Leonardo DiCaprio Portrait: Part II

Part II:  The second in a series about the creative process I use to make an iconic portrait of a character

Playing with pieces of the original images

I know I want to use just part of DiCaprio’s face though I want that new image to be recognizable as Leonardo DiCaprio. So, as step one in the creative process I looked for still shots from “Gatsby” and “J. Edgar.” Three of those I found are posted here.*

In step two I isolated pieces of the photographs that I liked. These are a few of the pieces of Leo that I cut from the photos.* Next, I will choose the image/images I want to work with. I’ve already discussed how I put some of these images together in my last entry dated July 22, 2013.

Image Credits

Image of Leonardo as Gatsby, photo not credited at Alt Film Guide, “Movie Review: Baz Luhrmann, Leonardo DiCaprio THE GREAT GATSBY 2013,” http://www.altfg.com/blog/movie/the-great-gatsby-2013-leonardo-dicaprio-baz-luhrmann/. Updated: May 15, 2013, viewed Monday, 10:20 AM. EDT, July 29, 2013.

Leonardo DiCaprio stars as J. Edgar Hoover in Warner Bros. Pictures’ J. Edgar (2011) at Aceshowbiz: The Ace In Entertainment Zone, http://www.aceshowbiz.com/still/00006241/j-edgar-warner-bros-pict02.html. © 2005-2013, viewed, 10:31 AM. EDT, Monday, July 29, 2013.

Leonardo DiCaprio Portrait

A series of blog entries in which I discuss the process I am using to create an over-sized portrait

I will be presenting a log about the preparation for the actual artwork, an oversized portrait of Leonardo DiCaprio

Image #1

As part of the décor for the banquet room in our goddaughter’s Restaurant, Characters Gastropub in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, I’m beginning work on a new over sized portrait. The restaurant is decorated with many of my old Super Real powdered graphite and pencil drawings of motion picture characters from the 1980’s, as well as one 4’ x 10’ painting of Marilyn Monroe’s eyes. Now, Meghan has redone the banquet room and it is conspicuously without a single character.

I’ve spent several days thinking about the who/what/when/where of the new character, and after considering many of the male leads of the 1980’s to the present, I’ve decided on Leonardo DiCaprio. DiCaprio makes the most sense to me because he has managed to graduate from the male ingénue teenager and twenty something heartthrob to a genuine male lead in his middle years. And, he has not done the typical “bang-bang-shoot-um-kill-um-blow-it-up-blood-&-guts” genre that is the staple 21st Century American Hollywood motion picture. Instead he has chosen vehicles that require more thought on the part of the viewer, often images that portray nuanced characters in our history, and/or are the subjects of great literature.

I also know that I can use only photographs that are under copyright. I do not want to go through a lengthy process of contact, rejection and perhaps receiving permission for use. So, I will alter the images through many creative processes that allow use because they are too far removed from the original. I have about 40 images I’ve been playing with, and I will put some of the resultant altered images on this blog in order to demonstrate some of the playfulness involved in the creative process of one particular artist, "yours truly."

Playful image #1 is the compilation of two images. I used one of DiCaprio as J. Edgar Hoover, and another of him as “The Great Gatsby.” I put the two images into Photoshop and began removing chunks of each while layering them over top of the original complete images. I will also put these through other processes even though I’m quite sure I will not use the result for the actual painting. Though it has provided amusement it doesn’t portray either character very well. In fact, it is a bit frightening, which has nothing to do with the actual person, Leonardo DiCaprio. That being said, it is part of a process that will eventually result in the actual image I will use for the portrait.

Spring Flowers

This fuchsia rhododendron bloomed for just one week in May. The blossoms were huge clusters 8 to 10 inches across, individual blooms about 4 inches across. I have named the color “impossibly pink.” The bush had languished for years, but this year it doubled in size and was covered with those unbelievable blossoms.

My photo is okay artistically, typical of the genre “pretty flower photos taken by amateur gardeners.” However, those blooms were one of Mother Nature’s magnificently perfect artistic creations.

Rethinking, Refurbishing and Repurposing

The Big Question mark (June 30, 2013) by yours truly *

Okay, so this most recent outburst of productive activity is done, at least as far as production of so many works at once is concerned. I have another exhibition of the LGBT Pictionary to prepare for as promised by Art Serve in south Florida. But, I will give myself, and husband Joe a break. I’ve agreed with Joe to make only 4 works during the next 12 months. Of course one of those proposed is to be a Brobdingnagian portrait, 60” x 90” on six panels, but more of that when the work is actually in progress. I will make the 3 other works using either mixed media distressed paint or pastels, and one or more of them will be additions to the LGBT Pictionary.

Additionally, so much of what I see and read on the Internet is meaningless drivel, that which has some merit goes unnoticed and/or is criticized because it is not a monetary (reads) capitalist venture. So, I’m proposing to do fewer entries, perhaps as few as two a month, and more of those will be about Art in general instead of art by yours truly.*2  I do have an idea for another blog that I will link to this one, a sort of novel in installments, a fiction about a character that is like me a visual artist. However unlike me, the guy believes himself to be the second coming of Christ. No, that isn’t correct. Actually, he believes himself to be one of many Jesus of Nazareth reincarnations, the Christ of our many Western Christian Churches. It occurs to me that such a blog might possibly generate a great deal of anger and hate. Never the less, I also know that I am of very little importance, and that my production, visual and written is of little consequence. Based on that personal assessment, I may just do the deed; though this will be the only time I mention the possibility in The Art of John Bittinger Klomp. The link will just appear among the many others on the right side panel of the blog. In fact, since it is slightly tongue in cheek, I may use the "monetize" link on Blogger to set up advertisements - sort of like the moneychangers in the temple thing that so upset the real Jesus Christ in the actual ancient world.

I haven’t decided if I will revamp the visual appearance of this blog, but I may do that as well. Perhaps there will be fewer of the political images and more Art images. I have to decide if I can stand not writing about and or creating my graphic images about politics. Thus, the artwork with which I illustrate this entry, the “Big Question Mark.”

Notes

* This illustration can be copied and used. I have not made any copyright claims on it, though I always do on my paintings, pastels, and most photographs.

*2 Interestingly, this link - as well as many others in this entry - to Wikipedia connects to one of the most successful organizations on the Internet, Wikipedia, whose founder, Jimmy Wales - did or did not want to make money on the venture. However, he insisted and still insists that the venture be free of monetized capitalist venture. Instead, it must be an instrument of "The People." Damn, if that isn't a Marxist (BAD WORD) idea! Perhaps this last - though I am the only person to make this observation OUT LOUD - is why there has been so much critical comment about Wikipedia and Jimmy Wales by so many in and out of the various establishments.

Supreme Court Strikes DOMA

Celebrate

My husband and I made fast tracks into Camp Rehoboth yesterday morning as soon as we heard of the Supreme Court’s decision to strike DOMA because I had read on facebook that Camp would be hosting an all day celebration. The celebration was made so special because we - along with so many other lesbian and gay couples - had crowned our 45-year long relationship with marriage in New York City in August 2012. The mixed media distressed painting above, “Same Sex Marriage,” includes a telescoped photo of our marriage ceremony with Reverend Pat Bumgardner at the Metropolitan Community Church in Manhattan. It is currently on display as part of the LGBT Pictionary show at Camp Rehoboth for the Gay Pride Month of June celebration. Joe and I feel as though the past year has been an extremely special year for us for two reasons. First, because of the work we put into creating this show. Joe put together twenty-five frames, and provided the environment conducive to the creation of thirty-two paintings over a nine-month period. Second, our marriage ceremony and the three celebrations we held with friends in various locations was conducted as one small part of the massive LGBT push for marriage equality in the United States. And now, as of June 26, 2013, for the first time in our forty-five years together we are viewed as equal to our heterosexual brothers and sisters in the eyes of our Federal government, if not by thirty-seven of the fifty states. Of course we still have far to go in order to secure equality in all the states. Never the less, this week we will take time out from that historic struggle for equality to celebrate. In fact, the song, “Celebrate,” by Kool and the Gang (1980) keeps playing over and over in my head.

Yes, Celebrate!

Celebrate good times, come on
(Let's celebrate)


Celebrate good times, come on
(Let's celebrate)


There's a party goin' on right here



A celebration to last throughout the years



So bring your good times
And your laughter too



We gonna celebrate our party with you


Lights! Camera! Action!

I leave talk of The LGBT Pictionary behind because last night, as part of June, Gay Pride Month my husband and I also attended the Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida production Lights! Camera! Action!.

Last night I got to sit in the audience and listen to the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) sing in their June spectacular, Lights! Camera! Action!, Normally, I’m up on stage with the chorus. However, I haven’t been present for any of the rehearsals for this show. So, when we found that we would be here in south Florida for the summer concert we bought tickets immediately, a good thing because the two performances are sold out.*

As usual, the brotherhood was in full voice under the masterful direction of Gordon Roberts, and assistant director, Harold Dioquino. I especially enjoyed the Act I rendition of Yentl melodies (1981) arranged by director Roberts. Act II opened with the hysterically funny and scathing put down of Adolf Hitler from Mel Brooks motion picture (1968 & 2005) and Broadway musical (2001)The Producers. The featured “Tropical Wave” ensamble’s performance of “Alfie” from the motion picture of the same name (1966), and “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” Puttin’ on the Ritz (1930) was amazing. Best performance of Act II goes to Brian Ricci’s solo in “Crazy World” from Victor Victoria (1982). Also worth mention was Roberts’ beautiful Piano accompaniment to the chorus in his arrangement of “Our Love Affair” from the melodramatic tearjerker of a motion picture An Affair to Remember (1957). We had a wonderful evening to remember, and I believe this chorus is destined to become one of the top choruses in the country.



*If you wish to attend tonight's performance, Saturday, June 22nd, 2013, you might check at the door 7:30 PM this evening, at Sunshine Cathedral, 1480 SW 9th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Telephone: (954) 462-2004.

LGBT Pictionary: June Pride Month, 2013

This is the final final entry about the show at Camp Rehoboth Community Center.



 Because I designed and created the announcement as well as the artworks I've decided to include that artwork as the final blog entry about the show since the show will run for another two weeks, through June 26, 2013. Take down is June 27th. However, I was given verbal commitment this past winter that The LGBT Pictionary will be on display at one of the ArtServe locations beginning the middle of November in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

We have sold 3 of the small pieces as of this date, and I have gotten 2 commissions as a result. Signed and numbered prints of the small works are also available unframed for $45.00 / $99.00 framed. The original small works are $145.00 framed. Larger works are priced accordingly and I welcome inquiries.