Slightly Nefarious Fetish Artist

Here’s how it’s been going down. I sketched on the paddle in watercolor pencil, then did some line art with pen, then filled in space with white acrylic paint. The final move is to fill in with ink and spray coat the paddle.

Things are starting to get pretty silly regarding the Dog and Pony Show at Antebellum. This may be a good sign though, as this means there’s a lot going on. Last Sunday, I turned in the poster art for Rick. I have no idea if it’s even in the window or if he just wanted it around. I was just glad to have completed it and feel pretty proud about the piece.

Poster art for Dog and Pony Show. Original has some color and silver gel pen touches.

Then, Rick e-mailed me asking if I could be the door man for the evening, in a doggie mask. Despite being a cat person, as an artist, I’ve got to say this is a pretty gonzo and ballsy thing to do. So hell yeah, count me in.

And on Friday, Rick e-mails me, asking if I can do a puppy paddle for the show.

Now hold everything. Remember, two weeks ago I found out I couldn’t be in the show. I had to drop everything, make new plans. That’s why I jumped to show at Pangaea. It is days before the show. The leatherman paddle took about three weeks. Two of those weeks were spent adding spray coats and finish.

But, this is about taking what I do seriously. Art is also about experimentation and finding your limits. I made no promises, but told Rick I’d take a stab at it.

So Sunday, while recovering from Pangaea, I finished sanding one of blank paddles I have, and sketched out something directly on the paddle with blue watercolor pencil (a technique I just learned about at Continental Supply in Reseda). Later, I began adding ink outlines. After dinner I added white acrylic paint. That was dry by the time I had laundry going, so I kept inking. It’s still in progress, but I should have a few clear coats on it by Saturday.