Wizard King Final

Wizard King 24"x36" oil on panel

Hey everyone, this has been a couple months in the making and I can finally say to you (and to myself) that it's done! This piece will be mounted above the front door in my parents' house in honor of my dad who posed for it. I've had to set this piece off to the side one too many times to work on other projects but it feels amazing to have it finally done! I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to stop by the blog and leave their comments and encouragement. It really means a lot to have that kind of support. This is the largest painting I've done to date and it was a whole lot of fun to work on along with being a huge learning experience.

Anyway, I hope you guys dig it!

Progression of the process from sketch to final

sidenote: I'll be updating this photo in a day or so after I get a chance to varnish it, but I was just too excited after finishing it tonight and had to post it up :]

Wizard King: Sketches

cropped piece of the finish

Hey guys, I just recently trudged my way through the sketch phase for my next big portfolio addition. I'm starting the finish this weekend but I thought I'd share some of the sketch/process stuff I came up with along the way. I would love for more of us to show your own processes, I think it's really interesting to see how everyone works.

Thumbnails:

Most of my thumbnails end up either being boxed in or loose sketches that evolve into little scenes. I tried a bunch of different concepts with this one, a lot of which having to do with the crown piece he is wearing. Being one of the main focuses of the composition, knew it had to be spot on.

Horned helmet/crown piece was something I was torn on, but didn't think it would communicate "king" ..so the idea was scrapped after a few other trial and errors. (others not shown here)

More crown studies.. trying a frontal view


I've been experimenting with borders and designs lately, this is just a selection of where I was thinking of taking them.


Another crown idea, A cropped half of a possible sketch.

One of the MANY shots I got for photo reference, my dad was a good sport about it.
Even though he is wearing a cloak and holding a staff and a sword in this picture. :)

Sketches:

First round rough "final" sketch

Finished sketch
23" x 17" Pencil and Charcoal on paper

Ultimately, I'm happy where it's going. The finish will be 24" x 36"
I'm really excited to get started on this and can't wait to see all the work everyone will be pumping out this spring!

sidenote: Thanks, everyone, who came out to the Joker show tonight, it was great to see a lot of familiar faces and get to chat for a bit with new ones. To those who couldn't make it out.... may you burn in hell. Kidding, hope to see you at one of the next few shows The Autumn Society has booked over the next few months! Joe, you did an incredible job organizing everything and making our first group show a huge success and I personally am stoked for the next!