Classic Styles
The term traditional media, as it is used here, refers to those tools and techniques associated with contemporary derivations of classical [visual] art forms. These include pencils, pen and ink, brushes and paint on such mediums as paper, illustration board and canvas. This is in direct contrast to new media which includes such data files as e-mail and electronic documents (e.g. bitmap images, PDFs and web pages).
Studying Leonardo da Vinci
Overview
Being an artist, I've often looked to the works of the Masters for inspiration as well as examples of artistic sensibility and technical execution. As such, I've spent many hours studying the work of Leonardo da Vinci in hopes of furthering my own artistic abilities. The following examples show some of this work.
Vitruvius Redux
For more than five centuries, Leonardo's Vitruvian Man has been used as a tool for understanding the proportions of the human figure. My rendition of Vitruvius began as a study of the drawing but evolved to become "drawing of a drawing" with pencils sitting on top—as if the artist had set them down to rest. The strategic placement of the pencils ensured that Vitruvius would be immortalized with his dignity intact. The usual scowl on his face was replaced by a smile which is testament to his elation.
Original: ink on painted illustration board; 15"x20"
The Condottiere
Thousands of drawings by Leonardo da Vinci have survived throughout the ages. However, very few of his famous drawings are considered finished pieces; his Portrait of a Warrior, or (more appropriately) The Condottiere, is one such example. Leonardo's original drawing was done in silver-point on parchment—a style which requires an extremely delicate touch. My study of this piece was achieved using a soft pencil on illustration board.
Original: colored pencil on painted illustration board; 15"x20"
Trent Reznor - A Stylized Portrait
About Reznor
Trent Reznor (born Michael Trent Reznor on May 17, 1965) is an American musician, singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He operates under the studio name Nine Inch Nails, and was previously associated with the bands Option 30, Exotic Birds, and Tapeworm, among others. As of 2007, Reznor split his ties with Interscope Records, and is now an independent, unsigned musician. He is considered by the Los Angeles Times to be one of the most acclaimed creative figures of his generation of music. (Source: Wikipedia)
About this Project
Working from a photo-reference I found in a magazine, I painted this "stylized" image of Trent Reznor. The design was penciled out on illustration board and painted using various shades of gouache.
Original: gouache on white illustration board; 15"x20"
