“The Wolf”

After a very long three-month break from the series… I was eager to get back into the swing of things.

Last time, we left off with a long story about heartbreak and perseverance. Now, we’re starting from the beginning. Around the start of the Christmas season last year, I remember waking up late on the day of the interview and photoshoot, and I didn’t want to leave my bed. I kept thinking about the last time.

Just as a reminder: I had shot this model before Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend and after the whole DC incident. So, I was really struggling to pull myself together and prepare for what was about to come.

The Reference Photo

The Model, Bard, sent me his address in the center city Philadelphia, and at this point. I was so used to traveling to the city. Now, and before this interview, I did/do it monthly for the leather social which gave me the whole idea of this series. I got to his apartment complex, and I literally had nowhere to park. After parking illegally and walking to his complex. I got to his apartment with him and started the interview/photoshoot. The interview went well. It gave me positive energy back that I needed. Some of the model’s life really matched some of my own events within my own personal life. So, I felt more comfortable with him and created a connection. That’s really the whole reason why I do these interviews with people. To form a sort of connection. Now will I remember all that we talked about… No, but I will remember some parts.

After the interview was over, I told him what to wear and took some photos. I left shortly after and decided to drive to the Philadelphia Art Museum. I got basically right to the art museum and looked at my passenger seat and noticed. I left my whole “art inspiration book” which had all my paintings and new drawing ideas. I was literally angry with myself and embarrassed. I immediately messaged Bard and asked if I could come back and grab it. He said “Yes,” and I was on my way back to his place again. He came out and gave me the book and I went back to the Museum.

The Museum

For some odd reason I wanted to go to this museum for a while, and since I was in the same area. I might as well, right? At the time I was also searching for something. I didn’t know what it was or who I was looking for, but I needed something. Plus, also I’ve never been to this museum. I walked into the museum and immediately went toward the impressionist. Something really drew me into there. I walked into this circular room and found what I was looking for. It was a painting done by Van Gogh, “Sunflowers.” I remember doing a bunch of research on different artists before I became one myself, and Van Gogh had a ton of different adversities within his life. His only supporter of his work was his brother. No one bought a painting and shoved him aside. While many other painters like Monet, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Berthe Morisot all were able to sell some of their works. Now Van Gogh is classified as the post-impressionist movement, but still. While the Artist was alive, he never sold a painting.

The Source

As I was standing and staring into the painting, I could see the different thick oil paint layers, and I could see his perseverance. Never giving up on his dream of capturing what he saw. Which was the everyday person working, or what landscape/view he found interesting. I walked off and thought to myself… why should I give up on my series, when the artist I’m staring at for years grabbing inspiration from. He never gave up on his dream to be a painter.He just did it…

The Process

Now, about six months later, I start on the source. Which I had to confirm with my notes on Bard’s hanky code. Once I got that and his reference photo, I was well on my way. I remember in the beginning to just persevere through it. So, during the entire drawing sessions I listened to different motivational videos talking about never giving up on myself. These are used for many different things, but for me I used them to keep going. For a while now I’ve been experiencing different forms of procrastination. I used to get home from work and jump in bed and fall asleep for a nap. Which would take me out for three hours. So everyday I got home and hopped into my work chair and started working on the artwork. This made me more efficient, and it broke my napping habit. Plus, I was off my phone more as well. Then after finishing the form, I was ready for a small break. So last weekend of posting this blog post. I went to Camp Out campground and took time to relax with some of my models. I see the value to “walk away” from my work and come back to it. I was able to work more efficiently.

The Finished Artwork

The Leather Men Series 11 “The Wolf”

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

After finishing the artwork, I sat back in my seat and spoke. What’s next… I was already thinking about the next project instead of spraying fixative on it and signing the piece. Then I said let me work on the reel, scan it into the computer, and then finally write this post. I am super excited to work on the next project. So, keep watching more is coming.