Speak softly and carry a big charcoal pencil. Have a great weekend, everyone!
Me: “Dude!”
Teddy Roosevelt Drawing: “Bully!”
Me: “Dude!”
Teddy Roosevelt Drawing: “Bully!”
About this image: charcoal drawing on Bristol Board
Colonel Roosevelt
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Tag Archives: Historical Figures
The Penny Project
Lincoln piece number three. One thousand one hundred pennies (each different). It’s like my Dallas, Texas – November 22, 1963 painting in that it becomes ‘clearer’ when viewed from a distance (step back a few feet for Abe-ification). I wanted more P.P.I. (pennies per inch), but my collection is limited to eleven bucks and change. There’s been a significant curves adjustment on most coins (full disclosure), and I worked in quadrants to keep my computer from exploding (original is approx. 22.75″x 22.5″). And each penny is ‘heads-up’. Naturally.
About this image: flatbed scan(s), digitally combined and lightly modified
The New Fives
Hopefully this painting reminds you a bit of a U.S. five dollar bill. Or part of it, anyway. Crackle/distressed background texture(s), lightly rusted line-work and shinny copper sides… just F.Y.I.
Me: “Honesty, Abe… you took forever paint, too!”
A.L: “Dude! Nearly four score and seven years!”
Me: “Dude!”
A.L: “Dude!”
(my original Abraham Lincoln piece here)
About this image: acrylic painting on 10″x30″ canvas
Dallas, Texas – November 22, 1963
It takes Photoshop about a second to render an image like this. It takes me about a month to paint one. Seven hundred eighty 5/8″ squares (including ‘edges’ not visible here). *hint* Step away from your monitor (or remove your glasses if you wear them) and the image blurs/merges into somewhat more recognizable shapes.
My inspiration here was the idea ‘memories/thoughts’ of/about events, time, place, etc. are often built-up in a second hand way… through photography, film, other media… blah blah blah. Anyway, apologies to Chuck Close fans. Believe it or not, I did not intend to completely rip off the master when I started this project. The guy is an absolute beast… I have no idea how he does it… ridiculously impressive.
Random question time! If you could have a conversation with any US president, who would you choose? I think I’d have to go with Lincoln (my first Lincoln piece here).
About this image: acrylic painting on 16″x16″ canvas
The Big Three
Disclaimer… there is NO big political statement intended here – this is merely an exercise in abstraction. Initially I was going to print / cut out these portraits as templates to spray-paint through. I still might try something like that, but while I’m out shopping for Krylon, hang on to those retinas everyone.
About this image: digital media – vector art created with Adobe Illustrator
E Pluribus Unum
Hey, hey it’s Abe’s birthday (well, tomorrow, anyway)! That’s why I’ve posted this mixed media 3/4 Abe Lincoln Face I made a while back for my sister.
Me: Happy b-dizzle tomorrow, big A!
3/4 Abe Lincoln Face: We’ll, HONESTLY, 3/4 of my face does feel a year older.
Me: Well, as they say, it sure beats the alternative, I guess.
3/4 Abe Lincoln Face: You said it, bro.
About this image: charcoal drawing, digital text, and copy of Lincoln’s inaugural; gel medium transfer on copper toned 10″x10″ panel.
Refrigerator Magnate 