Body painting. Graffiti'd guys.

Here's a little show and tell of some of my work.  I have in two distinct styles that I'm exploring.  One way is to create an optical trick that a body painted model photographed standing in front of a painted canvas appears as though they're a flat image.  Like this and this. The other style also involves painting a backdrop which corresponds to the artwork on the model but this style which is featured above is more in the graffiti direction. I create a free-form scrolling mass of details which travels up, over and around the body.  If some of the painting on the body blurs and becomes one with the art on the backdrop--- then all the better.  More in the second half on the posting.

So.... two of the photos in the above image I've posted before which means three are brand spanking new.  Starting in the upper left hand corner we have Logan.

 

Clearly Logan in morbidly obese and I wish he'd commit to a workout regime.  :)  Silliness aside, I wanted to create something along the lines of a breastplate- armor- mask- which would occupy only his upper body.

 

The backdrop is roughly 5' x 10' with simple, large graphics.  Wanted to contrast the smaller detail on him.  Again, too bad he's so out of shape.

Next we have Khalif and I've painted him before.  Here's a look at the painted backdrop I made for him as it was drying on the floor.

Here's Khalif painted.

He's terribly out of shape too.  :)

All the faces in the backdrop are him.  Khalif used to have the most gigantic-fantastic fro and that's what I captured on his left.  Viva le fro!

And here's is when I previously painted him.  I actually painted him on him.

The next model is Andres and I've shared his photos before in this posting.  Moving on we have my buddy Matt and he's a repeat model.  Here's the backdrop painting I created for him.

It too is full of photos of the model.  Here goes.....

I also painted him on him.

And one more.....

A little booty shot never hurt anyone, right?

Here's a photo from my previous painting session with Matt which is actually the first time I painted someone in that painted portrait manner.

And the last model is my friend Marcelino and I've painted him three times most recently here.

Thanks so much for watching my show and tell.  I'm painting like crazy this month so be ready for lots more.

xo

Comments

[trinity]

great work! where do you find so many out of shape models?

[Graffiti Sun]

I don't know what trinity is hating on those models seem to be fit.

Though fat models would give you more space to work on. so if you want to work with out of shape models that would be a plus.

[Franny Von Schoerrherffhessen]

WOW WOW WOW! I had not been to your blog in a while (yeah, I've been locked in my art studio with blinders on) and I just have to tell you how much I love your body paintings. Excellent work Gilmore and it looks like SO much fun. Nice to see your amazing progress.

xoxo

[Aman Chaudhary]

I'm just in awe of how your body painting pieced are evolving. Truly inspired and beautiful work!

[Graffiti On the Sun]

Oh I didn't realize it was a running gag.

Sorry trinity.

[melissa]

wow i haven't been to your site in a while (long time fan of you and your nephew!) this work is AMAZING! love love love it, i'd love to see these photos blown up HUGE! i want one for my dining room :) or living room. or bathroom. in fact, i could design an entire house based on the color palate and style of anyone of these images. just phenomenal david...!

[McKick]

Sorry to be so shallow but.....YUM!

[Perkey]

The incredible artwork!
I am absolutely enchanted with your Body painting!!

Love It!!!!