posted
Here is a link to one of Dru Blair's paintings. http://drublair.com/tica.html I have taken a couple of classes under him and I can assure you that if he says it's painted it really is - although my brain just will not accept that it's not a photograph. I've seen him do portraits right before my eyes and when they are done I still have a hard time believing that it's paint. If you ever get a chance to take one of his classes, don't miss it. Just like a Letterhead meet, don't plan on getting to bed before 2 am. Dru has the most discriminating eyes I have ever seen. I swear he could tell the difference between two 55 gal barrels of the exact same paint only one of them has one extra drop of another color. He's a task master from the word go so you might not get to start on your "project" the first day; you may spend the first 6-8 hours matching a couple of paint chips. I can't say enough good about Dru; he is just the most incredible illustrator I've ever seen.
-------------------- Ricky Jackson Signs Now 614 Russell Parkway Warner Robins, GA (478) 923-7722 signpimp50@hotmail.com
"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Sir Issac Newton Posts: 3528 | From: Warner Robins, GA | Registered: Oct 2004
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Ricky, That IS an absolutely amazing ability that this man has. Not to be negative, but it's pretty much 'lost' on me...if that much realism and detail are required, why NOT use a camera? Interestingly enough, airbrush artists actually airbrush minor skin flaws, etc. off of live models or photos! Then you get unrealistic perfectionism.
I guess I just like painterly affects and even in 'realistic' style artwork...too much realism is just a human camera...
-------------------- Signs Sweet Home Alabama
oneshot on chat
"Look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, work like a dog" Posts: 5758 | From: "Sweet Home" Alabama | Registered: Mar 2003
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Sheila, I understand your point completely but if you look at his other pieces (the gallery) you'll see that he paints things that can't be easily captured with a camera. Check out the dynamics of his aviation art; there is something going on in each print that depicts movement or a split-second situation. If it were just copying a photograph I would have to agree, what's the point?
The details of the skin, the pores, etc, are done using a combination of transparent and opaque inks and he paints on illustration board. It's as much about the "taking off" as it is the putting on; he uses an electric eraser, exacto knife and sandpaper to give his paintings an "organic" character. If you do a class of his be sure to "paint what you see - not what you know". If you paint what you "know", he'll bust your chops, LOL. Dru isn't as easy on you as the late Mike Stevens was.
-------------------- Ricky Jackson Signs Now 614 Russell Parkway Warner Robins, GA (478) 923-7722 signpimp50@hotmail.com
"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Sir Issac Newton Posts: 3528 | From: Warner Robins, GA | Registered: Oct 2004
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-------------------- Janet Bakewell One Sun Grafiks Inc. Slave Lake, AB Canada www.onesungrafiks.com Posts: 128 | From: Slave Lake, AB Canada | Registered: Apr 1999
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As far as to what's the point. Man, I'd much rather have a portrait like that hanging on my wall than a photo. Sorry, there's probably only a handful of people on the planet that can produce a portrait of that quality....anybody can take a photograph.
-------------------- George Perkins Millington,TN. goatwell@bigriver.net
"I started out with nothing and still have most of it left"
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Wowy, wow wow, I think I just might sign up for one of his workshops.
-------------------- Signs by Alicia Jennings (Mudflap Girl) Tacoma, WA Since 1987 Have Lipstick, will travel. Posts: 3814 | From: Tacoma, WA. U.S.A. | Registered: Dec 1999
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Why would he at one stage be still blocking in color for the ear and be complete with details on the other parts of the painting. I am not so sure about this one.
-------------------- Wright Signs Wyandotte, Michigan Posts: 2785 | From: Wyandotte, MI USA | Registered: Jan 1999
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-------------------- Mario G. Lafreniere (Fergie) J&N Signs Winter did show up! Posts: 1257 | From: Chapleau, Ontario | Registered: Jun 1999
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posted
I have a hard time buying it too, but I have no reason to think that Ricky would give a bogus testimonial. I have a similar take as Sheila. I prefer art that is more artsy, and not so photographic in nature.
My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
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I hate to disagree with you, but after talking to Dru and seeing his work for years, I have to. This is a portrait done with an airbrush and paint. There is no computer manipulation here, It's the real deal.
See ya, R.T.
-------------------- R.T.Thomas,AirDesigns/Sign And Airbrush Studio rtart1@earthlink.net
Hattiesburg,MS 39401 Shop 601-584-1000 Cell 601-310-5901 Proud supporter of LETTERVILLE!
"Ahhhhhh.......Juicy Fruit." Posts: 547 | From: Hattiesburg,MS USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Ditto what Karyn said, but take it a step further: What CAN'T be done? You might be able to convince people of things that really are not.
Maybe.
I guess it depends on how much the artist relies on existing photos to work from. But with ability like that, there are probably times he doesn't need to work from a photo.
Pictures like this, and photoshop type abilities must have diminished the credibility of pictures as eveidence. I'm no lawyer, but I wonder about it. Once in awhile my mind wanders to the philisophical aspect of it all, like,where is technology taking us,(in these situations) but I'm usually too busy to park there for awhile.
I've wondered before if the style of a well rendered impressionist painting is the language of dreams and memories, that's why it's so compatible or comfortable to some. But this style, my, that could be a blast for surealism!
-------------------- James Donahue Donahue Sign Arts 1851 E. Union Valley Rd. Seymour TN. (865) 577-3365 brushman@nxs.net
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what's for lunch, Benjamin Franklin Posts: 2057 | From: 1033 W. Union Valley Rd. | Registered: Feb 2003
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This kind of talent to me is amazing and requires a deep level of talent and discipline. As opposed to someone who tosses paint at a canvas and calls it their idea of the human form or whatever the subject might be.....
posted
Leonardo da Vinci paints the Mona Lisa, and Dru paints Tica- it's all art- hand & eye well coordinated, regardless of whatever other aids may have been used, plus tons of experience. As Dru says, almost 80 hours went in to it.
I'd love to be that good, it's beautiful, and beats any photo or digital print hands down!
-------------------- "Stewey" on chat
"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7014 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
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I have to agree with Stephan as well, I just don't believe it. Even the masks look fake. And Why do a portrait that looks that real? But if i'm wrong don't take it as an insult, it has to be a compliment, there's no other way to take it. But I really don't believe it. So take it as a compliment, I'm starting to sound like Paula Abdul.
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
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I would have to see it to believe it. The step-by-step on the website does not convince me.
-------------------- Phil Steffen, 29 Van Rensselaer St City of Saratoga Springs DPW Saratoga Springs NY 12866 Posts: 563 | From: beautiful Saratoga Springs NY | Registered: Aug 2001
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Philip I totally understand; if I had not see what Dru can do with my own eyes (as he's doing it) it would be very hard for me to accept; in fact, it's hard for my brain to accept it even after I've just watched him do it. He does use an opaque projector and lots of photo references but everything you see is paint, nothing digital about it at all. What would be really cool is for a dozen or so of us to get a class together. It's not often that you can train under a master like this. Dru is a national treasure as well as a personal friend. I've helped him do airbrush on a B-1 bomber here at Robins AFB and I actually helped him do a little bit on one of his Star Trek paintings (one with all the tiny portraits). Seeing how he did the thousands of stars in all the different depths was amazing - and unbelievably simple.
-------------------- Ricky Jackson Signs Now 614 Russell Parkway Warner Robins, GA (478) 923-7722 signpimp50@hotmail.com
"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Sir Issac Newton Posts: 3528 | From: Warner Robins, GA | Registered: Oct 2004
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I have met Dru several times, and taken his color-mixing class, where "pretty close" is never good enough. The color either matches or it doesn't, period. A very tough class, very glad I took it!
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I have to chime in here. Yes folks, Ricky is absolutely shooting straight here. Dru is an ultimate photorealist. I understand and think there is merit to Sheila's perspective, but Ian's take is more where I stand. It takes amazing skill to exact such a perfect replica. I miss the days of AirStorm here in Atlanta (in the 1990's)where Dru used to do demos. He's defininely genuine. I too would like to take a class or 2 from him. He's truly amazing!
-------------------- Nancie W. Phillips White Dove Painting Studio 74 Dacula Road, Dacula, GA 30019 678-887-3339
posted
Surely, you've all picked up an American Artist magazine somewhere along the line. AA has thrived on photo realism for as long as I can remember. It's as accepted an art genre as surrealism and impressionism.It certainly isn't for everyone, and truthfully not mine, but sure is incredible at this skill level.
Dru has to be at the top of the genre or damn near it. If his paintings were any more alive, the canvas would breath and the eyes would cry real tears!
posted
It is an odd way to work, completing one section at a time but it works for him. I would call it more an illustration than fine art but it's a very nice illustration. For me once you get over the gee whiz factor the piece doesn't do much. Art still conveys the same feeling over time. That's my 2 cents anyway.
-------------------- Jim Upchurch Artworks Olympia WA Posts: 797 | From: Olympia, WA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
This sort of talent is rare, but I had the pleasure to work with a guy very similar in technique.
He was a finished Artist in an Advertising Agency where I cut my teeth after leaving College.
Raymond Ching. His "hobby" was bird paintings, mainly in water colour. He would pencil in his lay-out using photographs and dead birds for reference. Start at the top of the illustration and fully render it finished all the way down. I used to watch him. The result was almost photographic even down to the cobwebs on the log the bird was on. Unreal!!!!
His Originals now fetch six figures on the world market!
I do have one of his rare prints, now worth thousands. Plus I have his original portfolio book ... every printed plate you could frame. Damn, back in the 60's I could have had an original for peanuts, but I was paid less than that at the time.
I believe in this age of "Computer Art" originals will become even move valuable. More pleasing to the eye and appreciatition of the talent involved. More "tactle" to the senses.
With a computer you make a mistake. OK, go back to the last "save" and start again. Don't like the "effect"? ... try again. NO CONTEST!
It's bit like digital print vinyl murals
[ May 11, 2005, 03:45 AM: Message edited by: Jon Butterworth ]
posted
The more I look at it, the more I don't believe it, the procedure just dose'nt make any sence. I'd like to know how big the artwork is.
But to answer the question Why do something that Realistic? I guess it's these responses that warrant why? All his other artwork, looks almost photographic, but it is artwork, at least you can tell that. lol
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
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Why? for fun to prove you can for pleasure for practise to try to get better still to learn new tricks, problems & solutions to try to keep a step ahead of your peers for money?
I'm not trying to defend him, I've never met him, but his standard is an aspiration for me.
To read fellow signies doubting his ability is amusing in a sense as it implies that "because I can't personally see or work out how it's done, it must be fake/impossible/trickery"
That's almost like seeing a lot of pinstriping and deciding it must have been masked and sprayed, just because you don't personally have the expertise to hand paint it...so you don't believe anyone else could be that good
It's only by setting the standards high that quality emerges, and aren't we all trying to do that here, except in a different category of design & lettering rather than photorealistic portraits ?
-------------------- "Stewey" on chat
"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7014 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
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I went to Mike Lavallee's Lucky Seven Pinhead meet many years back, and they had an airbrush artist there named Javier (a friend brought by Bill Riedel) I was amazed at the realizm of his airbrusing ... right down to the pores of the skin. So, I have witnessed that realizm of this level can be accomplished by hand with the airbrush.
It's mind boggling! Nettie
-------------------- "When Love and Skill Work Together ... Expect a Masterpiece"
posted
Well said Ian, this man has reached perfection and should be admired for his ability. No matter how good someone is in anything, there always seems to be someone better. In this case we have witnessed the someone better.
-------------------- Bill Riedel Riedel Sign Co., Inc. 15 Warren Street Little Ferry, N.J. 07643 billsr@riedelsignco.com Posts: 2953 | From: Little Ferry, New Jersey, USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted
There is no envy or ridicule in doubting the portrait we are talking about. Looking at the man's website, he has done some of the finest airbrushing around. Artistically or stylistically, he is not in the category of many.(Hold on, my opinion!)
The real point is the step by step in progress. Like Neil I find it doesn't make sense to finish areas totally and go on to the next. Why wouldn't you lay down the whole base color for all the flesh areas. Also, this example is way more realistic than his other works. Now, all I am asking is for an explanation. There defininatly are people who can achieve this level of realism, the photo realism artists of the early 60's (Chuck Close) have shown that.
So Ian, I can imagine people with far more ability than me. Heck, everything I do reminds me of that. It doesn't mean I can't question them or have doubts with out questioning my motives.
Where's that Attaboy! icon.
-------------------- Wright Signs Wyandotte, Michigan Posts: 2785 | From: Wyandotte, MI USA | Registered: Jan 1999
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quote:Originally posted by Stephen Deveau: And I can assure you Folks, That this is not one of the "Master Piece" done with an Airbrush....
Computer Airbrush Yes!! I do this type of computer work all the time but..
This is not a Manual Brush Job!
Oh-Well!
Great for a Digital Print Job.
It is real! No computer. Go to his site. I know several peaple that have taken his class and some that are personal freinds. The man is amazing. It was douted on a airbrush site and Dru went on and proved it was indead airbrush with other tools as xacto , colered pencils but no computers. I would give more info but I am sure you know everything. Why do it? Hell so you can sit back and laugh at the peaple arguing if it is real or not.
-------------------- Ryan Young Indocil Art & Design indocil@comporium.net 803-980-6765
I highjacked Letterville!! Winter Muster 2004 Posts: 904 | From: Rock Hill, SC | Registered: Sep 2001
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i totally believe its real...i also believe there are people walking the planet that have amazing gifts...this man is one of them. i saw a little boy on a documentary...he could look at a building then go to his drawing pad and draw every detail to a t...without looking back. it was truly amazing...and i've also seen children that can play piano like you can only imagine. its a gift from god...period...believe it or not.
-------------------- Karyn Bush Simply Not Ordinary, LLC Bartlett, NH 603-383-9955 www.snosigns.com info@snosigns.com Posts: 3516 | From: Bartlett, NH USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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Nope! Still don't believe it. lol Just look at the face, half way down he ends it, and then the lips are there by itself. Why? No doubt the guy is a genius with an Air Brush, and other mediums, but his otherwork is not even close to this type of realism. lol
And Ian, all of this is being said with laughter in the kindest sense of appreciation for the man's talent, and these answers are what he thrives on.. "I just don't believe it!"
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
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Neil He does it like a photograph. 4 coler process. Every color is almost as thin and transparent as water. What do you mean the other work is not like this peice there is some that surly is.
1988 I am sure he got alittle better than this old crap in 17 years! Every thing in the pic is paint
This is all paint! I have freinds that have seen it first hand. What do you mean "his otherwork is not even close to this type of realism"
Pick up a Airbrush magazine!!!! He is in all of them. Sign guys saying he cant do that! I wonder how many peaple will beleave that cant be lettered with out using a computer in the near future.
-------------------- Ryan Young Indocil Art & Design indocil@comporium.net 803-980-6765
I highjacked Letterville!! Winter Muster 2004 Posts: 904 | From: Rock Hill, SC | Registered: Sep 2001
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here is another prodigy to check out if you've never seen her work . . .almost makes me feel as if I'm really foolishly wasting my time trying to paint when I see this work. . .she has an absolutey stunning gift and is one who just totally moves me, literally stimulating my entire heart and soul...
I don't doubt for a minute that Mr. Blair really does the work shown entirely by hand work...primarily because Ricky said he witnessed it...and that's good enough for me, not to mention that I've seen too many amazing things on the earth in just the short amount of time I've been on it...
LOL. BTW, Deveau, since when did digital prints employ frisket?
It also explains why Blair is so meticulous about colour matching not only to acheive the intense realism, but also since he works in 'sections' and therefore MUST have perfect matching to move from section to section, which many have commented on and I agree, seems a strange way to work...
I think most of us, and just about all artists in general, tend to fill in all of the areas at one time when we are working with a certain colour and then come back in with details and shadows, which is only just another reason why this guys work is so amazing, as well as his own personal desire to make his subject MORE than a photograph through the time he invests in attention to even minute details... . . .
It would be important to learn the 'removal' techniques for realism that Ricky described this gentleman uses because they can easily be learned and applied to other forms of painting to add to the realism, or even creatively used in other ways, on any peice.
Still, this particular type of work just does'nt appeal to me personally as 'art' (although, YES it IS art) I just like to be able to 'see' and 'feel' brush work, movement & different forms of art when appreciating a painting and OR techniques.
In contrast to George, I would rather have a more 'painterly' type portrait than a photographic-type one hanging on my wall...
posted
The reason most of your don't believe this can be done is because of the way you, yourself, approach airbrushing. You probably get a general fleshtone, spray everything that is flesh, mix a little white with the fleshtone, spray the highlights, mix a little brown with the fleshtone to get shadows and viola - a portrait. You have three (with the occuring natural gradiations) tones. That is a thousand miles from what Dru does or what he would let you get away with in one of his classes. Yes it seems goofy to work in such discreet "sections" but the way Dru works, everything that is the slightest bit different in hue, saturation, texture or whatever is a different part, not just something to be painted a general color and then covered over. Dru has the eye and the dicipline (and a masters degree in art) to do this. In the first class I took from him, his assistant instructor showed me how to do mountains. They were looking like crap and I knew I had gotten bad information. Dru came over and saw what I was doing and showed me (and the rest of the class) how to do them. He ripped off a piece of paper and mixed up some sky blue paint and in about 45 seconds had duplicated a part of Denali to perfection. I still have that little (signed) "original". I've seen quite a few of Dru's originals and most of his prints are about the same size; he does not do big originals then have them scaled down. Not only does his work come to life before you, he is without a doubt one of the fastest painters I've ever seen. He started out painting T's at Myrtle Beach, SC. During the winter he decided to go to college and major in art when he wasn't working. From humble beginnings...
I still take all the naysaying as a compliment for Dru tho; Even after spending over 100 hours working with him my brain simply refuses to accept that anybody can actually paint that good. How many of you now wish you had taken the late, great Mike Stevens layout and design class? I have. How about Dusty's carving class (paying - not at a meet)? I have. I'm telling you, don't let this chance slip away. Do yourself a favor and sign up for a class; you won't regret it.
-------------------- Ricky Jackson Signs Now 614 Russell Parkway Warner Robins, GA (478) 923-7722 signpimp50@hotmail.com
"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Sir Issac Newton Posts: 3528 | From: Warner Robins, GA | Registered: Oct 2004
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Ryan, I still don't believe it. lol This is a compliment! My eyes tell me not to believe. And refering to his other work,like the movie posters, you can tell that's artwork, you should be able to distinguish between artwork and photographic work. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . But yes I do believe it's Airbrushed really, but I'm having a hard time believing it. lol
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
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![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
at a realistic female figure.
![[Applause]](graemlins/applause.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
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