The Five Elements: The Void - Syd Barrett

"Astronomy Domine" - acrylic - 9" x 12"

The Void (Syd Barrett, guitarist/songwriter): The Void is associated with creative energy, spontaneity, and inventiveness. It is also considered the highest of the elements as it gives birth to Air, Water, Earth, and Fire. Syd is the quintessential Void: he created the Floyd, as well as provided them with a powerful creative and inventive force. He also all but disappeared into a void (choosing to live as a near recluse for most of his life post-Floyd), as well as created a void within the band with his departure. This absence provided the inspiration for the album Wish You Were Here. Syd is still a formidable creative force, inspiring many famous musicians and artists, such as David Bowie and Robyn Hitchcock. And me, of course.

The Five Elements: Fire - Roger Waters

"Burning Bridges" - acrylic - 9" x 12"

Fire (Roger Waters, bassist/songwriter): The element of fire is associated with passion, drive, and motivation. It could be well argued that Roger was the most passionate member of Pink Floyd. He kept the band moving after Syd Barrett's departure as head songwriter in 1968. He also penned the lyrics to the band's most famous albums: Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, and The Wall. However, too much fire can be destructive, as evidenced by Roger's tumultuous post-Floyd relationship with David Gilmour. Fortunately Roger (and David) was able to cool off for a reunion gig at Live 8.

The Five Elements: Earth - David Gilmour

"Grantchester Meadows" - acrylic - 9" x 12"

Earth (David Gilmour, guitarist): Earth is an element associated with stubbornness and stability. David has aspects of both in his personality. When he joined the band, he provided a stable alternative to Syd Barrett as a guitarist. In the 80's his stubborn nature kicked in when he refused acquiesce to Roger's wish that the group disband after Roger's departure. Even David's way of playing resembles the earth; rather than writhe around on stage like many guitarists during mind bending solos, David stands very solid and natural on stage, focusing intently on playing his signature black Stratocaster.

The Five Elements: Water - Richard Wright

"Rain in the Country" - acrylic - 9" x 12"

Water (Richard Wright, keyboardist): Water is an element associated with adaptability, flexibility, and magnetism. Rick's playing has always reminded me a bit of water--fluid and beautiful, and quite necessary to the life of the music. When paired with David Gilmour's (Earth) guitar playing, the two form a harmonious bond each other, like each piece was specifically created for the other.

The Five Elements: Air - Nick Mason

For the past 9 weeks I have been hard at work on creating paintings for my Drawing on a Theme class. Each student had to propose a theme (connected by subject, materials, or both) and create a number of works based around the theme. I decided I wanted to do a series of portraits for my theme as had no figures in my illustration portfolio. I came up with the concept of portraying the members of Pink Floyd as the five elements, something inspired by Storm Thorgerson's wonderful photographs for the Wish You Were Here album cover. I matched each individual with an element that best represented their personality. So, without further ado, I give you the first painting in the series...

"A Pillow of Winds" - acrylic - 9" x 12"

Air (Nick Mason, drummer): Air is associated with movement, benevolence, and communication. These all perfectly describe Nick. His instrument of choice requires a significant amount of movement to play. Nick has also acted as a communication medium between other members of the band, especially in some of the more tumultuous times. With the aid of Bob Geldof, he managed to help put together the Floyd's famous reunion at Live 8 in 2005.

"The revolution is a story of birds..."

It's hard to believe, but my quarter has finally come to an end. It was busy, busy, BUSY, but I really like my work and where it's going, so all the work was very much worth it. Here is the final piece I created for my portfolio class:



An album redesign for (if you couldn't tell) Ça Ira, a wonderful little opera about the early days of the French revolution. The text was hand lettered and added to the piece in Photoshop. The original piece is in acrylic, 14" x 14".

Roger Waters final

I finally got a good scan of my finished Roger caricature illustration. It took two tries at the piece is coated with a layer of shiny aging varnish which makes it difficult to scan (sometimes there's a glare).
While it was a bit of a fun piece to do, I find that it lacks the "oomph" that my acrylic pieces tend to have. I feel that there is a huge disparity between my watercolor/mixed media works and my acrylic technique. I've been focusing almost exclusively on acrylics in my portfolio class as I tend get a much better reaction from people that view that work. It has something that my watercolors don't, so I'm leaning towards working in acrylics for my professional portfolio. Watercolors are quite fun on occasion, though.

Piano competition poster final

I'm not 100% pleased with it, but it's finished.