“The Bad Guy”
Knowing the capabilities of my artwork, I searched far and wide for the next model for my series. While drawing “The Medic,” I did lose sleep over the next model…
I met the model, Spike West, the same night I met Ed and Duncan. While talking to Ed about this series, which at the time wasn’t fully developed to what it is now, Spike came over with a drink in hand, wearing a full black leather one-piece. He looked at me up and down, and said to Ed “Who’s this?” At that time Ed and I met and chatted for a while. It was a crazy night with so many people in the bar’s basement in Philly. It was dark, but with some light, I saw this man. His blue eyes stuck out like a sore thumb, and after seeing his eyes. I knew he was a good fit for what I was looking for. I just needed some more experience first.
“The Bad Guy”
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.
Eventually, as that night went on, Ed and Duncan hosted an after-party. Somehow I weaseled my way into going to that party. I wasn’t there for Spike at the time, I was however chasing another man. I promised my mother and father that I would return home that night. As I was leaving I saw this man in leather chaps. With his chest and arms out in the open. My eyes couldn’t leave him. It was like an infectious disease. He caught my eyes looking at him…
This was about a third of the way done. Once I got his eyes in, I then knew it’s a good portrait.
I did, eventually, leave that party. Although for a while after that amazing night. I couldn’t get this man out of my mind. It’s sort of like I fell in love with him, and couldn’t stop thinking about him. As of writing this, I don’t want anyone to think I was obsessed with him. Something in me was and is still attracted to him. It was like a switch turned on, and won’t turn off. Now I know when I fall for someone, I usually fall hard for them, and I usually can’t let them go, but I knew I needed to. At the time, without knowing him, I could read that he had a troubling past. As for what that was I had no clue. So, one late night, I messaged him about being in the series. It was like midnight, and I didn’t expect him to answer… I then received a “Yes, I’m honored you’d pick me…” We scheduled a photo shoot and a motorcycle ride. I was baffled…
Before the interview I had him answer the interview questions. This helped me gather more insight into their views as a person and their personality. I also developed titles for what I thought suited his “look”. I had prepped two titles “The Freebird,” and "The Bad Guy.” Both would have been great options, but after getting to know his past and him as a person. I knew my choice after the interview. He also had a collection of leather, rubber, and other BDSM gear. All locked in his basement. With five or so wardrobes filled with gear, all from friends and online shops. After the interview and the photoshoot, we went for a motorcycle ride. I never wanted it to stop. He took me on his usual paths around where he lived. It was a core memory for sure. I will never forget it. I had my photo and knowledge, now all I needed to do was to draw him.
The process was fairly easy. I had to capture his eyes, sadly they were in grayscale. Also, the shadows in this portrait, bring forward the light brown leather shirt he wore. So it all worked out.
I sit here looking at his portrait on my screen, and I love the shadows and highlights in this portrait. It seems as though I’m getting better at this over time, which is a good thing. As the perfectionist in me sits here, I do see some mistakes, but I look past them. I know I can’t always be perfect. So I need to become more of an adult with that.
After the portrait was done I posted it on Instagram and Cara. I’ve been getting more and more traction of followers and likes on my artwork lately. I need to keep up that traction and hopefully have an army of followers. Then I’ll hopefully call myself a full-time artist by then.
Soon after drawing Spike, I was so inspired by his story. I also have an amazing opportunity to create a self-portrait for another art contest. So I combined the two, and we’ll see how it comes out. I have the canvas prepped and ready to go. My due date on that painting would be August twenty-third. That is also in this series, so keep your eyes out for it.
