Man of Steel was gifted to my friend and creative cohort James Lincke, who's been a Superman aficionado all his life! He is "going forward", taking bold steps toward realizing his artistic potential and this piece is a tribute to his ongoing journey...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unfortunately, I cannot offer for sale, prints like The Man of Steel, for copyright infringement laws prohibit the resale of copyrighted characters. I can however offer the ability to commission a totally original one of a kind piece! So if anyone is interested in owning their very own original of a character that's near and dear to them, by all means get in touch with me via the contact page and I will be happy to discuss your vision and the terms it will take to realize it!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Russ R Cera</div>
rceracreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727778985552326559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298734650631921577.post-57077375429537872782013-09-01T08:56:00.002-07:002013-09-01T09:03:08.898-07:00IN THE WORKS!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Welcome, I'm currently working on some very exciting projects I can't wait to share! While writing is a constant source of questions I can't seem to answer, I've taken to art (for the moment)!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One is a personal project that I have completed that begins to up the ante on my colored finished works. Let's just say it's a portrait piece that I hope to expand into a Superhero series, therefore attracting those who may want to commission their own pieces in this particularly popular genre!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The next is a t-shirt design contest for Diablo III by Design By Humans and Blizzard Entertainment, through which I will advertise for visitors to vote upon once it's complete! I can really use the support! I rarely do contests, however this one is right up my alley... so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it turns out the way I want it to! See <a href="http://www.designbyhumans.com/diablo-III">http://www.designbyhumans.com/diablo-III</a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My latest client is romance novel author Mia Natal! Thanks to a good friend and co-worker, I was recently introduced and will be the cover artist for her latest novel and hopefully more to come! I'm just about complete putting the finishing touches on the art and will advertise once the book is published!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finally, I have completed the last illustration for A Collection of Outdoor Stories by Russell M Cera, my Uncle. He will be releasing the book shortly and I will advertise our latest work as well as his other novels.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lastly on top of finally, I'm attempting to continue to update the site/blog! I've begun the Original Properties section as well as added more writing excerpts to the Original Writings page. These pages will be in an ongoing state of construction, so I do apologize if they are incomplete upon your visit!<br />
<br />
I'm getting great feedback on Google+ and DeviantArt... thank you all for your support!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
RC</div>
<br />rceracreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727778985552326559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298734650631921577.post-58160835411876996292013-08-11T16:50:00.000-07:002013-08-11T16:50:00.253-07:00CREATIVE WRITINGS SECTION IN PROGRESS!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello and a warm welcome to anyone that visits! I have begun to construct the CREATIVE WRITINGS section of this blog and I gladly invite you to explore it! While I simply can't include everything I've written, incomplete or whole, I'm hoping this collection brings insight to the creative writing process as well as exposure of my own endeavors into the medium. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So you are aware, I consider myself a novice in this area, or an aspiring author if you will. Presenting these excerpts should in no way be taken as braggadocious. I (believe) I am very versatile however in regards to writing style and have delved into various subject matters from children's stories and rhymes, to comedic works, to epic fantasy and horror as well as more adult themes. I'm hoping to illustrate this with the creative writings section and eventually (or hopefully) an ongoing chapter by chapter monthly updated original story.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
However, more so than anything, the excerpts presented within are dedicated to anyone who has either successfully or unsuccessfully authored their own stories, either fiction or non. It truly is a remarkable talent to conceive, compile, erect, deconstruct, edit and eventually complete a written work of art to be consumed and enjoyed (or criticized) by a hungry public. These authors have a patience and dedication that we must pay gratitude to, for what would the world be without great stories? This is a journey I have embarked upon and at the time of this telling, I'm yet to realize the ultimate destination.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wish me luck that one day I will!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thank you for visiting,</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sincerely,</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Russell R Cera</div>
rceracreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727778985552326559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8298734650631921577.post-65261287267498955292012-10-05T09:31:00.002-07:002012-10-10T10:14:05.648-07:00WELCOME!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Welcome one and all to the Creations By Russell R Cera blog!<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Recently, I've had to make an admission. As an artist, writer, aspiring novelist, voice actor and what else have you, I've become a self-afflicted Jack-of-All-Trades. Although I might like to say that every ounce of my creative time and energy is on a direct course, it is the exposure to and interest for a diversity of things that makes me who I am as a creative person. Therefore, in an attempt to bring it all together, I have established this little blog space to share my talents, projects, interests, reflections and aspirations in the most honest and personal ways I can.<br />
<br />
Please excuse me while I build and update each page, as there is a great deal of (hopefully) entertaining and insightful content to share!<br />
<br />
I am currently working on the FINE ART GALLERY were you can find a wide variety of finished, in progress and concept pieces along with some personal insight into the creation process. From there I will continue on to the subsequent galleries and pages. I am also adding older articles and editorials from my previous blog prior to writing anew.<br />
<br />
If you wish to contact me in regards to content or commissions while this blog is in it's current state of incompletion, please email me at <a href="mailto:rceracreations@gmail.com">rceracreations@gmail.com</a><br />
<br />
In the mean time, thank you for stopping by!<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
Russell R Cera<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
rceracreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15727778985552326559noreply@blogger.com0