Tom Waits (as Renfield) for Caricaturama Showdown 3000!

10/03/11:
The first time I tried drawing Tom Waits, I really struggled, and was unhappy with the results.
After seeing Brooke's drawing of Tom Waits for the CS3K this week, I started thinking about revisiting Tom Waits. The more I thought about it, the more it just seemed like fun.
This time, however, I decided to focus on my favorite Tom Waits - his portrayal of Renfield in Bram Stoker's Dracula. I just LOVE the way he played up that character.
Even though I have other projects to work on, I gave in to my urge. So I did some reference searching. I had to do some screen grabs from a video, but it was worth it.
And I had a BLAST!!!
Here are my sketches:

Pencil, 8.5 x 11"

And here's some close-ups:


I'm not sure which is my favorite, because he made such great expressions. But I do admit I LOVED his face when the doctor proposed giving him a cat... LOL
(Not that I approve of that sort of thing, of course...)

JOHNNY!

10/15/11
The finished painting:
"The Man In Black"

Acrylic, 16x16"

10/09/11"

Just put the signature on the painting of Johnny Cash! Tidied up the edges and sides. Letting the paint dry.
*WHEW*
In the morning, it's off to the photographer. I'll post photos when I get them.
:)



10/06/11:


Progress shot:




10/05/11:
Even though I'm feeling crummy tonight, I can still post some pix of the progress in the last couple days-

Glazing, working up the more subtle bits of form, getting the darks darker (ya can't get the blacks too black for 'The Man In Black!')

10/02/11:

Building up the lights, layering the shadows... then going back in and unifying the whole thing; then doing it again...
I'm getting a little bit better at taking photos with the webcam. Still, I miss using a real camera...

10/01/11
Take an in-depth look at the painting process via my post on the band's blog HERE
09/26/11
Developin' da nose...

Detail:

09/24/11
More progress...

(Again, these are lo-res webcam pix... my apologies.)
Detail:

09/23/11

Webcam shot of the painting so far:

Another sketch... playing with the proportions and 'stretch & squash... all the while trying to maintain that "Johnny" likeness:




More sketches for potential piece for the CD Relief auction...

Pencil, 9 x 12"


Detail
What a great face - and a classic musician. I'm really enjoying this stage of the process - the exploration.

KEEF

11/29/11:

Definitely Mo' KEEF-Y.

10/??/11:


9/12/11:
I'm working on a piece to donate to the CD Relief/LLS benefit.
I thought I'd give ol' KEEF a shot...


Sketches:


Pencil, 9 x 12"

Yeah, I know it's been done before, but geez, the more I sketch the guy, the more I find his face fascinating - a veritable artistic playground...!
How could I help but have fun with this?