Creeping towards the finish line. I had only a few late nights with which to work. Once the initial composition is painted, I will need to add half-paste washes to much of it to get the desired effect. I have most often left my figures in a sort of under-painting state because I like the look of it with my style. I decided to do full (although not realistic) skin tones for this one. That will require the layering.
I have been listening to latter-day Bob Dylan albums as I work. I think I left off listening to him around 1992 with the Good as I Been to You record. The album Tempest has enthralled me. His recounting of the Titanic mishap in the title track is magnificent. Such a fresh take on ubiquitous and enduring pop culture tale that I thought I’d heard enough of. I returned again and again to the opening cut Duquesne Whistle with those indelible opening notes. The album hit me in the gut immediately and I had the damn thing on repeat for quite awhile.
Another inspiration has been the new self-titled release by Jason Eady. I say his name in the same breath as the one above. His song Barabbas set me to researching this historical figure whose death sentence was commuted in lieu of Jesus. I looked up historical artworks depicting Barabbas. So many stunning interpretations- I like the Portrait of Barabbas by James Tissot.