Model =UniqueNudes
Original concept, makeup, photography =JennaBlack

This is my most complicated paint job to date, and also my most involved photo correction. This piece had to be restarted three times due to data corruption, and the final JPEG had to be pixel-by-pixel "cleaned" as there was a gray halo effect around each and every line. The halo was only 1-2 pixels, but it was visible at 100%. I'm not sure how it got there, but =UniqueNudes theorized that the intensity of the color next to absolute black could have confused the sensor. I'm honestly not sure whether that's a valid theory or not, but I had to go through and correct every last centimeter of this image. It was an exhausting but proud challenge, as I tested my technical skill and patience in equal measure.

This design is based on folk art from the Mexican celebration, Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The Mexican view of death is a positive, fearless one, and the day in which the dead visit the living is one of great joy. The colorful celebration is foreign to many of us, but the art and symbolism involved was both fascinating to research and beautiful to recreate. The rough brush strokes and home-spun feel were, to my surprise, not at all easier than other styles of painting.

My favorite aspect of this photo, aside from the "floating" illusion (challenging enough in itself) is the reflection of the paint in Richard's eyes. It's just amazingly creepy.

Featured in the October 2009 Show,
Amp Outdoor Gallery
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
USA