I'm sure everyone saw my foray into Photoshop painting with my Magik piece, posted last week. I would never have had the nerve to try to pull something like that off without some practice first. 

Prior to that experimentation, I was commissioned by Visuality, an agency located in Madison, WI to create some spot art for a client pitch. I'd worked with them before, and they're one of my favorite clients to work with, but this time they requested everything done in a photo-realistic style. As usual with advertising, deadlines were fast and furious and I was pretty nervous about accepting the job considering I hadn't had much practice with that coloring like that. (I'm mostly a Vector guy) Plus, anyone that knows me know I AM NOT A PAINTER. Painting intimidates me. And anyone who's seen my paintings in college, knows that I ain't no painter. 

But after a couple hours of practice and nailing down my color strategy, I decided it was time to stop limiting myself to being an illustrator and try thinking like a painter for once. I just dove into the job head first. Much to my surprise and relief, I pulled it off.

I usually hate taking a long time doing art, but it pays to take your time. I had a lot of fun playing with all the textures.

The artwork requiring metal, glass, and shiny components were super intimidating. I actually saved the lettuce leaves for last because I had no clue how I was gonna tackle that, but as you can see, I did it.

Shadow and lighting is key to achieving the photo realistic style. Honestly, I've always felt insecure with my knowledge about how to convey those elements dating all the way back to my college art school days. I used to live with a painter who always rocked a solid understanding about those fundamentals, so that didn't help my confidence. I'm relieved to know that I get it more than I thought I did. This desk for example was one of the first ones I did. Never underestimate a good photo reference.

The best part about this project is that I got to draw and color almost every type of texture I needed practice on. Paper, styrofoam, plastic, organic... you name it, I did it. The client was happy with it, and most importantly, so was I.

And now I'm not so afraid to paint anymore. I might have to go old school and give actual paints a try again someday!

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