As of late I’ve stopped painting by hand and have been drawing straight into illustrator, which is nothing new for me, but I’ve been working at loosening up my interpretation of the figure, and getting more intuitive. I’m just doing what feels right at that given moment and not stressing about an overall philosophy to my work… basically not over thinking it. Its feeling more natural to me, and for the first time in a long time I like what I’m seeing. I just finished a slew of other projects and I’m excited to post them here in the coming weeks.
So here is this week’s cover of The Nashville Scene along with the sketch they approved. The story centers around the American Renaissance Conference and how the people in their movement believe they are intellectual racists. Unlike the KKK, this movement seeks to explain their beliefs through science and intellectual thought (yeah, right).
The direction I got was to show someone looking sophisticated wearing the ku klux klan hood, How could I refuse?! Probably the most fun I’ve had on a job in a while. Thanks to Elizabeth Jones for asking me to work on this, this was a complete joy to do and hopefully the first of many collaborations.
Great work on this cover! You really worked out the concept brilliantly!
Awesome. Looks sweet on the cover!
Wow – love this.
Such a great job with this piece, Keith. Elizabeth chose the perfect illustrator to hit just the right tone for the cover. Love it.
Also, I can definitely relate to what you’re saying about drawing and painting more “intuitively”. I’ve been experimenting with that more as well and it’s really quite liberating, not to mention the fact that it often gets better results.
man, this is a great cover! Nice work!
Stunning!
Really striking piece. I love the textures and overprint qualities of the shapes.
I’m looking at this again and wanted to make the comment that the addition of the reading glasses is really a wonderful touch.
I agree about the reading glasses, and would go a step further by saying that the intellectually smug look of the eyes really sells this entire image.
thanks everyone, i really appreciate the positive feedback!
outstanding!!
Friggin gorgeous!!
Seeing work like this makes me wish i wasn’t so friggin’ literal!
Keith, I’m the managing editor at the Scene, and we LOVE your cover! Buzz around here is that it’s one of our best covers ever! Thanks!
Wow! thanks Jack!
Great cover, Keith, pretty damned perfect in every way!
cool stuff, it is great seeing inspiring work from others