I wanted to do a metallic effect because it takes a higher skill level. I'm satisfied with the results. The image online only reflects a little. When seen in person it's way more evident.
I'm using the mechanic pencil 0.5, and regular colored pencils. The lighting touches are a Conté crayon and a Posca marker.
It took me some browsing, but finally, I got the airbrush for markers with size and shape adapters at an online store in New Jersey called Micro-Mark. I haven't found it anywhere else, not even on Amazon, Walmart, or others.
This is not new for me. I had a markers airbrush kit in the early 90s. They are more comfortable and cleaner than regular airbrushing. Mess free.
The bad news is the Hseng compressor was faulty. It will turn on and shut off itself after 2-3 seconds. I had to request a substitution from Amazon that will arrive next week. Hopefully, I will get a working unit, because this compressor costs $139.00 Not cheap at all. By the way, Hseng is a store dedicated to producing airbrushing kits.
Now, I'm having to wait again.
Update 11/19/2024: Amazon confirmed the air compressor replacement is arriving much earlier than I was expecting. Once I have it I will test it and update it.
Stamped, titled, signed and protective spray layered. Who wants to buy this "Texas-Sized Faith" piece of artwork? I can separate this one as a promise to buy.
You can pay for it and have it, but only after the art exhibit in the future. Any interested buyers? Once I'm ready to sell price will start at $550.00 per framed piece.
Note: Shipping costs are separated, and only inside the US. Add $100 for shipping. This is true: The shipping box alone for this size of art costs $50 per unit.
This is the current status of the mustard artwork. I'm using those commercial Crazy Art colored pencils from Walmart. They are good enough. Of course, I'm using Q-Tips to spread the color on certain areas where the pencil trace is too evident, that way the color looks smoother. Lettering and labels are especially hard because of the small text, but an approximation is acceptable in art. I'm not too concerned, the idea is to make it look like the thing, not create a carbon copy. For the white light accents, I'm using a Conté crayon and a Posca marker. The pencil shading/tracing is a mechanical pencil 0.5 from NicPro.
This is a technical note for visitors trying to draw and color on white paper. You can use a bamboo "hand" as a transversal support over the paper to rest your hand on it. (The ones used for scratching) This will prevent smearing the pencils all over the work.
It took me a while to figure out the best setting for the mini projector area, but it was easy once I understood how this works. As you can see. It required some support, so I used two adjustable yellow poles, a transversal bar, and a foldable camera arm to mount the Kodak projector.
I started running out of space for my art supplies and other objects on my desks and working table, so I had to buy a large desk rack, but it has yet to arrive.
I have received these two marker/pencil racks. Assembly was fun, but they are sturdy and will hold lots of my pencils and markers.
Another thing I ordered, is an extra quiet airbrush compressor. Also, I'm waiting for a specialized marker airbrush with mounts for all sizes of markers. I'm going to do some airbrushing effects.
My regular job takes up most of my day, so the little time I have left—some of it—is dedicated to producing art. I devised a strategy to step up production, maintain high quality and originality in my style, and bring the price of the art pieces down a little.
I'm a serious classic artist, but I fully embrace technology and necessary logistics within a narrow time frame. That's why I purchased a Kodak mini projector and from now on, I will completely skip the hardest part —drawing.— So I will just take the pictures and trace them. End of story. Of course, it does require a higher level of skill to paint realistic art, but with color, shadow, and volume, you just can't walk around. That's what makes a good illustrator or an artist.
The piece I'm working next is, indirectly, related to my favorite Bible passage. I can't draw mustard seeds, but I came up with the idea of putting a full Texas mustard bottle as an allegory. I was born Catholic, I do read the Bible and I believe my art idea does not address the passage in a disrespectful way. I'm doing this with confidence, emotionally, and with clear consciousness of what inspired this idea.
The pastel paper I'm working on, in my previous pieces, is highly texturized. An ideal medium for several layers of pastel pencils. Graphite pencils work well on this paper, but not perfectly well.
I had to buy these thick, 11 x 14 extra pads to expand my art range. The yellow ones, from Strathmore, are for dry media, such as pencil or charcoal, and have medium texture. The other ones, U.S. Art Supply, are made for mixed media, such as pens, markers, ink, and graphite. I have plenty of color markers, so I might try some too.
I recently mentioned my vote preferences for Democrats and Kamala Harris, so I must close that circle now and comment about the election results favoring Trump. I accept the results because they look absolutely legit. He won very clearly.
I hope everything will work for our country and wish Trump great success managing our country for the good of all.
Kamala fought hard. She was caught by surprise and had a very short time to prepare, nevertheless, she did great. Thank you Kamala for representing us. Peace and love for all.
Now, regarding the current piece I'm working on, I feel adding more, such as a background color might ruin the composition. It looks dramatic enough right now. I will sign, spray coat, and be done.
