I was actually supposed to be on the road today heading towards Maine but yesterday ended up being a mix of a bit too much work and a bit too much trying to get everything ready to go. Last night around 11pm I finally decided that no one was forcing me to leave on Wednesday so I decided to postpone the trip for a few days until everything settles down. Once I made that decision it felt like an incredible weight was off of my shoulders and everything felt so much better.
So, I took my time and got the TK piece all colored up pretty and dropped it into the new blog header.The coolest thing about this piece is that I based it off of a friend of mine, Tonya Kay. I've had the character in mind for years and it is based on how she looked when I first met her. Back then she had these awesome blonde dreadlocks and an amazing look that I was immediately drawn to.
I've actually had the pleasure of drawing her a few times, once as a pin-up piece and once for a logo for her personal project, "Tonya Kay's Pin-Up Pole Show." But, in the back of my mind, I always wanted to turn her into a character in the OilCan Drive world.
I did this piece with a strong image in my mind but no actual reference of her in front of me. I figured that way I was using her as inspiration and not simply copying a photo of her. I think I capture a bit more of her character and soul this way than simply copying the drawing from someone others' photo.Before I started I drew out a few little sketches in my notebook of the character and got a good general idea of what I wanted her to be. I knew she was a mechanic who wasn't afraid to get dirty and fix things but I also wanted her to be sexy as well. I originally envisioned her in a duster jacket but I figured that would be too impractical to wear when you're on the floor getting dirty and fixing things. So, I came up with the idea of her wearing a coverall jumper that covers her figure while working and then unzips to turn into a duster able to show off her figure underneath. I had a friend with a duster and, checking it out, I think the design would actually work if it was built and worn. Maybe someday someone will make one. I personally would love to see it!
After all was said and done I went back and looked at a few old photos of Tonya and ran across these from when she was shooting a film called "Bold Native.". You can definitely see where the inspiration came from even if I didn't look at the photos while I was working.
I've sent all the process pieces and the finished piece to Tonya and she's posted them and written a great piece about me and the art on her own personal website. You can check it out HERE. I am a huge fan of hers so it's always a joy when we talk and share each others' artistic endeavors.As for me, I will hopefully be out the door and on the road soon. While it was great to give myself a day to relax it looks like I'll still have a few more things to do before I go. But, leave I shall and I'm sure it will be a great adventure.
Have a great one everyone! Happy September!
2 comments:
I call Tonya "my Main Muse". It's not just a nickname. She's charming, witty, kind, and there is something about her that inspires artists of all types to create. I've seen her written, which I've done myself, drawn, painted, and even cupcaked (New word). I'm surprised she's escaped sculpture.
I've read your webcomic and at her insistence listened to your music. You do great work! I look forward to seeing how you insert her into your world.
Thanks, Don! She is definitely a special person and an inspiration and I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of trouble she an get into in the OilCan Drive world!
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