Here's a blast from the past that I'm guessing no one who visits here has seen. 'Punk Princess' was drawn from a lovely script by Gary Wilkinson and appeared in the 2nd issue of the wonderful 'Solar Wind', which for those who don't know, is a homage/parody of Uk comics from the 70's and 80's. Taking this concept as a chance to work in a different style I tried to ape a couple of my artist heroes. Mike McMahon's influence is probably the most noticable, but Philp Bond's shadow loomed large also. Perhaps less noticable is Paul Neary, who frankly is wasted inking other people's work, his work in 'Warrior' was amazing, as was his Dracula adaptation for Dez Skinn's Hammer mag and his Future Shock artwork for '2000ad'. I'd love to get hold of some of his work for Warren magazines (which, coincidentally was a big influence on McMahon), but that'll be a bit costly for a man of my limited means. Lastly was a chap who really should have had more comics published, Ron Tiner. Tiner drew a few issues of 'Hellblazer' back when Jamie Delano was writing it, and was perfect. He also drew a couple of Future Shocks, one of which was the brilliant 'Mister, Can You Use a Squonge?', by the big man himself, Alan Moore. I've a few other examples of Ron Tiner's work, but he may be better know for his book 'Figure Drawing Without a Model', which I sadly no longer have.
Binding all this theft together is my own style, sadly it was the weakest link. But I loved drawing it and plan to develop and improve this style.
I took the opportunity here to add a grey tone, it fits perfectly with the period the story is pretending it was made, as well as making it look a little more 'punky'. I haven't redrawn anything as that's just cheating, but I did shift the panels round, alter sizes and add some more solid blacks where I'd gone overboard with the scratchy linework.
On last bit of waffle; the very mechanical lettering is another tip of the hat to the period, so no fancy 'handwritten' fonts.
7 comments:
That was a very interesting experiment. The influences mentioned were visible, particularly early Mcmahon, although I could see strong hints of Paul Neary as well but they've meshed pretty wellnd the artwork was clearly recognisable as yours. I've still got Tiner's "Figure drawing without a model" and would definitely rank it as one of my favourite art how to.. books alongside those of Andrew Loomis and George Bridgeman. It's interesting to see you work in a busier and less stripped down style then much of your recent work but I prefer the stuff that's all you with the influences being below the surface rther than worn on your sleeve so to speak.
Awesome. Really great strip. And as for influences, most admirable ones but the art here you've certainly made your own. Wonderful work.
Peter - Thanks for pointing out it's Tiner, not Turner! I do personally prefer to work in a simpler style, but it's always worth trying different things.
INJ - Cheers. I've always nicked from artists I like, the trick is to nick from the good ones:)
ullo, paul. love it! it captures that 70's vibe, and that classic 'scratchy/wiry' 2000AD look, but with a little extra something.
I say little, but really, your art is stand-out stuff, whatever style you're working in. Can't believe I've only just discovered it - how come you're not working for the BIG guys?
Wow, thanks Shane!
The big guys don't know I exist, which is my fault for not showing them my work. I've got a big problem with consistancy and confidence.
I'm going to try and improve all that for next year's Birmingham comic con, and see if I can drum up any interest.
Thanks again for the kind words, hope you checked out the Phibes and Kronos pics!
Old work, but still very strong, and you can definitely get the 70's/80's comic feel coming through in the art. And yet, it is still very much a PHD original.
Cheers Kelvin!
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