I like Illustration Friday's new theme, spotted. I can't put my finger on why; perhaps it's because it's not a word anyone can take and interpret in the multitudes of ways like the site's usual offerings. And when I learned the theme, my brain turned to word-association mode, and within a fraction of a second I had an idea: spotted dick.
Quit snickering.
But then I had to figure out what to do with it. And it only took a few seconds more for an image – the one you see here – to pop into my head. Then I prayed my hand could follow through with the picture my brain was set on; a caricature of Richard Nixon peppered with measles. For that I searched for pictures of Nixon that I could base my sketch from. A historical art buff might be able to tell that this caricature is based heavily from the painting of Nixon by Norman Rockwell that hangs in the National Portrait Gallery.
My sketch began with pencil, then was inked over in pens of varying thicknesses and finally touched up with some quick shading (using a soft pencil for the skin tones and a black conté stick for the suit jacket and final touches on the face). Colour work, done in Photoshop, was done after erasing smudges and any wayward lines digitally. Sketching took two-and-a-half hours; colour and touchups, another two hours.
A larger image of the pre-Photoshop sketchwork can be seen here. It almost seemed a shame (to me) to add the colour and spots because I enjoy the original drawing so much – but then again, if it wasn't for I-F's theme it wouldn't have happened in the first place. Let me know what you think.
12 comments:
Unique take on the subject.
8^)
I really like the quality of this illio. Your penwork especially in handling the hairs is awesome! This kinda shows the tender side of Nixon. This is the first time he looks a little innocent to me. :P
Your mind works in strange ways, Jeope, and the results are always top-notch! This is an excellent caricature of old Tricky, and given the current state of affairs here, it's an almost pleasant face to look at! The initial sketch really shows your excellent technique, which isn't overwhelmed by the color you added. Well done, and certainly the most unusual interpretation of the topic:>
OUTSTANDING job, Jeope!
talk about original. love your illo and that you gave details about it!
erika
http://www.five3.com
Very nice, thanks for the 'how-to'as well.
This is a great Nixon caricature. I can tell that you put a lot of time and effort into it.
Awesome likeness!...and, I like your technique! Unique idea for this week's theme!
Very nice. Love the idea and the likeness is there, for sure.
First class caricature work! I love that you've worked this up to such a fine finished picture. There could hardly be a better choice of subject either - when I saw the title, this was actually who I thought of - old Tricky Dicky himself!
I laughed out loud when I saw the 'spotted Dick'! Not sure that's what the English think of when they think of 'spotted dick', but it sure is funny!
This very clever and well executed.
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