It's been a long time since I did anything with scratchboard. I decided to try a portrait with a much more detailed approach than I've ever taken before. This is what I have so far:
[ July 29, 2010, 03:08 PM: Message edited by: Russ McMullin ]
Posted by William DeBekker (Member # 3848) on :
OMG That is Amazing.. Now that's true talent
Posted by Dale Feicke (Member # 767) on :
I don't know what the hell 'scratchboard' is, Russ.....but that is AWESOME!
Whatever you're scratchin', you're doin'it right!
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
Why do you even touch a computer when your hands can do that. Amazing. I know what scratch board is. when my wife was still teaching art her students had to do a scratch board project. That is top notch stuff.
Posted by Russ McMullin (Member # 5617) on :
Thanks Bill!
Thanks Dale. The scratchboard I use has a 1/8" masonite substrate coated with a smooth layer of white clay, like gesso. That surface has been airbrushed with a thin layer of black ink. So, the board starts out black, and I use an exacto blade to make marks on it. They show up white. There are special tools for scratchboard, but I use a #11 exacto blade.
Dave, I really appreciate your comments. This isn't typical of the work I have done in the past. But, I hope it's an indication of where I'm headed. A few weeks ago I saw some really cool scratchboard portraits online and they allowed me to see more possibilities in the medium than I had previously. With so much difficulty finding a job these days, self employment opportunities are my best way out of this economic disaster. So, I hope to keep doing artwork by hand, especially if it pays.
Posted by Jillbeans (Member # 1912) on :
My goodness gracious Russ. That is one heck of a piece of work. Just outstanding. Everything about it is perfect. You can even sense the guy's personality. Love....Jill
Posted by Bruce Brickman (Member # 8180) on :
Very nice Russ. Beautiful detail while keeping lots of life, excellent!
[ July 29, 2010, 07:59 PM: Message edited by: Bruce Brickman ]
Posted by Russ McMullin (Member # 5617) on :
Thanks Jill and Bruce.
I don't currently have any commissions for scratchboard portrait work, but I decided I couldn't really promote it until I created a few examples.
Posted by Russ McMullin (Member # 5617) on :
Here is one I did recently with prismacolor pencil on matboard:
Bruce, your pet portraits rock. I love the dog you recently posted.
Posted by Bruce Brickman (Member # 8180) on :
Thanks Russ, the biggest principal for me to learn is about edges. They are so important for controlling the eye that I would equate them to values! Take a look at Richard Schmid www.richardschmid.com and Jeremy Lipking for this principal Richard is a living master, each stroke is economic, accurate, and flawless in color and value. Breath taking to me. Life gets killed in detailed work from a mechanical attitude and less than absorption in concentration. I assume you know this but until is a living action my mind needs to be reminded.
I just loaded my pallet and feel less than inspired so your kind word is perfect timing, thanks! I look forward to seeing more of your work and if I can ever be of any help please don't hesitate to contact me. Time for some James Brown and get painting!
Posted by Sam Staffan (Member # 4552) on :
It is always great to see one of your pieces Russ.
That man is unreal,....no I guess I mean too real. Fantastic!!
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
Russ, that piece absolutely captures the emotion of the image. That piece literally made me gasp.
Outstanding work.
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
I'm glad to see you doing illustrations, Russ. You have a lot of talent in the design field as well, but I suspect this is where your heart is. Both of the pictures you posted are great pieces of art. Is the portrait by any chance your father?
Posted by Lawrence Armstrong (Member # 8336) on :
Outstanding!
Posted by Neil D. Butler (Member # 661) on :
Have'nt heard the term Scratchboard since I was in Tradeschool back in 77.... Russ that is amazing, and I don't think most people have'nt a clue how much work that is... My hat is off to you.
Posted by Dale Feicke (Member # 767) on :
Russ, when you do a portrait, like the man on the top, do you have to work with a magfifier or some type, to get the detail?
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
Russ - I've always admired just about EVERYTHING you've done... and these examples just reinforce what an amazing illustrator you are.
Good heavens man... you should be doing commissioned portraits of presidents and heads-of-state with that talent. Seriously!
You need to find a way out of the confines of your yard and get yourself noticed. All you need is a 'break'.... and then you'll be the international sensation you richly deserve.
I had to laugh at the babie's tongue hanging out... kinda reminded me of the face my kids used to make after we spoon-fed them Gerber Peas...haha.
Posted by Ian Stewart-Koster (Member # 3500) on :
That's phenomenal... and lots of other words on the tip of my tongue but I can't identify any of them for the moment!
Posted by Jon Butterworth (Member # 227) on :
Russ, that is fantastic.
I appreciate the time and skill that goes into this sort of art. No way can you correct an error.
My father was a master ... I remember tigers heads, dogs and animals he did. Every hair!
In those days, 50's, it was china layers and a steel needle.
Keep it up mate ... it's great,
If I send you a pic of our dog "Candy", would you do a panel for me? Just charge me what it takes.
Posted by John Deaton (Member # 925) on :
Fantastic Russ!
Posted by Dale Manor (Member # 4858) on :
Beautiful work Russ
Posted by Barry Branscum (Member # 445) on :
That's insane. You are officially this week's king of the signshop!
Posted by Michael Gene Adkins (Member # 882) on :
Jill's right about the personality showing thru ... yer killing us Russ ...
Posted by Russ McMullin (Member # 5617) on :
I have been meaning to give a response, but time got away from me. Thanks very much to all of you for your words of encouragement.
@ Bruce Brickman, my biggest concern with the scratchboard project is over-finishing it. I have let it sit untouched for a few days while I decide how far to finish into the shadows. Thanks for the link!
Kelly, the man is my sister's father-in-law. She was showing me some photos from a little reunion they had, and I thought he would make a great subject.
Neil, when I started doing scratchboard back around '92, there wasn't much information about it at all. With the help of the Internet, the knowledge is more available, and there are people doing work with scratchboard that I never even dreamed of back then.
Dale, I recently got bifocals and they help a lot! My near vision has been getting worse and worse, which is been more than frustrating. The close-up part of the bifocal magnifies just a bit, and it's really helpful to see what is happening in the details.
Thanks Todd! I'm not sure the best way to promote portrait work. I have never tried entering work in art shows or having a booth at an art fair. All of my projects so far have been word of mouth from friends.
Jon, thanks for the phone call. It was cool to hear your accent. Of course, I have no accent myself. Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :
Russ, it is quite stunning! You are a talented soul! Your subject matter is cool too. How did you get started with this? Very interesting and unique.
Posted by Russ McMullin (Member # 5617) on :
Thanks Deb! I started doing scratchboard in college. It seemed to magically add spice to just about any drawing.
I think I'm going to call this one done. Hopefully it doesn't look like I overworked it:
Posted by Bruce Brickman (Member # 8180) on :
Congratulations Russ that is killer! Given the gesture and attitiude your resolution hit spot on I think. How inspiring to see thanks for sharing it.
PS- Did I say wow...WoW!
Posted by jack wills (Member # 521) on :
Monster...talent.
[ August 04, 2010, 08:01 PM: Message edited by: jack wills ]
Posted by Darcy Baker (Member # 8262) on :
Russ, it's perfection!!! I would have easily mistaken that to have come from Escher.
Posted by Rusty Bradley (Member # 6938) on :
Fantastic work...beautiful...however on the man...if you'll move the 5th neck hair up just a smidgen it will be perfect.
Posted by Russ McMullin (Member # 5617) on :
LOL Posted by Pat Welter (Member # 785) on :
Russ, Fantastic...Man that is awesome work, how many hours?
Posted by Russ McMullin (Member # 5617) on :
Pat, this one took a lot longer than I expected. It's at least 24 hours total, probably more.
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
Wow, 24 hours, to me is cookin'. Great job.
Posted by Elaine Beauchemin (Member # 136) on :
outstanding piece of art. Thanks for sharing. amazing talent.
Posted by Neil D. Butler (Member # 661) on :
Frig Russ, there's no way you can improve on that... Absolutely stunning.... It looks like he could tell you some interesting stories.
Posted by Rusty Bradley (Member # 6938) on :
The 24 hours spent on the portrait is a moot point in my way of thinking...it's not a matter of time but rather talent...if you gave the overwhelming vast majority of people on the planet their entire life times...they still could never do this...few are gifted this way...and Russ is one of them.
Posted by Kelsey Dum (Member # 6101) on :
You are a true artist! Very nice wok! I recently did an airbrush piece on a 36 ford. I lost track of hours because I was so enthralled and just having fun with it. I'm sure you do the same. Great work again!
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Stunning! 24 hours....and a lifetime.
Posted by George Perkins (Member # 156) on :
Those are absolutely stunning!!!!
I can only imagine what your school desk looked like Posted by Erik Winkler (Member # 9040) on :
That is soo sick! Looks great!
Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
Russ,
Your work never ceases to amaze me!
Posted by Joe Crumley (Member # 2307) on :
It's so nice to have fellows like Russ posting. He's such a tallent. I've never seen any of his work that wasn't top notch.
Posted by Bobbie Rochow (Member # 3341) on :
Russ, you are actually thinkign backwards when you do this, & THAT is what is amazing to me! Awesome stuff!
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
LOL George! Simply masterful Russ!
Posted by Lynda Yoder (Member # 7340) on :
Just beautiful, Russ! You have captured the character in him.
Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
Gee, I never tried that medium before. You really got it down. Would ya say I'ts something a person can do on a plane to pass the time? When I get a chance, I'd like to see how that's done. Gonna have to google the techinques.
Posted by bill riedel (Member # 607) on :
When you have reached perfection, where do you go from there? There aren't enough words to describe how perfectly you did the portrait. Bill
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Fantastic!!
