Not So Nice

XQB · #1 09-01-2012, 05:05 AM

A few years ago, I did a scratch of a Honda CBX 6-cylinder engine. It was really the piece that made me fall in love with this medium. Looking back though, it really doesn't hold up very well; it was done on Essdee board for one thing, and entirely with an X-acto knife. The reference was also limited; my own pencil drawing informed by hundreds of other people's photos.
Well, I think its time to revisit the ol' beasty. I snapped this at Mid-Ohio along with the refs for the Nicest People piece, and have settled on "Not So Nice" as a working title (in leiu of the previously hinted Behemoth). 18X24"

Yeah, I know. Nuts. Fun, though.

snoball · #2 09-01-2012, 06:33 AM

But it will be "So Nice" after you have finished with it.

ggart4u · #3 09-01-2012, 06:48 AM

I'll be watching this one. I get confused on zebra stripes. This would be a "hot mess" if I tried it. You will make it amazing, I'm sure!

birdlover · #4 09-01-2012, 09:42 AM

All the pipes will be neat.

XQB · #5 09-04-2012, 05:34 AM

You ever get started on a piece and just look at it and think "What the heck have I gotten myself into?" This would be one if those times.

At 18X24, this obviously doesn't fit the scanner well, so for now I have to settle for photos. Poor photos, actually.
And yes, I simply sat it on an easel and snapped it with my cheapie point-n-shoot (with a tripod for stability). I've been sorta leaping all over thus far, just doing hoses and cables. I may settle down into more of a pattern over the course of the week, but no promises.

snoball · #6 09-04-2012, 05:38 AM

With all of that chrome out front, this may be one of the best yet.I don't know how you can draw all that detail on and not lose it by resting your hand on it. I know, I use a piece of paper too but I still scrub out details.

XQB · #7 09-04-2012, 07:06 AM

I scrub/rub out details constantly, but I just improvise afterward. Again, its a function of plenty of good photoreference (and making it up as I go.

Harry Seymour · #8 09-04-2012, 08:31 AM

All I can say is WOW! You are indeed the master of detail and realism.

shonechacko · #9 09-04-2012, 10:03 AM

Wow, this looks really challenging. But I am sure you will do a great job with it. How much time did it take you for transferring the image to the board?

Foxyheart2002 · #10 09-04-2012, 11:56 AM

The sketching alone would stop me right there. I get so antsy to start it that I start before I get the whole thing on the board. I'll leave you to the chrome and such. Looking good so far.

XQB · #11 09-04-2012, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shonechacko

Wow, this looks really challenging. But I am sure you will do a great job with it. How much time did it take you for transferring the image to the board?

Shone,
I spent about 5 hours transferring it to the final board. Interspersed with finishing the Nicest People project and working full time, it took place over the course of 3 days.
I'm grateful for all the faith placed in me and my ability to pull this one off. I hope I don't disappoint myself or you all.

Foxyheart2002 · #12 09-04-2012, 03:42 PM

You might disappoint yourself, but never us.

pamelalbd · #13 09-04-2012, 10:23 PM

OK it's clear to me that you have a bit of crazy in yer bones son! I love watching you work!

**PatrickHedges** · #14 09-05-2012, 08:24 AM

Hey Nutter, this would have me in an absolute panic. I can't draw a straight line - that's why I stick to bent stripes

This looks like it will be totally amazing! The size will be very impressive too.

XQB · #15 09-08-2012, 06:27 AM

I'm almost ashamed to show the tiny bit of progress made this week: I've been sick and really not up to it. Still, I got about 30 minutes in this morning, so I may as well share...

Working the left side of the image, so that's all I scanned. Primarily picking out the highlights and hot spots, and realizing that one 3-inch long rubber-covered footpeg is probably going to be the most laborious item it the entire 432 square inch piece. It'll be worth the effort to get it right without making it stand out, though. Dig the challenge.

Bloody long way to go, though. I need to finish this and at least one more (I know which one!) really technical item early enough to have them ready for my calendar. Sending them out to the right people got me a few sales last year, so maybe I can do better if I send them to even RIGHTER people next time, eh?

And Patrick, I've heard that last remark more than once before.

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