“The Medic”

Right after “The Guide” was finished. I took a small break, and then immediately jumped on this portrait. I already had the source for this portrait ready, so all I needed to do was draw it.

“The Medic”

Materials: Bristol Paper (11”x14”), Faber Castell Graphite Pencils, Faber Castell Matte Graphite Pencils, Ohuho 320 Marker Set, and Prisma Color 150 color pencil set.

So Ed, the model of “The Medic,” was met through scruff like Keron, but it was long before this whole series. Way before Keron’s portrait was even thought of. Before all of this, I did have the urge to draw gay leather men while I was with my boyfriend at the time. While with him in the picture I never really thought about how to do it, or even where to start…

Soon after Ed and I chatted. I went into my development stages, for about two months. I originally had planned only ten portraits. That soon changed as soon as I learned more about the culture, the history of the leather community, and also the “BDSM”/”fetish” community as well.

Learning the different “roles” and some of the “rules,” was very interesting. I was brand new to this side of the gay culture, still am mind you, and my eyes have been more open to these ideas. The roles/titles of “Master”/”Mistress”, “Sir”/”Ma’am”, “Boy”/”Girl”, and “Slave” were all unique and dynamic. As for this series, I wanted more “military” nicknames for the titles, like “The Privet”, “The Sargent”, and “The General.” Which would’ve shown the “Old Guard” standards of the hierarchy as well with this series. That all changed because I wanted the model’s character, their drive, their spiritual energy. That I picked up on while chatting with them in person. What makes this person identifiable from everyone else? That’s what I was looking for, and also what I am looking for to this day.      

As for the models Ed and his husband Duncan. Both were and are “Sirs.” Which I thought was very interesting, and I wanted to capture that. Neither of them submits to the other. They both are on the “same playing field” sort of speak. Now knowing all of this. I wanted their portraits to be a “dad” different from each other, but also similar showing that they are a team who can and will work together. Not only by “guiding” the newer generation of gays but also by “caring” about them and the leather community standards.

As for the process… It wasn’t as challenging as Duncan’s because both are fairly similar, but a lot of personal issues with my job and my personal life were affecting my productivity. Both Keron and Duncan’s portraits took about two weeks to complete. While Ed’s took about three to four weeks. All of those issues have been settled and resolved but at the end of it all. I loved how Ed’s portrait came out. It still does to this day remind me about all the personal struggles, but it’s not about that to me. It’s about the bigger picture. I see these portraits at a show and the other smaller topics I wanted to showcase. Will make all of these “issues” well worth it.

Plus after this portrait. I already had the next model ready. I also had a really good interview with said model. I am still working on his portrait, but I know it’s going to be good. If anything it’ll be one of the best…