What's a Goon to a Goblin?, 2022
Oil on canvas
30 x 40 inches
INSPIRATION
This painting continues my "Welcome to Inglewood" series, which draws inspiration from both my love for my hometown and my fascination with comic book villains. It is a combination of the local liquor store where I used to spend most of my teenage years, and the iconic drive-by scene from the movie "Menace II Society." This film is widely recognized for its portrayal of the perilous lifestyle of gangs, drugs, and violence in the urban neighborhoods of Los Angeles. In addition, the painting features the infamous supervillain Green Goblin, which pays homage to the acclaimed comic book artist Alex Ross and his interpretation of the goblin.
CLOSE UPS
Adding the street signs makes this painting more genuine. Acknowledging the community and what it represents to locals.
A nice close up to show the muscular anatomy of the villain. As well as the details in his clothing.
My style of painting is a mix of surrealism and caricature. Weaving between the two techniques is what creates my peculiar style.
Paying homage to Alex Ross' Green Goblin, trying to mimic the villains facial expression was definitely a rewarding challenge.
Being able to create the transparency through the windshield was an impressive execution that surprised myself.
One of my favorite details about this painting is the pumpkin bomb, instead of using guns like the other goons, the Green Goblin resorts to his weapon of choice.
THE PROCESS
In the end, the creative process of this artwork was both nostalgic and delightful. The fusion of a beloved villain, a legendary movie scene, and a neighborhood liquor store is what drives me as an artist to continue producing paintings of this nature. To me, this is the essence of painting - a limitless form of expression where the possibilities are endless. The ability to immortalize these diverse elements into a single piece, one that is both strange and splendid, is truly a remarkable experience.
