Politics is a blood sport - A Caricature Portrait of NDP Leader Jack Layton

Some might say that I am being hard on our Political Leaders.  Well, most people I know are not happy that a 4th election has been called in 7 years - at over $300.0 million a pop!  Power and control - that's the name of the Canadian political game.  Governing the country doesn't seem to be the priority.

NDP Leader Jack Layton Out for Blood
Digital drawing/Photoshop

Brian

A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing - A Caricature Portrait of Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff

The other day I presented an image of Stephen Harper as I thought his political opposition saw him.  Today I focus on Michael Ignatieff and how the other parties may see him.  Certainly this is, in part, how I see him.

Michael Ignatieff Liberal Leader
Digital Drawing/Photoshop

Brian

He must be a Devil - A Portrait of Stephen Harper

His political foes think he's the devil incarnate - at least they position him that way.  I'm not into politics in the sense that I am not an avid observer or pundit.  I vote.  I believe in a democracy that we must vote - if we don't - we can't complain.  Am I happy with the politic's of the day?  NO!  I believe that todays political parties and leaders are thinking more about getting into power than in governing.  It's not about taking care of business - and that's evident when you look at how they conduct themselves during question period - or how little they have done in the last two years running the country.  Clearly Liberals and New Democrats will do anything to get into power - includng not govern.  And the Conservatives will do anything to stay in power.  Apparently Stephen Harper is going to send our country to hell if he stays in power much longer - and so now - we have abnother election looming.  Here's how I think the opposing political parties view Stephen Harper -

PM Stephen Harper Impression - 8x10 in
Digital Drawing/Photoshop Filter

Keep watching over the next few days and I'll give you my impression of what the Lib's Michael Ignatieff and the NDP's Jack Layton look like in attack mode.  And I'm still thinking about how to portray Gilles Duceppe - if you have any ideas, let me know - leave a comment.

Enjoy,  Brian

Tom - The Iron Man Oil Portrait

I love this guy.  Tom Mourgas is a true character and craftsman, a third generation blacksmith and artisan.  I went into Tom's shop just to look around because it looked so interesting.  Tom was just starting a cozy fire in his front office and getting prepared for the day.  Tom agreed to let me take a photo of him and to do a portrait.  It took some time, but here it is...

Ironman Tom Mourgas oil on canvas 11x14in

You can visit Tom's business website at this address - Ironman.  If your looking for anything wrought iron - Tom's your man.

Brian

Self Portraits

I am really enjoying using charcoal as a medium to explore form in portraits.  I am trying to execute proportionally correct images quickly - 20 - 30 minutes at most.  I am doing them quickly because I am trying to keep my over critical and focussed brain from being to picky and detailed.  These two self portraits, for the most part - worked.  There is an image likeness - of myself (I am the easiest model I can find).  On the second image I did some Photoshop work to make myself look more handsome - did it work?

Self Portrait charcoal on newsprint 8x10in

Self Portrait Charcoal/Photoshop 8x10in

Brian

Rosario

My friend and classmate Rosario is a fine sculptor.  I created this photoshop enhanced portrait first with a charcoal sketch, did some work in Photoshop and Sketchbook Pro and then back again to Photoshop to find a filter to finish off the portrait.

Rosario Charcoal/Photoshop 8x10in

Brian

Sometimes The Stars

I think this is beautiful!  The animation superb.  And I love The Audreys!  What do you think?

Sometimes the Stars from The Audreys on Vimeo.
The Audreys play alternative folk music and hail from Adelaide, Australia. They have released three records, one in 2006 called “Between Last Night and Us”, another in 2008 called “When the Flood Comes”, and in 2010 “Sometimes the Stars.” Their first two records won the ARIA Award for Best Blues and Roots Album, so they can’t be half bad. They like vintage clothes, listening to records, drinking, touring and each other.

Brian

Portrait - Ryan in Charcoal

This was a very quick sketch of my son Ryan, maybe 20-30 minutes, from a photograph.  I am trying to create a very loose image and keep myself free from details and not let my penchant for details overwhelm me.  I still want to be as correct as possible with proportions.  It's a somewhat close approximation of Ryan - he's much more handsome than I have portrayed him!

Thanks Ry...


Dad

New Oil Portrait - Mark

Mark is a great subject - what great structure in his face and features.  A wonderful subject and I think I caught him at his best - serving great Coffee and Croissants at The Aroma Espresso Bar on Bloor and Bathurst (the best).

Thanks Mark!


Brian