Monday, October 12, 2009

Dirty Oar


This is an (11x14")oil painting on wood panel that I'm calling "Dirty Oar". The model is one of my best friends, Johnny Hames. He was perfect for what I was after in this painting; A dirty, hard-working fisherman type. For me, I think it's helpful to know the model when you have something specific in mind. Johnny was perfect because he's so filthy and dirty...some may even use terms like scummy, disheveled or scuzzy-filth-bag. I did, however, have to struggle to create the painting in such a way as to not bring attention to the models enormous ear lobes..not to mention, his obscenely-colossal-mammoth-like nose. I think it would have detracted from the spirit of the piece. It's important to use artistic license when confronted with compositional decisions such as the ones presented here.

8 comments:

Mary Bullock said...

LOL! Glad he is your best friend! Great painting Todd - love your figurative work.

Anonymous said...

So realistic, I can almost smell subs when I look at this piece.

Todd Bonita said...

Ha-ha-ha...

Anonymous said...

Someone very close to John sent me to the link to see this awesome painting! Todd you are hilarious and an amazing artist. From an old friend.

Anonymous said...

I think I sat here for about a good minute and laughed my ass off!The Painting came out Awesome. I had alot of fun that day. Let me know when you are ready to do this again. scincerely the obscenely grostesque Hamsi

Todd Bonita said...

Hamesi, Glad you like it my brutha..I think it's my single favorite painting, I'm going to have a tough time parting with it but I need diaper money and I'm seriously considering painting a much larger verson. I have some ideas and sketches for another image and I'm looking forward to doing it again too. thanks so much for your modeling, you would have made Rockwell himself proud..no kidding, you were perfect. Catch you later filthbag.

Holly Van Hart said...

Hi Todd. I love the contrast between the orange and blue. Wonderful! Holly

Todd Bonita said...

Good to hear from you Holly, thanks. Since a lot of my work includes water and sky reflection I tend to use blue a lot. As a result I usually find myself looking for ways to balance it with orange and warms.