This is going to be a piece for a conference this fall...the first sketch (lower left) is the strongest but didn't quite fit their perceptions, so we're off to the races with revisions.
I love looking at sketches, so many thanks for posting these, John! Do you have even earlier ones?
The 3rd is the most fun to look at, but it looks like Obama's really mowing Reagan down (I don't think anyone'se ever seen RR actually look that scared.) The other 3 are ambiguous: Reagan's train's getting wrecked, but Ronnie's intact. I'm curious —what's the political statement? Was the content dictated by the client?
I forgot to mention how much fun the drawing is, especially the train with the parts flying. It reminds me of a nightmare straight out of McCay's Rarebit Fiend strips —delicious!
Thanks Chuck - the idea was the clients from the start but they visualized kind of a Thomas the Tank Engine thing at first, which I talked them out of. The idea is that the "old" loco and train is the old-line Reagan-era GOP being backed up/demolished by the new regime, and therein lies the client's issues...several people in the approval process reading in all sorts of meanings, so hard to say who will win out. Fortunately I've convinced them to stay with the basic image up to this point. You flatter me to no end with a McCay comparison...Craig or Windsor!
This looks like it will be a cool painting. I like the third one too. What changes did they want?
ReplyDeletemostly RR's look/attitude...will probably hear back tomorrow on direction. I need to start painting...!
ReplyDeleteI love looking at sketches, so many thanks for posting these, John!
ReplyDeleteDo you have even earlier ones?
The 3rd is the most fun to look at, but it looks like Obama's really mowing Reagan down (I don't think anyone'se ever seen RR actually look that scared.) The other 3 are ambiguous: Reagan's train's getting wrecked, but Ronnie's intact. I'm curious —what's the political statement? Was the content dictated by the client?
I forgot to mention how much fun the drawing is, especially the train with the parts flying. It reminds me of a nightmare straight out of McCay's Rarebit Fiend strips —delicious!
ReplyDeleteThanks Chuck - the idea was the clients from the start but they visualized kind of a Thomas the Tank Engine thing at first, which I talked them out of. The idea is that the "old" loco and train is the old-line Reagan-era GOP being backed up/demolished by the new regime, and therein lies the client's issues...several people in the approval process reading in all sorts of meanings, so hard to say who will win out. Fortunately I've convinced them to stay with the basic image up to this point. You flatter me to no end with a McCay comparison...Craig or Windsor!
ReplyDeleteThe third sketch was the first out of the box.
ReplyDeleteAlso, your line work is terrific. When Chuck mentioned Winsor McCay, I instinctively agreed.
ReplyDeleteThe sketching is so detailed and well done, i'm looking forward to seeing the finished piece. What medium will you use?
ReplyDeleteprobably acrylics and oils over a detailed drawing...not clear on what the background and surround situation is yet...
ReplyDeleteAt any rate, I liked some of the vadlo evolution Cartoons!
ReplyDelete