Scary Grandma Self Pic: Prisma Markers, Color Pencil, Oil Paint, Photoshop

http://merrillk.com/?part=publications
If you own a computer, and you have a myspace account, chances are, you have seen what is known as the myspace self photo....also known as the TOO MUCH INFORMATION profile pic! These photos are usually a combination of blatant misspelling and nudity. Sexxii Grannii (Sexy Granny) ON DECK (Whatever the HELL that means)!

As an artist, it is my job document what exists in the world around me. Right now (early 2010), the social networking sites are king......so I created this mixed media artwork, based upon a scary picture that I saw on Myspace.

I took a mixed media approach in creating this work.
1.) Pencil- I used the pencil to sketch the initial pose. I do not do any shading while working with the pencil (in step one)
2.) Illustration Marker- Prismacolor and Chartpak Ad markers allow me to put down layers of color quickly. These markers leave transparent marks of color, similar to watercolor paint and often, their vibrancy can be seen through layers of translucent color (added later).
3.) Color Pencils- The fine tip of color pencils allow me to make marks with extreme precision. I use prismacolor color pencils because they blend extremely well and are compatible with oil paint.
4.) Oil Paint- The most versatile medium. Oil paint can be applied in thick "impasto" style or in thin transparent glazes. In this case, I tried to finish my work......but I decided that I needed to make a few changes.
5.) In order to make those changes, I let my work dry, then scanned it, then opened it up in....
6.) Photoshop (And Paint Shop Pro 9)- THese two computer programs allow me to do digital collage and edit/refine my work. In this case, I changed the posture of the character.
7.) Print- On SPECIAL paper (hit the link)
8.) Color pencil- to bring out the tones (again) and prep the paper for oil paint (yes, it is a good primer). Also the color from the color pencils mix with the oil paint, which creates a cool effect.
9.) Oil Paint- Finishing touches
10.) Scan
11.) Save as a PNG file....so that I can use this character multiple times.
-Merrill Kazanjian

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• myspace
• artwork
• merrill
• kazanjian
• color
• pencil
• art
• oil
• paint
• glazing
• transparent
• impasto
• opaque
• photoshop
• mixed
• media
• prismacolor
• ad
• chartpak
• scanner
• printer
• ink
• video review
• television series

[thepandatheory]

I love how you said 'There's too much serious art in the world, i like to make my work funny.' I couldnt agree with you more!

I'd also like to say thankyou so much, i've watched a couple of your 'how-to' videos, and i've found them to be quite useful.. This mixed media project looks so interesting & fun, i wish i could try it!

[kazanjianm]

@thepandatheory Thank you so much for that awesome comment! I hope that you do try mixed media art. All art materials are is a means to an end. They all have different strengths and weaknesses and things get so much easier (and more fun) when you combine their strengths! Thanks again!

-Merrill

[kenthenoob]

and i agree with you. serious art is booooring. i'm an art major, too, and i like to have humor in my work.

[kazanjianm]

@kenthenoob I appreciate your comments! Ive gotten so sick of people debating "What is art?" and ruining a wonderful thing. Keep going! The world needs artists (not hipsters LOL)! Thanks again!

-Merrill

[CokeClassic2006]

"There's too much serious art in the world. Serious gets boring."

I completely agree! I love your lighthearted funny stuff.

[kazanjianm]

@CokeClassic2006 Im so tired of the "What is Art?" debate! It ruins a great thing! Thank you so much for your comment!

-Merrill

[barca1au]

Love it! Its entertaining, informative and ART!

[pedrameke]

Its CREEPY

[syssasdad]

hmmm..what is art???? no debate here...this is art!!! pure and simple, great job!

[mrzuck123]

u suk

[cookiequeen8]

U forgot granny nails lol..

[G1manime]

I like the idea of you bringing comedy to art.

Using the printer was genius!

[APinkofsky]

Hi I just wanted too Know If you can tell me why when I use praisma colored pencils it scratchs my paper instead of a smooth coloring?????

[REVOCABRON420]

NICE WORK HEPL OUT A LOT

[JROTCGIRL2008]

I love how you do your work. Specially with the use of the paint Shop pro and photoshop it is really cool and i never would have thought of that.. How did you think of doing that???

[reygood1]

An artist never stop until he's satisfied with his work. An artist tend not to follow rules... that's what you are, bro. thanks for sharing your creativeness.