Inky Blinky Blog

Lzzy Hale and Josh Smith -Halestorm

2012-02-13T19:02:00.001-08:00

Lzzy - the angle of her face reminds me of Ace Frehley on the poster you got with the Dynasty album...
Lzzy Hale and Josh Smith - Halestorm
Had anothe go at drawing Lzzy, she has become my current muse..well it stops me from Drawing Freddie all of the time..but drew Josh also I don't look like a mad stalker..LOL

Brian May now..

2012-02-06T13:28:00.000-08:00

Brian May now..Brian as he looks now, contemporary and greying

Another 70's Freddie Mercury

2012-02-04T19:26:00.000-08:00

Another 70's Freddie Mercury-I've just got a couple of 'copic' markers as they are refillable..had another go at a 70's Fred..I like this one as I've got a bit more detail into it than the previous couple:

Lzzy Hale - Halestorm

2012-02-04T07:42:00.000-08:00

Lzzy Hale - Halestorm
Another go at Lzzy, this time trying to capture her off-stage smile..

Chucky meets Jabba

2012-02-03T19:58:00.000-08:00

Simon Helberg as Howard Wolowitz

2012-02-03T16:51:00.000-08:00

Simon Helberg as Howard Wolowitz. Eternal optimism combined with delusionism, a brilliant performance from a rounded comedy actor

Kaley Cuoco

2012-02-02T10:52:00.000-08:00

Trying to do (and who can blame me) the delightful Kaley Cuoco, the brilliant comedy actress from 'the Big Bang Theory'. The first one I've tried to get her full-on 'scowly-pout' face, that pursed lips look that she (Penny) gives Sheldon or Wolowitz after a cutting remark. I lost the likeness a bit, and the linework has ended up to heavy for her delicate features..

The second one is more of a straight drawing, I was just trying to get a feel for her profile before I have another go.. Going for an art nouveau vibe but heavy handed rendering has killed it a bit :(

Millwall Baker

2012-01-29T19:32:00.000-08:00

Millwall Fan and Baker - 40 years a co-op baker , enjoys fishing and a bet on the horses...

Lzzy Hale - Halestorm

2012-01-28T08:49:00.000-08:00

Lzzy Hale - Halestorm
Just discovered this band this week, (Yes, I know I'm late to the party)-thanks Beth,
But they are Epic, Lzzy's voice is one of those rare superstar straight out of the gate uber brilliant. I will be checking them out live when they come over next month..

Queen -One Vision

2012-01-27T13:22:00.000-08:00

If you don't like the Brian I won't be offended, I don't like it either..I need to do a different version of him..He 's looking up at an odd angle which doesn't look like him and is tricky to draw..I have the compulsion to plug in my electric razor (whatever that is)

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/nicksmithworld/OV-FIN-1.jpg

Early 70's Freddie

2012-01-22T14:01:00.000-08:00

Just done a couple of early 70's Freddie's, when he was all cheekbones and hair.... These drawing are almost a pair..

“When we lost Freddie, we not only lost a great personality, a man with a great sense of humour, a true showman, but we lost probably the best, the really, the best virtuoso rock ‘n’ roll singer of all time. He could sing anything in any style. He could change his style from line to line and, God, that’s an art. And he was brilliant at it.” – Roger Daltrey

“People are always asking me what my lyrics mean. Well I say what any decent poet would say if you dared ask him to analyse his work: if you see it, darling, then it`s there.” – Freddie Mercury

“Years ago, I thought up the name Queen…It`s just a name, but it`s very regal obviously, and it sounds splendid…It`s a strong name, very universal and immediate. It had a lot of visual potential and was open to all sorts of interpretations. I was certainly aware of the gay connotations, but that was just one facet of it.” – Freddie Mercury

A pyramid of obsidian straw- an ode to Gene Simmons 'hair'

2012-01-20T14:23:00.000-08:00

A pyramid of obsidian straw - an ode to Gene Simmons 'hair'

Gene! Gene! Burning bright

He's a Creature of the night

what immortal hand or hairdresser

could frame thy fearful symmetry of plumage?

A pyramid of obsidian straw

cascading as a waterfall of rigidity

control freakery in earthy form

aquanet rigor mortis

stoicism in extremis

it standing firm, failing none

whilst enemies crumble

Samson in reverse

What the hammer? What the clipper?

In what furnace was thy armour forged?

What the anvil? What dread hair net

Dare its deadly terrors met?

(Apologies to Blake)

Paul Stanley turns 60 years old

2012-01-20T09:20:00.000-08:00

Paul Stanley turns 60 years old!Happy Birthday Stan Eisen

Freddie Mercury + Roger Taylor + Sombreros

2012-01-19T17:40:00.000-08:00

Sammy Hagar-Rhode Island red rocker- Chickenfeet?

2012-01-13T20:21:00.000-08:00

Rhode Island red rocker- Chickenfeet?

Millwall - co-op - Racing

2012-01-12T19:18:00.000-08:00

racing
Millwall-co-op-

The copiously coiffured Dr Brian May

2012-01-06T19:40:00.000-08:00

The copiously coiffured Dr Brian May

John Deacon-Queen radio gaga video

2012-01-03T14:30:00.001-08:00

John Deacon-Queen radio gaga video

The source...

Another Freddie Mercury caricature...

2011-12-31T06:44:00.000-08:00

Another Freddie Mercury caricature...

Britt Ekland

2011-12-30T10:05:00.000-08:00

Britt Ekland

Radio Gaga

2011-12-26T17:07:00.000-08:00

Radio Gaga- Fred and Rog

Marcus and Linda

2011-12-24T19:16:00.000-08:00

Marcus and Linda

Baxter and Barnsey

2011-12-18T19:30:00.000-08:00

Baxter and Barnsey

I'm going slightly mad...

2011-12-17T20:25:00.000-08:00

I'm going slightly mad...

Freddie - Radio Gaga

2011-12-09T19:18:00.000-08:00

Another wedding..

2011-12-05T17:55:00.000-08:00

2 girls , 2 boys

2011-10-24T17:40:00.000-07:00

Freddie again

2011-09-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

Bill

2011-09-14T18:10:00.000-07:00

The christening

2011-09-09T15:10:00.000-07:00

Chucky Triptych

2011-08-25T17:39:00.000-07:00

Chucky Triptych

Charlie

2011-08-25T10:45:00.000-07:00

Charlie- The criteria were as follows:

Reading football club supporter -s0, wearing the shirt which is white with blue hoops .

Plays badminton so holding the raquet plus the shuttlecock.

Collects cat figurines. + great taste award logo.

+Plus a bar of galaxy chocolate.

Bridesmaids..

2011-08-25T10:19:00.000-07:00

Bridesmaids- I did these a while ago but couldn't post due to them being a surprise..

The family unit

2011-08-16T17:57:00.000-07:00

Non -drawn caricature..

2011-07-17T09:48:00.000-07:00

Non -drawn caricature..In our computer age you can be a caricaturist without even needing to draw, here's one I've just done to prove this point.

and for comparison, the original..

and Brian May caricatures

Paul Stanley - Revenge era

2011-07-16T17:09:00.000-07:00

Paul Stanley - Revenge era

Pigeon toed

2011-07-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Pigeon toed

Dez Wootton's 40th

2011-07-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

Dez Wootton's 40th

Queen - the Miracle

2011-07-02T06:52:00.000-07:00

Queen - the Miracle
This is the respect my work affords from the animal kingdon "I don't need no stinkin' drawings"

another wedding...

2011-07-02T05:56:00.001-07:00

Changed hair ro more wavy
added Colour

Freddie Mercury

2011-06-23T06:25:00.001-07:00

I've spent 30 years trying to train my brain to 'see' properly-(whatever that means)- then I'm trying to caricature which is the exact opposite where you are allowing you hand to draw the distirtion that your brain actually sees...If you get it right the world sees a good caricature, if not it's just a crappy out of proportion drawing.. Also some people cannot actually recognise caricature, so don't ask these people for an opinion it will only cause more confusion..

10,000 hours is how long it takes to become 'expert' at some thing according to 'The Talent code' by Daniel Coyle..I subscribe to his theory.

Tone helps to delineate the form..

My scanner doesn't seem to pick up the grey half-tones, so I've photographed it instead

also post it for the world to see, taking criticism on the chin is the fastest way to improve..

Thinkin' it right, doin' it wrong. It's easier from an armchair ...

Reliant Regal

2011-06-17T16:08:00.000-07:00

Reliant Regal Caricature

Another Angling one

2011-06-12T19:51:00.000-07:00

Freddie again

2011-06-09T19:13:00.000-07:00

Tried a semi-portrait, semi caricature..it's gone a bit Steven Tyler...

Freddie

2011-06-04T08:28:00.001-07:00

Freddie

Lucy

2011-05-27T09:57:00.001-07:00

Lucy
Had to make a couple of changes..
Colour...

Belinda Brunette, Slash, Lemmy

2011-05-24T19:18:00.000-07:00

Belinda Brunette, Slash, Lemmy

Old cartoons. I did these around 1988. They were a spoof of Kerrang's Pandora Peroxide- 'Belinda Brunette'. I sent them to 'kerrang' but heard nothing, not even an acknowledgement letter..

There was an incident when somebody threw a sharpened coin at Lemmy onstage and he appeared in 'kerrang' with a cut/bandaged hand. This cartoon I did the same day and sent it off- again no reply, so I gave up on them..

Ed Byrne

2011-05-21T01:18:00.000-07:00

Ed Byrne, No not becky from Roseanne- One of my favourite stand-ups. Finally got to see him when he rolled into town , he's one of those people who never seems to age- His set was excellent no dull spots..lots of stuff about fatherhood.
Man, I look like a stalker, he was very friendly and normal. Doesn't actually need the glasses now that he's had his eyes lasered he told me..

Martin Curtis WIP

2011-05-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Martin Curtis WIP

michelle pfeiffer

2011-05-17T16:21:00.000-07:00

Ferrari throb...

2011-05-07T10:51:00.000-07:00

Ferrari Throb - had to include:Ferrari Flag, A bowl with custard written on it with whitebait sticking out, A big red throbbing toe, A drip going into his arm from one bottle saying blood on one side and gin on the other...

White Queen/Black Queen

2011-04-19T15:57:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the fairy feller’s master-stroke, my favourite Queen song off my favourite queen album - Queen 2. I always loved the concept of side White/ side Black. The March of the Black Queen versus the White Queen.

Taking elements of the imagery of the fairy feller holding his axe aloft, daring to make his stroke combined with the static lions from Freddie’s original crest, which I wanted to make more animated. I have brought together the lions ,rampant in a classic Freddie 75’ era pose represented by Fred’s White, ‘messenger of the Gods’ outfit and counterpointed with the Black queen/lion, ( by the complementary black version).

As is often the case, I often feel that the sketchy early under-painting can have more energy than the finished version.

The axe is the same as the Dadd painting, (are they chestnuts or Hazelnuts/? I can never tell).

My other slight bugbear with the original phoenix was that on the cover of ‘Day at the races’ it looks like a Swan and on ‘Night at the Opera’ it looks like a Goose! (Sorry Brian/Roger). I never felt that the fire element was represented strongly enough. A Mythological bird emerging from the flames, I wanted the flames to engulf the Creature so its form is made entirely of flame. This, Which then in turn engulfs the band/characters with its wings, a ‘cleansing by fire’ as it were, as they move forward musically, always re-inventing themselves.

Brian’s symbol, the Crab, was I felt always somewhat dwarfed in comparison by the Lions, so I have made it larger and more central. I was going to add Fred as the ‘Najinsky’ Faun’ at the front but time and finally composition restraints didn’t allow for this. In some respects it’s a representation of the 3 remaining members, the fire still burns, we will always have Freddie with us in one form or another- ultimately his energy will continue to re-invent and Invigorate the fan base and the fan base yet to be born. All Hail Queen!! –the world’s greatest rock band!!

Managed to get to meet Brian at the Birmingham Symphony Hall 'Anthems' (Kerry Ellis) show Monday 9th May 2011What a charming and sincere man he is, I was a tad in awe-

Biker Caricature

2011-04-13T19:19:00.001-07:00

Biker Caricature

Ace Frehley on Tom Snyder show

2011-04-04T18:27:00.000-07:00

Ace Frehley on Tom Snyder show:
Tom Snyder, "You're kind of like a spaceman?"
Ace, "No actually, I'm a plumber..."
Tom Snyder,"Listen. I've got a little piece of pipe backstage I'd like to have you work on..."
Ace, "Tell me about it...A-Ha-Ha-Ha-Hahahahahahaaaaaaaaa!"

Kisstones

2011-02-23T17:40:00.001-08:00

Kiss/Stones logo

Someone's asked me to do a stones' logo but with gene's tongue..Harder than it sounds..
I've lived with it for a couple of days..unsure whether or not I like it..

will stones fans get it or assume it's a badly drawn bootleg? Will kiss fans get it?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Pasche

http://www.logodesignlove.com/rolling-stones-lips-tongue-logo

http://www.icons.org.uk/nom/nominations/rolling-stones-tongue-logo-1-2-3

http://everythingandnothing.typepad.com/mississippi/2005/09/pasche_was_a_ro.html

http://www.thelogofactory.com/logo_blog/index.php/rolling-stone-logo-twitter-copyright-crowdsourcing-blog-content/

thought of the perfect tagline:

Nick Cave

2011-02-22T18:38:00.000-08:00

Nick Cave

I concentrated on the geometry and the likeness just came together- ah serendipity! Ironically My name is Nick and I live in a cave...

Ben and Laura

2011-02-19T08:37:00.000-08:00

Ben and Laura - there ice cream range wasn't as successful-

The difficulty with wedding and caricatures is that you have to be careful not to offend, as not everyone likes caricature. I tend to play safe and introduce 15%-20% caricature into the drawing. Fortunatley the Bride had a very attractive, pretty face so I merely did a 'straight' drawing, slighty enhancing the fullness of lips and cheekbones. The Groom I exagerated the ruggedness and the masculine features..I was pleased with ths finished version. Just hope they liked it (it was a surprise gift!)!

Bardot

2011-02-15T18:45:00.000-08:00

Bardot- I was always more of a Raquel Welch man myself...

Snakerock

2011-02-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

Snakerock

Emily Blunt

2011-02-08T16:59:00.000-08:00

Emily Blunt - it's all about the top lip...

Tommy Lee Jones

2011-02-04T14:19:00.000-08:00

s

Tommy Lee Jones - This is the crudest drawing I've done on here, I was trying to get a likeness in as few lines as possible, then I started adding..., click to zoom, it looks better bigger

Jimmy Carr

2011-01-24T17:34:00.000-08:00

Jimmy Carr- I had the idea to draw Jimmy Carr's face as a perfectly circular pizza base with two chocolate buttons for eyes,but when I found this picture and started drawing it went all sculptural..

the original

http://www.oatcakeday.com/photoGallery/telefilm/JIMMY%20CARR.JPG

Started with a circle this time and worked backwards...

Calista Flockhart

2011-01-23T17:12:00.000-08:00

Calista Flockhart
The source

Waitress

2011-01-23T08:27:00.000-08:00

Waitress- She's taking your order for hot freshly made pancakes, drizzled with maple syrup and hot fresh coffee...

Mr Deli-Cheese

2011-01-21T17:27:00.000-08:00

Mr Deli-Cheese

David Bowie

2011-01-11T16:56:00.000-08:00

Bowie- the cruel mouth, the hypnotic eyes, the cheekbones- I'm also getting John hurt/peter cushing from this viewpoint..
Colour -Stark and gaunt - come to mind...

'Revenge' era Gene again

2011-01-08T10:57:00.000-08:00

'Revenge' era Gene again

Phil Lynott

2011-01-03T18:23:00.000-08:00

It's 25 years since phil lynott died (1949-1986) - Today January 4th 2011

Here's to you Phil -thanks for all the great songs and for being 'The Rocker'

Richard Hammond, Top Gear

2011-01-03T16:19:00.000-08:00

Richard Hammond, Top Gear - Well I've already done clarkson

Jeremy Clarkson

2011-01-03T09:09:00.000-08:00

Jeremy Clarkson - I did this in 2002, just found it, unlike most of my old stuff I still like it..did it A3 and added colour with the airbrush (real airbrush-by hand!- NOT Digital)- you can see where I've gone over the edge..

Jagermeister Fraulein

2011-01-01T12:50:00.000-08:00

Jagermeister Fraulein
Perhaps Jagermeister should run with this concept?

Amanda Seyfried

2011-01-01T12:43:00.000-08:00

Amanda Seyfried- whoever the hell she is...like a cross between Naomi watts and a cute hammerhead shark!

she's growing on me, who could resist those green eyes?

Hot Chick Comicon

2010-12-21T18:09:00.000-08:00

This hottie caught my eye..Not sure where the shot's from but I'm guessing some comic book convention some where.
I thought I'd make a drawing from this photo (after lightening it up somewhat). The wide angle lens nature of the original gives the drawing a wierd perspective, I also seem to have aged her...

Michael komodo Caine

2010-12-21T18:00:00.000-08:00

Michael komodo Caine
Michael komodo Caine -Idea stolen from Andy Urzua - but I still can't add anything ;)

More anglers

2010-12-21T17:56:00.000-08:00

more anglers - works in progress

Wampa Girl-Some like it Hoth!

2010-12-17T13:02:00.000-08:00

Wampa Girl - Keeping you warm on those long, cold winter nights of Hoth - thank you for finding a sexual fantasy where I assumed there was non!
The Inspiration:Some like it Hoth!

The Mayor of Alfreton

2010-12-16T18:44:00.001-08:00

The Mayor- I drew the pumps separately so that I could play around with the composition...
I then tried a couple of different typefaces, but the first one is hard to read, the second has dignity and clarity.

Cowgirl

2010-12-13T11:01:00.000-08:00

Cowgirl- There's something about a manky, old cowboy hat that gives an already foxy barmaid even more of an edge..

Cowgirl

Sharky Malarkey

2010-12-11T17:50:00.001-08:00

Sharky Malarkey

Had to modify this as the client wanted the Shark to be stabbed!
How come Greek, Italian and Black dudes can wear pink and not look fey?

Rufus Hound

2010-12-10T05:19:00.000-08:00

Rufus Hound - Just Googled him and that's NOT his real name!! Strewth!!Robert James Blair Simpson? His stage name sounds like the butch dog in 'Tom and Jerry'
Dogsbody?

Jennifer Aniston

2010-12-09T18:14:00.000-08:00

Jennifer Aniston -her slighty masculine chin shouldn't be a problem, it's the perceived 'width' of her face that is a key point for me, strangely the width of her nose doesn't make her face any less feminine- which is surprising. She's still a 'babe!'

2010-11-28T17:57:00.000-08:00

The Ssik-o-phants -copyright nick smith 2010
Introducing the Ssik-o-phant, 'Geno the pompous pachyderm' and his pals play 'Madison Retangular Garden

Feline Guitars - Xmas Card

2010-11-27T12:35:00.000-08:00

Feline Guitars - Xmas Card

this is developing the Les Paul character (Leon?) that I did on holiday (him not me) earlier in the year...very festive

Cee-lo Greenback

2010-11-24T17:00:00.000-08:00

Cee-lo Greenback.This makes him look sinister like the villain fron 'Dangermouse'

Liv Tyler

2010-11-19T12:07:00.000-08:00

Liv Tyler
Caricaturing women is always difficult, and Liv Tyler is no exception, it's not just a matter of sticking a wig on steven Tyler, oh no- he has long hair also..She has the same wide downward facing mouth, the same overbite and high cheekbones..
2nd attempt didn't come out much better...

Josh and Cobra

2010-11-10T19:22:00.000-08:00

Josh & Cobra
Colour
got the eye colour wrong, did it again...can you tell?

Ex-dentist goes Scottish dancing..

2010-11-10T08:48:00.000-08:00

Ex-dentist goes Scottish dancing..

Scott- version 2.0

2010-11-07T18:56:00.000-08:00

Scott- version 2.0

Scott- version 3.0

2010-11-03T07:13:00.000-07:00

Helena Bonham-Carter

2010-10-29T09:11:00.000-07:00

Helena Bonham-Carter

Jodie and Josie

2010-10-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

Jodie

Did this again after Jodie said she didn't like her nose, there is of course nothing wrong with her nose.

Josie Long , this was meant to be comedian Josie Long but it's a terrible likeness. If it was any good I would have given it to her when I saw her live (The Slade rooms- Wolverhampton 24th Oct 2010). What make is worse she has lost weight now so this looks even more like a chunky house wife. She appears to be living on porridge 24 hours a day, and exercising by shouting at men who look a page 3 of 'the sun', all whilst travelling on a twisty 'underground space worm' (Copyright-JL-2010)

what she actually looks like...

Jodie and Cats

2010-10-22T04:27:00.000-07:00

The Loving Couple

2010-10-21T07:49:00.001-07:00

The Loving Couple - another comission..

The Loving Couple
the original picture

Sean Lock

2010-10-16T15:24:00.000-07:00

Saw Sean Lock on his 'Lockipedia' tour last night (15th Oct 2010-Wolverhampton Civic Hall) Brilliant!!Gave him this caricature and he gave me a mask of his own face-

The Fish man - The Angler

2010-10-12T04:43:00.000-07:00

The Fish man - The Angler

The Fish man - The Angler- colour

The Fish man - I thought I'd post the original photograph so that you could see the progression

Gaga

2010-09-28T17:45:00.000-07:00

lady gaga

Brown paper bag art

2010-09-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

Brown paper bag art- Using some gut up Primark brown paper carrier bags to draw on with a ink then a white pastel.
..I got carried away!

Gene Grimace
The Green Goblin. I based this on a Alex ross sketch...

Ronnie James Dio -July 10, 1942 – May 16, 2010

This one's for you Ronnie...

babe alert

2010-09-23T10:50:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure who this is, I saw the picture on the internet, some faces are just ripe for caricature...
She's a babe..

3 generations

2010-09-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

Another Commission, 3 generations of the same family
I had to draw each portrait separately and join them together in the scanner package

Jonathan Law - Feline Guitars

2010-09-21T18:44:00.001-07:00

Jonathan Law - Feline Guitars

This dates from 1996, it's gone yellow on the right hand edge

the same drawing, I've just tweeked the contrast to make it look like it's been inked...The candles? well there is a joke: "How many guitar makers does it take to change a lightbulb? we're not quite sure but in the meantime buy lots of candles"