Iron Mike

Partial way through a dedication to the greatest.

Joe Frazier in Black

Whilst working on the last Joe Frazier piece, I'd realized the main quality lacking was the ability to represent his character.

This piece took the best part of an hour, brush strokes short and meaningful, felt like it'd caught some of the Frazier flavor.

Mel Blanc

Mel Blanc the legend. Nothing motivates a good portrait like a good character, and Mel had character a plenty.

Balancing light is proving tough. On the Gandolfini work, black pulled the work together and created a realism especially in his eyes.

At this point I'm planning to avoid darker tones, mainly to reflect Mel Blancs wonderfully light character.

Time's Up!

Like any piece, you've got to know when to stick a fork in it.. Now is that time.

A3 - Wood / Acrylics / Pencils

Running out of steam usually leads me to rush, economize and make mistakes. It was excellent motivation to focus on one of the greatest men of our time, and again when my skills up to par, I'll be back for another bite of the apple.

Little known facts about Brian Blessed

• He is one of the few men to box with the Dalai Lama.
• Would've been the oldest man to climb Everest but returned just a short distance from the summit to save a hiker.
• Blessed provides sanctuary for more than a thousand birds and animals at his home.