This is Matt’s second banner commission and we will be following a similar format. You can see the first version in the banner gallery.
Here is a compilation of images that will eventually make up Matt’s banner. The final results will lean more towards the style in version 1. Instead of a dark red background like the first one, we are going for a dark blue. The text in the bullet will change and the labels on the bottles in the back will change as well. Those elements are not crucial to my start. Many of images on the table are Matt’s actual props (voodoo doll) or similar items. The overall idea was to create a psychic tent.
Fabrics: The “Flash Gordon/Ming-like” curtain behind Matt’s head (although amusing) will be either toned down or the entire triangular shape eliminated. The background curtains are more of what I am going for. The foreground curtains are just for shape. The pattern and overall appearance will be different. The rug itself will be simplified in pattern.With the tablecloth, violet will be the color of choice and I may make the folds of the fabric break the frame. The white area below will either be dark or a continuation of the tablecloth. On the tablecloth just below the table top will be select zodiac symbols.
The “spirit aura” will come out of the crystal ball while suspending a piece of chalk and voodoo doll. This mist will break the frame and it will be the last (or close to last) item that I will paint. The objects in the book shelf will vary slightly in shape and color.
Matt has done a great job sending me tons of reference shots of all of the items that are used in this image. I have a variety of angles for each shot as well as variety of styles for each prop. Many items did not make it into this version to avoid over crowding. These items include a spirit board, planchette, pendulum, pocket watch, trunk, palmistry poster, etc. However, I have a great collection of reference images now…Thanks, Matt I also have close-up shots of hands, facial hair and cuff links.
Timeline is short. Goal: this week I just finished #6 for the Shelburne Museum so I can feel good about “half way there” Once I get Matt’s approval, then the painting will begin. I will start with Matt’s face. If I can capture that, the rest will be golden. Hooray for Epson!!!!
In the studio today, I had some great studio visitors …..wait until April when I start my next big painting. This one has been haunting me for months. It is going to make a big impact on another subject…bigger than I think I can even consider at this moment. Stay tuned for that one. Ok, that’s it for today. I have to get ready for an early workout and a long day at school.
Matt The Knife V2 & the psychic tent
Here is a compilation of images that will eventually make up Matt’s banner. The final results will lean more towards the style in version 1. Instead of a dark red background like the first one, we are going for a dark blue. The text in the bullet will change and the labels on the bottles in the back will change as well. Those elements are not crucial to my start. Many of images on the table are Matt’s actual props (voodoo doll) or similar items. The overall idea was to create a psychic tent.
Fabrics: The “Flash Gordon/Ming-like” curtain behind Matt’s head (although amusing) will be either toned down or the entire triangular shape eliminated. The background curtains are more of what I am going for. The foreground curtains are just for shape. The pattern and overall appearance will be different. The rug itself will be simplified in pattern.With the tablecloth, violet will be the color of choice and I may make the folds of the fabric break the frame. The white area below will either be dark or a continuation of the tablecloth. On the tablecloth just below the table top will be select zodiac symbols.
The “spirit aura” will come out of the crystal ball while suspending a piece of chalk and voodoo doll. This mist will break the frame and it will be the last (or close to last) item that I will paint. The objects in the book shelf will vary slightly in shape and color.
Matt has done a great job sending me tons of reference shots of all of the items that are used in this image. I have a variety of angles for each shot as well as variety of styles for each prop. Many items did not make it into this version to avoid over crowding. These items include a spirit board, planchette, pendulum, pocket watch, trunk, palmistry poster, etc. However, I have a great collection of reference images now…Thanks, Matt
I also have close-up shots of hands, facial hair and cuff links.
Timeline is short. Goal: this week
I just finished #6 for the Shelburne Museum so I can feel good about “half way there” 
Once I get Matt’s approval, then the painting will begin. I will start with Matt’s face. If I can capture that, the rest will be golden. Hooray for Epson!!!!
In the studio today, I had some great studio visitors …..wait until April when I start my next big painting. This one has been haunting me for months. It is going to make a big impact on another subject…bigger than I think I can even consider at this moment. Stay tuned for that one. Ok, that’s it for today. I have to get ready for an early workout and a long day at school.