Iron Man
Iron Man (2023)
18×24 Pastel on Pastel Paper
Original is Sold
I am obviously a fan of the athletic male physique, so I wanted to incorporate a nod to what goes into achieving and maintaining one. I’ve done a couple of workout-themed pieces before, and pairing that with requests I’ve received for something cyclist-themed (along with my fondness for double meanings) I came up with Iron Man. Though I still want to do a proper cyclist piece down the road to play around with those form-fitting lycra outfits.
When planning this scene, the main goal was balancing all the different textures packed into a tight indoor space. I spent time sketching out the individual bricks on the wall and aligning the hard, geometric lines of the bicycle frame to give the room a gritty, realistic backdrop. From there, it was a matter of shifting focus to the figure himself, adjusting the skin tones and working the overhead light across his chest and abs so his athletic form stays front and center against the rough background.
