The ROCK...WIP

[LucBoivin]

Well its a new year, so I decided to give the ''hard surface'' a go at it!!

I've been reading quite of bit on it. Because I work from my basement, solvent paints is out of the question. I purchased some Auto Air paints to lurn the basics because I've got a few requests in lately for painting guitars and motorcycle tanks. Clinton has been kind enough to answer all of my questions!! Thanks again Clinton!!!...I know I'll have more questions after this exercise!!!LOL

I decided to work from a 12 x 12 MDF wood panel. I started by giving it fine sanding with some 600 grit paper. I then sprayed some some dark base sealer, reduced a bit with some 4003 reducer.

I picked a subject that my 12 year old son likes...The Rock!!! So far, He's got a request in for a color T-shirt and a mural in his bedroom!!!...so get ready to see more of this guy!!! LOL

Anyway, I decided to work only with black and white. Working with the AA paints is an entire new experience....sometimes frustrating because I get major tip drying like I never had before. I add reducer (combianation Fantastic and water)by 50%. Here are some step by step pics of today's work.

I'm using some photocopies of my subject to create some negative and positive masks. This is a first for me. This is something that I learned from watching Blake McCully's DVD's, also know as Cross Eyed!

Luc

[LucBoivin]

...and here are my last pics. Stillhave the gun to complete tomorrow.

Luc

[Whit]

Hey Luc, When are we going to get a detailed "How To" out of you? I hate to be pushy, but I'd really love a article for the website and to learn myself what techniques you use to get such incredible work.

Could'nt a said it better,,, What Steve Said !!!

[Clem]

This looks like more than a change of paint and surface to me. For some reason I didn't think you used template so much.

Looks good. No doubt your son will be giving it a good look and letting you know if something should be changed.

Clem

[LucBoivin]

Hey Luc, When are we going to get a detailed "How To" out of you? I hate to be pushy, but I'd really love a article for the website and to learn myself what techniques you use to get such incredible work.

OK Steven,

Will get on it. I'll go and see how to do this. If I remember last time I checked, I had more questions than anything. Maybe I was just too tired!

I'll work it out with Denise if I have questions.

Luc

[LucBoivin]

This looks like more than a change of paint and surface to me. For some reason I didn't think you used template so much.

Looks good. No doubt your son will be giving it a good look and letting you know if something should be changed.

Clem

The big difference here Clem is that you can't play around with the surface like the canvas work. You simply cant go and remove some white to expose the black underneath. Maybe that would have been possible should I have had a coat of clear over the black...but I'm not sure of this. I don't have the luxury of doing clear in my basement!!

So its a question of applying some white than coming back with the black for detailing.

For the templates, this is a first for me. Its good to control overspray but its main role is to position the main facial features such as the eyes, mouth and nose. Once these are properly placed, the remainder is all done by hand. If I was working on a metal surface, I could have used small magnets to hold the various pieces of paper in place.

Luc

[tnailsalon]

oh yes yes can we get a how to???? please please

[blinddog 99]

Nice work Luc, as usual. A little different in metal working. Do you find it a little less forgiving? Great explanation, a step by step would be terrific!

[Svee]

Hey Luc your on here too! :)
Once again a great bit of art form your wind wand bud.
Everything i see of yours is inspiring mate, keep up the great work ;)

[josie]

So its a question of applying some white than coming back with the black for detailing.
LucHey Luc excellent work again......i see your back ground is dark ( not white) did u get the white highlights on his shirt afterwards...and does that work well....i gotta say this is a whole different thing i know scratching is out of the question but is erasing out of the qustion also?

Thanks

[LucBoivin]

Nice work Luc, as usual. A little different in metal working. Do you find it a little less forgiving? Great explanation, a step by step would be terrific!

Thanks blinddog. ...Yes so much less forgiving in everything I have tryied so far!!! At least here I get to go from white to black to correct stuff but I wont always have this luxury!!

I can see why so many people dont like the AA paint. But I'm not about to let go yet. Its a hole new animal to learn. Just to think that people using HOK paints are working sometimes with their Microns makes me sick!! For this painting I'm using my Eclipse airbrushes with .3 needle and nozzle kit.

Luc

[LucBoivin]

Hey Luc excellent work again......i see your back ground is dark ( not white) did u get the white highlights on his shirt afterwards...and does that work well....i gotta say this is a whole different thing i know scratching is out of the question but is erasing out of the qustion also?

Thanks

Hi Josie,

I started with white on black background to the the painting. As for the shirt, once I had the the white in place, and when I mean in place I mean in areas where there is the most highlights. I'm trying to work as if I did not have the black to come back with. What I'm saying is that I dont paint everything solid white!!!

Then I start thight detailing with the black.

....and yes, here scratching AND erasing are out of the question. This is 100% airbrush control.

Thanks

Luc

[blinddog 99]

LOL, HOK & Microns, now you're talking!!! I just had a hot flash, whew@!

[jason prouty]

Luc, Love it, especially the earpiece, looks like you could rip it off his ear. It's truly exciting trying new surfaces. After adding the final black detail I usually grab a very small brush (one with bristles) and pop some tiny white details here and there, like the true-white reflections in eyes or anything wet.

I'm learning the scratch technique on paper, but have yet to try the eraser, seems like it would work better on canvas.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF NON-FORGIVENESS!!!! (metal surface):cheers:

[AirTodd]

What i a good looking piece.It's looking so far.

[LucBoivin]

Here is the finished painting!

Luc

[LucBoivin]

Luc, Love it, especially the earpiece, looks like you could rip it off his ear. It's truly exciting trying new surfaces. After adding the final black detail I usually grab a very small brush (one with bristles) and pop some tiny white details here and there, like the true-white reflections in eyes or anything wet.

I'm learning the scratch technique on paper, but have yet to try the eraser, seems like it would work better on canvas.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF NON-FORGIVENESS!!!! (metal surface):cheers:

Hey Jason, maybe I should use the brush more often!!!LOL Sometimes I get hard headed...:banghead: ...and want to stay with the airbrush!!! Changing surfaces is fun and challenging I find.

Good luck on your scratching and erasing technique...definetly works better on canvas! Type of paint will also make a very big diference as well as how much you have diluted it.

NON-FORGIVENESS = undestatement of the day!!! LOL

Thanks

Luc

[blinddog 99]

Nice Luc, great job! Time to do a helmet or tank! Question bud, is it because of ventilation you haven't used urethane paints. When the time comes, you will LOVE the transparent colors and shifting they can provide......

[LucBoivin]

Nice Luc, great job! Time to do a helmet or tank! Question bud, is it because of ventilation you haven't used urethane paints. When the time comes, you will LOVE the transparent colors and shifting they can provide......

Hey Blinddog!! Thanks...and yes, its time for a helmet or tank!!! I'm suposed to do a tank for a friend during this winter so I'm playing catch up with the AA!! I'm planning on going to the flee market to purchase some bike helmets to paint for myself (odd since I dont own one!!LOL) to get some real practice and to try to build my portfolio.

Yep...no ventilation!!! My room is a 7 x 12 feet!!..with a small window to outside. Hope to build myself a garage next to my house one day!! Then maybe...

Luc

[blinddog 99]

Maybe some of Steven's tank blanks to start with. You can even get cheap kids motocross helmets at Walmart to play on. I am just glad you want to explore it, I think you have a chance to set some new trends, you have a great talent. Not that you should give up your portraiture, it is too good. I just think you are the kind of man than needs to push the envelope, it shows in your work.....

[Pepe Custom]

Luc- I am very impressed. I can't believe it is finished so soon.

[blinddog 99]

When you're ready to build that garage, give me a yell, I will come and help. There's a little Irish pub off Sherbrooke Street I miss badly, and need to visit one of these days, LOL..... cigar shops on St. Catherines, jeez, build that garage/studio!

[LucBoivin]

Luc- I am very impressed. I can't believe it is finished so soon.

Hey John!!

Thank you. As I was posting I saw your goaly masks! Very very nice work. Was going to ask you what paints you used by I saw in your profile that you work with HOK.

...and your from Montreal!!!...and a hockey fan! I sew now you live in Hockey Town. Are you a Red Wings fan now? Where in Montreal did you live?

Luc

[LucBoivin]

When you're ready to build that garage, give me a yell, I will come and help. There's a little Irish pub off Sherbrooke Street I miss badly, and need to visit one of these days, LOL..... cigar shops on St. Catherines, jeez, build that garage/studio!

LOL....that would be just great!!! Maybe we should invite Len at the same time...we have all seen the he has some great renovation skills when he recessed his TV into the wall...LOL

I know what places you are refereing to...The Pub is on Crescent street but I forget the name. Cigar shop is on Ste-Catherine, very close to Crescent street as well.

Luc

[LucBoivin]

I'm going to keep saying this over and over, "Don't waste anymore money on HOK for airbrushing. Try the Xotic Colours Airbrush Paints. They are much more airbrush friendly."

I was just about to look into this paint system, but it like I said to Blinddog, I'm limited to water based paints. I assume its a solvent based paint Steven? I'll go check their Website.

Luc

[Clem]

Good job once again Luc. Like I said before, I have to learn how to do this.

About the garage. Watch out for what happens to it. I travel through narrow paths in mine. Most of my tools and tables are on wheels so I can work in front of the garage for room.

Not knowing other paints, working in very small amounts, learning the AA is handy. From the way it sounds, I figure that if I can work with this then changing to the others will be an easier changeover.

Clem

[LucBoivin]

Good job once again Luc. Like I said before, I have to learn how to do this.

About the garage. Watch out for what happens to it. I travel through narrow paths in mine. Most of my tools and tables are on wheels so I can work in front of the garage for room.

Not knowing other paints, working in very small amounts, learning the AA is handy. From the way it sounds, I figure that if I can work with this then changing to the others will be an easier changeover.

Clem

Thanks Len. The garage was for painting only!!!...no tools and garden stuff! Just have to do it in such a way that should I sell the house, the garage/room, wont hurt the sale.

I'm with you on this Clem!!! If I can master the AA, eventually when or if I swith to the other system(s), it should be an easy one...at least I hope!

Luc

[Pepe Custom]

I'm going to keep saying this over and over, "Don't waste anymore money on HOK for airbrushing. Try the Xotic Colours Airbrush Paints. They are much more airbrush friendly."
Steven,
I have some coming and I plan to try them soon. If I like them I will phase out my HoK but right now I have about $1200 of it on hand. If I can a little more work coming my way I will be able to burn through it in a month or two.

[Pepe Custom]

Hey John!!

Thank you. As I was posting I saw your goaly masks! Very very nice work. Was going to ask you what paints you used by I saw in your profile that you work with HOK.

...and your from Montreal!!!...and a hockey fan! I sew now you live in Hockey Town. Are you a Red Wings fan now? Where in Montreal did you live?

Luc
Thanks very much. I was born and raised in and around Montreal and spent most of my life there. I lived in Lasalle, Verdun and Ville Emard but mostly in Chateauguay. I may live near Detroit but I will always be a Canadiens fan.

[Steelhorse]

LOL....that would be just great!!! Maybe we should invite Len at the same time...we have all seen the he has some great renovation skills when he recessed his TV into the wall...LOL

I know what places you are refereing to...The Pub is on Crescent street but I forget the name. Cigar shop is on Ste-Catherine, very close to Crescent street as well.

Luc

Luc!!! I got the Golden and the acrylic ink that you recommended! I see that you are having "FUN" with the AA!!!!!:rotflmao: nasty beast eh??? You did a great job with it!!!!! I am going to play with the new stuff today.

As far as my carpentry skill's!!!!......I have a tool that will just blow your brain out of your ..... !!!!!!! hehehehehehe........It is a chain saw that I have named......."WILD-THING"!!!! ROLFLMAO!!!!! I can do anything I want with it! LOL
Len

[josie]

Again totally awsome piece of art Luc.....after doing this ...wich do you prefer out of the t's...canvas....or hard surface....? or in the end for you are they all the same?

[LucBoivin]

Again totally awsome piece of art Luc.....after doing this ...wich do you prefer out of the t's...canvas....or hard surface....? or in the end for you are they all the same?

That is a very good question Josie!!!

I think its a bit early in the game to say but the hard surface has been for me the most challenging that is for sure. I'm very happy that I followed the following order in my progression which is Bristol, T-shirt, canvas then hard surfaces. What made the biggest difference is the t-shirt paintings. This gave me the airbrush control and confidence I neede to move on to more difficult surfaces like canvas and hard surface. I would never have been able to do this recent painting say 1 year ago.

I guess I could say that the one that has brought the most satisfaction is this one because I knew going into it that the hard surfaces are so unforgiving to work with. I still have lots to learn on the hard surface bit but I feel I have some very good fondations to work from.

Thanks

Luc

[Clinton]

Very nice stuff Luc, you did a really nice job for the first go at the hard surface. If you can master the AA white on hard surfaces you should be good to paint pretty much anything you want to. How's your kid like it? :)

[LucBoivin]

Very nice stuff Luc, you did a really nice job for the first go at the hard surface. If you can master the AA white on hard surfaces you should be good to paint pretty much anything you want to. How's your kid like it? :)

Thanks Clinton. My sons likes it....I now have to do a mural in colour of the same subject on his bedroom door on the corridor side!!. His room is at the end of the corridor and I'll be doing it bigger and he'll be seen thru some ripped metal sheeting.

I want to do something on ''murals'' to put on my Website. This is not a very difficult subject but it should be fun to do.

Luc

[Clinton]

Thanks Clinton. My sons likes it....I now have to do a mural in colour of the same subject on his bedroom door on the corridor side!!. His room is at the end of the corridor and I'll be doing it bigger and he'll be seen thru some ripped metal sheeting.

I want to do something on ''murals'' to put on my Website. This is not a very difficult subject but it should be fun to do.

Luc

Good to hear, just remember to sand that door before you paint. I found it easiest to prime it white (with chepo Walmart primer) ,sand it quick and you will have a canvas type of texture. Then you can use the erasing/scratching technique with your reg acrylic paints. I used Golden then just topcaoted with a satian varnish. This is JMO though.

[LucBoivin]

Good to hear, just remember to sand that door before you paint. I found it easiest to prime it white (with chepo Walmart primer) ,sand it quick and you will have a canvas type of texture. Then you can use the erasing/scratching technique with your reg acrylic paints. I used Golden then just topcaoted with a satian varnish. This is JMO though.

Thanks Clinton,I'm in the process of doing that right now! I would have forgotten about the white primer coat...:-( The door is a light beige color but I prefer to work from white for sure.

Yep, I was planing on using my Createx paint. Been a while since I gave the color a go at it!!

Thanks for the heads up!

Luc

[blinddog 99]

Crescent street, that's it!! Coziest Irish pub in Canada, I think. Thanks, Luc, now I can sleep tonight. Its hell getting old, memory just isn't what it used to be..... so let us know when you're ready to start the garage, we'll be there, with Roberston screws in hand, LOL!

[Dundas West]

I have that say thats amazing work !!!!

[redanner]

Nice rendering!!!