Evel Knievel Mockup

[meddling kid]

Hi all,

I'm getting ready for my next piece, so I thought I'd share my design/ development and execution process. I'm currently in the middle of a series of full scale motorcycles and accessories packaged a bit tongue-in-cheek, and this is the next idea. It's an Evel Knievel 1972 Harley Davidson XR-750 jump bike, packaged as a cheap toy. I paint semi-photorealistically in acrylic, and at full scale, like I say, so this piece will be approx 8'x6' - this is by no means the final design, just a quick mock up in photoshop. I'm happy to show some of my tricks for large pieces I've learned through the years (I used to be a themepark artist). Just thought I'd share.......

[meddling kid]

..........anyway.................

I decided to go with a 5'x4' canvas instead, because I had one already built, and we're snowed in up here, so it was easier than headng out to Pearl. This means the bike will be 1/2 scale, which, when I think about it, is pretty convenient, as it'll introduce another price-point

First thing I did was to print out the image (whapping up the contrast helps), and set up the projector.

I WILL SAY THIS.....

A projector is a tool, like any other artist's instrument. It is NOT intended as a shortcut, simply a means of transfer. If you still struggle to accurately draw what you see freehand, then a projector will KILL you, as you will end up trying to draw every line, shape and colour you see projected.

You are also drawing in the dark, on a canvas which bows when you touch it with a pencil, and have virtually no depth perception, so please don't attempt to use this as a cheating device.

The beauty of a projector however, is that you can perfectly situate your subject on the canvas first time. This is crucial when it's a large piece, and when art is your living, and time really matters. If you are drawing a detailed piece that is 10' x 10', and find that 3/4 way through drawing, it won't fit, then chances are, you'll give up. Not so with a projector, 100% correct every time.

I've used the Artograph Super Prism for over 15 years now, and it's been great - projects in full colour, and can focus to a pixel. I'm sure there are plenty of others out there, but so far this is all I've needed.

Enough about projectors.

Once set up, it should look like this........

http://myfilez.net/uploads/images/ekweb3.jpg

http://myfilez.net/uploads/images/ekweb1.jpg



Then begins the arduous task of lining-in. This one took about 45 minutes

http://myfilez.net/uploads/images/ekweb2.jpg

[meddling kid]

and here's the sketch result....

http://myfilez.net/uploads/images/ekweb4.jpg

http://myfilez.net/uploads/images/ekweb5.jpg

Closeups of pencil weight.......

http://myfilez.net/uploads/images/ekweb6.jpg

http://myfilez.net/uploads/images/ekweb7.jpg

[meddling kid]

started blocking in some colour today - going for that "washed out" technicolour look for the background

http://myfilez.net/uploads/images/ekweb8.jpg

[meddling kid]

Began the preliminary lettering, and started hitting the "detail" of Vegas

http://myfilez.net/uploads/images/ekweb9.jpg

[dc2008]

why no posts? anyways keep it up :)

[meddling kid]

been prepping for a few commissions - update coming today

[meddling kid]

continued adding detail to the background, and based in the price sticker


http://myfilez.net/uploads/images/ekweb10.jpg

[Zeus12]

Excited to see the result. !

[sandeepbarot]

good work

[meddling kid]

thanks guys - should be getting back on this later in the week!