Rise of Darth Vader

This painting is currently on display at the Riverside Renaissance Center for the Arts in Millville, NJ.

I attempted to do this painting several years ago. But, I abandoned the painting for numerous reasons.

The antique frame required quite a bit of repair.

Darth Vader Pez Dispensers were used to give the frame a little more dazzle.

I had to visit three different stores to get enough Darth Vader heads.

Slave to the Show Skateboard

This painting/skateboard is currently on display in the Riverside Renaissance Center for the Arts.

A lot of effort went into the typography. Numerous sketches were made seeking out the ideal styling of the lettering.

For some letters only half of it was designed. Since the letters O, H, and W are symmetrical I took advantage of the convenient computer capability to copy and reflect the left side of the letter to the right.

The Rise of Vader

Oil on Masonite Board

A painting for the Philadelphia Cartoonist Society Exhibit in at the 

River Renaissance Center for the Arts in Millville, NJ. 

More in the information on the exhibit  can be found here:

PCS in Millville

Work in Progress

Always near,  during the painting of this artwork, I keep the pencil sketch, the painting study (behind the line drawing) and copy of the inspirational painting, The Return of Spring.

I did a great deal of research on the costumes of the storm trooper and Darth Vader.

He's Blocked In?

I began the "Block in" phase of the painting using only a 1/2 inch filbert brush. The only focus is to get as close as possible to the desired tones and hues. The goal is to get the overall feel of the painting established. Attention to the details are kept at a minimum. With this painting, during this stage, it's all about capturing the dramatic lighting.

The Block-in painting phase can take more than 1 layer of paint since, most times, the artist is not quite sure how light, dark or chromatic the colors of the different areas should be. But, since I am copying an old master painting my artistic thought process is different. I am just trying to mix the color and draw, in paint, what I see in my printout of the old master painting.

Oil on Linen - 10.5 hrs

I confess that this is my favorite stage of painting. I can sit (or stand) in front of the painting for several hours with minimal tension or frustration over the painting process. The painting quickly evolves and will begin to "look like a painting," giving me a sense of enthusiasm that the painting is progressing well.

I Scumbled Across this Painting.

The first layer of paint has been scumbled onto the canvas. A quickly applied (approx. 1 hour) thin layer of opaque paint to begin establishing the tonal and color placement. The combination of the use of certain oil paints that dry quickly and the thin application of the paint this coat should dry within a day or two. Then, ready for the next coat of oil paint. 

Young Girl Embracing the Moonlight

Oil on Mounted Canvas - 8" x 10"