SNAKES, SKULLS and TEARS

Layout and Cutting

The first step is to layout the design.

In this case the design is layed out over liquid spray mask with a white stabilo pencil. Drawing on the spray mask prevents marks from contaminating the base coat underneath. 

The design will consist of "torn-out" areas and snakes wrapped amongst themselves.  A few of the snakes will pop out from the background and interact with the skulls in the foreground. 

The design is fully layed out on the tank and then checked for composition.

I want to make sure the design has a certain amount of balance.

Using a swivel blade knife, the mask is cut for the perimeter of the design where the color will meet the black. 

When using spray mask, you need to be careful not to cut too deep. If the blade feels "sticky" it is time for a new one!

This is what the tank looks like all cut out and ready for the first color.

At this point it's good idea to degrease the piece, but we took the liberty to do it before the spray mask was applied.  The mask does not leave residue. 

Background Color and the "White Stage"

OK. . . Here we go; it's color time!

Around the edge of the "torn" areas, I sprayed straight silver.

Make sure to get enough color down. 

The tears are then shadowed using black. 
I work with the edges of the cuts to help with lighting effects.

The irregularities in the cut edges give a good reference point for creases in the tears. Picture you light source and go for it. 

Leave yourself enough unblemished silver near the top of the light source on the tear for your highlight to be added later in the project. 

After the tears are airbrushed, spray mask again.

Re-spray the area lightly with black to get rid of silver that is extending beyond the area for the cut.

Using a photographic-like process, I start out with the white. The white defines thevolume of the composition. This process is like sketching. The lighter values of the white on the black create a multi-layered positive image.

With this type of project, most of the work is done in the "white stage."

Here is the tank after I have finished the white.

There will be plenty of time to clean up any loose lines you may have at this point, so don't be discouraged by this monotone "catastrophe."

Color

Now I can start with the color for the bulk of the design.

I like to start with the yellow. I use yellow to create the undertones for the final color.
Notice the heavier use of the yellow in the snakes highlights; it's a little lighter in the skulls. 

Now, using a transparent blue, I create the varied shades of green in the snakes.  The color is applied a little heavier in areas to create the shadowed sides of the snakes and the illusion of the snakes crossing over one another. 

After a little of  transparent red is sprayed on the skulls to creat a more bone like color, the black is put into action. 

This is what I like to refer to as "carving out" the image.  This is the "last chance" to correct any loose lines left in the design.

Resist the urge to go too heavy.   Many times artists kill their work at this point.  I've done it a few times myself.  :o)  

Note the heavy core shadow at the lateral line of the snake.

I use a hand-cut curve to generate the crisper definition in the snakes.  I use sprayout cards for the stock to cut out special patterns and curves.

I have a large collection of cards that I have used over the years. These cards can be used over and over and are very handy.

Texture and Finish

Well here it is with the black done. 

Notice how well it defines the snakes that once looked like a pile of worms contaminated by toxic green waste.

Alright... this is no secret.

Using a chunk of vinyl screen, I now over lay the screen on the snakes individually and create the patterns in the snakes skin. I also run a darker pass along the core shadow on the snake.  This is done with black first, then I use yellow to go over the highlight area again.

Be careful not to change the angle of the screen on one snake.  If you dont, you get strange interference patterns that just don't look right.

It's cool, however, to change the angle from snake to snake. Am I making sense?

Now the mask is ready for removal.

This is when I go back into the artwork and add any hightlights that are needeed. The tears will be highlighted now. as well. (You have probably forgotten about them by now.)

Be sure to take the mask off in layers.

Well thats about it!

Unmask,
Highlight,
Fix any mis-cuts.
Sign your name,
Pat yourself on the back.
And go clear it!