Around Christmas time I accidentally started a series of sketches in one of my sketchbooks. I say "accidentally started," because I did not have anything particular in mind when I began drawing. One sketch became two, and two grew into more. I dubbed these pieces "Accidental Martyrs," and they were a tongue-in-cheek series, based on my recollection of the many gruesome ways in which Catholic martyrs were killed.
This piece began as number six in the series, but something changed with this one. The news from the U.S. about police shooting unarmed black men, and others dying in custody, or during arrest influenced the vibe of this sketch. It morphed from a lighter piece, to a hopefully more challenging editorial illustration. A reflection of the situation, as filtered through my visual commentary process.
The rough sketch was scanned, enlarged, then transfered to some strathmore paper and inked with a copic brush pen. The inked art was scanned and color and textures were added in Photoshop. If I was doing this piece for a client, I would normally do more color studies before moving on to a final illustration. I may do these yet, since every time I look at it now I want to make changes. I'd like to try a more simple graphic approach, in an effort to make a more iconic image, with more emotional impact.
I hope things get better down there.
Thanks for looking.
art is © Chris Chuckry
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