Marvel Double-Shot #2: Masks, Page 4. 2002.
Oil on canvas, 20 x 30".Just in case you didn't hear,
yesterday's post was a flaming hoax in honor of April Fool's Day. I invented the entire story and doctored existing photos of British stunt man,
Steve Truglia. It was all in good fun and, judging by the number of hits I got, many of you enjoyed it. Now on to a true story:
Early in my career, I was very dependent on reference for just about everything, but especially for figures and faces. In other words, if I had to paint a character, I had to find a model. For my first sequential Marvel work, I collaborated with Christopher Priest, whose script called for a (surprise, surprise) beautiful woman. That being the case, I was compelled to find one (more so than usual).
Marvel Double-Shot #2: Masks, Page 3. 2002.
Oil on canvas, 20 x 30".I found such a muse at my gym and, after a couple workouts, built up the courage to ask her if she would be willing to pose. This was actually made easier by the fact that she worked out with her boyfriend, so it didn't appear to be just a lame pass. My dad was with me at the time, so he had my back, perhaps lending a certain credibility to my case. Furthermore, since I was working out, I had every excuse to be sweaty.
Progress photo by my mom. Yes, I am wearing pants;
it was hot in my 'rents garage.Her name was Priscilla and, after my initial pitch, the first words out of her mouth were, "Is it a porn comic?" It was not; and so I had my model. I invited her (and her boyfriend and, ultimately, another friend) to my house for the photo shoot (I was still living with my parents at the time—classy). She did a fabulous job, taking direction very well, and giving me the inspiration I needed to finish the comic. My girlfriend at the time, who was home in Cleveland for the summer, took the whole thing in stride (and ultimately shared a scene with her as another character in the story).
My dad, posing—apparently Dr. Doom did undergrad
in Providence. I constructed the mask out of aluminum
flashing with craft paint for the rivets.Thank you so much for helping me celebrate Wacky Reference Week! I may have some announcements next week, but we shall have to wait and see. In the meantime, have a great weekend!