Gallery

Monday, February 28, 2011

Creepin Baba.

Continuing with my infatuation of the Russian hag, I've been compelled to keep playing with the design and feel of Baba herself. This piece was part experimentation in atmosphere and texture, part development of character. Honestly, I wanted to paint a creepy piece.

I had an idea in mind of an image of Baba Yaga, out in the woods in the snow (NYC had quite a bit recently, I was in the mood) in overcast conditions. I wanted to capture the feeling you get when you realize you aren't alone in a room and someone has been looking at you the whole time you've been there.
Some of the more coherent thumbnails I generated.
Rough value study and tightened drawing






The final painting was a blast. I think I did more variations in texture than any previous painting, and had no idea I'd enjoy it that much. Messed up dried brushes, salt, lifts, the works. I'm pretty stoked to do more of its like.
Oh, didn't see you there.
-SB

4 comments:

Unknown said...

ahh- one of my new faves from you. Love the trees and how you handled the figure

Unknown said...

The painting is so overcast, it REALLY drags your eye over the shoulder of the witch. Perfect atmosphere-capture. Always had a history of childhood stories from my Polish grandma of Baba Jaga. I can't wait to see more work on this one.

Eric Braddock said...

Damn dude, this turned out reeally nice. So subtle and great tones! The thumbnails are cool to see, too. Thanks for sharing.

Larry MacDougall said...

That's a fabulous piece !