“The General”
Since we last worked on someone "new" to the Leather Men community, I wanted to focus on someone with years of experience. However, I did not expect to meet someone who held the title of "Master."
I first met Master Steeltoe at the first Annual Keystone Leather Contest. I wasn’t there to watch the contest, but rather to scout for more models for my series. There were many people there, but I could feel this strong leadership energy emanating from him. He was behind the judges' panel, judging the contestants. As the contest was going on, I happened to spot his side profile and immediately knew I was going to draw him. He had the look I was searching for, and his experience was evident.
The event was amazing. I had initially planned to attend only on Saturday, but then decided to return on Sunday to see the contest winners crowned. There were two other people there that I’m eager to draw and add to the series, but I’ll keep that to myself for now. I did, however, discover that there were more women than I anticipated. I had planned to add them to the series but feel uncomfortable with just one or two women in the whole collection. So, I’ve decided to draw ten more portraits of women, in addition to the fifteen men. This will help add more diversity to the series for a while.
The Interview
For the first time, I was running behind on the day of the interview. I woke up late, got myself together, grabbed all my gear, and drove to his place in New Jersey. The drive wasn’t bad—mostly on major highways, and then I was there. The drive was easy... until I had to urinate. In my rush, I had forgotten to go before leaving, so after two hours of driving and holding it in, I arrived at his place, in pain, and rushed inside to relieve myself. I was embarrassed...
After the bathroom break, I collected myself and was ready for the interview. I hadn’t received his interview questionnaire, so I had to get to know him on the spot. He told me his life story, which was fascinating. As the interview progressed, he started answering my questions without me even asking them. For anyone who doesn’t know, I usually write down my questions the night before. It was as if I knew what he was going to say next. My mind was blown... almost speechless.
The photo shoot went quickly, like all the others. I knew exactly what I wanted to capture and show the world. I wanted the world to see him the way I did at Keystone Leather. That’s why I chose this particular pose. Now, I like to tell people that he’s one of the kindest people in the world and has an amazing smile. I couldn’t capture that, though, because it wasn’t the look I was going for. I wanted to capture this intimidating “leader” that no recruit or soldier would dare to mess with.
The Process
This drawing took more time than usual due to all the layers of leather. It looks amazing now, but during the process, it was a bit of a juggling act. In the end, it turned out stunning, and I’m very happy with how it came out.
The Source
I started by adding the details of his face, leather, and white button-up shirt. Then I used graphite pencils. The leather has become second nature to me. His facial features—eyes, nose, and mouth—were key to making this portrait successful. I also love his leather armor, which I’d never seen before. It was like he was suiting up for battle. I was in awe. It was also awesome to see two of his leather family members there. Watching them help him suit up for the photoshoot was fascinating. Meanwhile, I’m at home struggling to put on leather boots, and he has his own crew to assist him. It must be nice.
Once I finished the main portrait, I had to work on his collection of hankies. This man has eighteen different hankies, all arranged the way you see them now. The only one I had trouble with was the houndstooth... I had never heard of this hanky, but now I know what it means. It seems I still have some learning to do. I know most of the hankies, but not all of them. I also love how colorful they are.
The Finished Portrait
“The General”
11x14 Bristol Paper, Faber Castell Matte Black Graphite Pencils, Faber Castell Graphite Pencils, Ohuho 320 Marker Set, Prisma Color 150 Color Pencil Set, White Posca Pen, Zebra Brush Fine Pen
This portrait is now my new favorite in the series. It perfectly captures what I originally saw at the start of the whole project. He had a simple, stern look, and I was able to capture that. He also gave me advice about my path in this scene, and I’ll take his advice with me as I move on to the next portrait...
Or so I thought…
