Hey Jean, I heard Beth mention my name. This is my input regarding the tattoos. First, hats off to the artists who worked on his right arm.

His tattoos are several sittings, hours upon hours of work. He looks way too young to have a faded tattoo on his chest. It'll fight with the newer one, and give it the appearance of a jailhouse or kitchen job. I think it'll help with the proud feeling by bringing it back to life. It may also signify an important part of his life, so I guess you should ask him if you could take the liberty of 'fixing' it for him.

There's just something about the expression not fitting in for me. It's just a personal thing, the smirk does'nt feel right with the pose. Then again, I don't like smiles. A more serious expression would give it a different feel. A more serious theme should bring a change of the background tho. Maybe that's what you're looking for, a more playful appearance. If so, I'll be quiet.

If you're looking for a young (ok, I'm slightly older), cute (ok, I'm not that either) tattooed (that I am!) model,...............................just kidding. I do plan on getting more work done within the next two weeks, chest and ribs, only if I can take the pain.

Chris, let's see yours!

Jimmie - I wish I had known you when I got my tattoo. The bottom of the brushes poking through the thumb-hole do not match up to the top of the brushes. The guy drew them crooked.

Yeah Jimmie, we all know you could be the original "pool boy"! :thumbsup:

I am not sure of the background either, but Chris knows her stuff Jean. I am afraid the plant would mess with the tattoo, too much going on. But then I like the smirk too, adds a bit of that body building arrogance.

Thanks for the input, Jimmie. I've attached an image of that older tattoo. This guy is almost thirty, and it may have been his first act of rebellion. Since then his bodyart has gotten more sophisticated. He's working on a new one for his back, somewhere in the range of $2,000-$3,000. I wish I could send him out there, I bet you could give him a great one! I'll talk to him about the older tattoo, and again thank you. I never would have thought of this.

His smirk is exactly the way he portrays himself, in this pose I asked him to just be himself, he crossed his arms, looked straight at me and "smirked". I've known this guy since he was twelve years old, he still calls me Mom. I could easily change it though.

Jimmie, I'd paint you in a heartbeat! How about a trade?

Kim, I'm still on the fence with the background and probably will be for a while. But I can see what Chris is talking about, like the background in Garth Herrick's "Jane and Iona". I don't know if I can pull it off though.

Jean

Maybe I can be the tie breaker regarding the background: I'd paint it as simply and plainly as possible. This dude is the star.

Thanks Michele,

I'll keep everything rattling around in my head. I won't be starting it for a while anyway. He is the star, you're absolutely right.

Chris, he's moving to Phoenix, maybe you will get to paint him after all!

Jean

Ah well, I actually do like the background as is - sans the staircase. You can paint the plant as if it were living. A simple dark background would also be an excellent option.

How do you know I didn't get mine the year I was born?

Chris,

This guy is a manly man, and I think the plant is too girly for him. I see what you mean about the shapes in the background though. I think I can find a more masculine background with the same shapes, brick or weathered wood, tone it way down and have it work quite nicely. Instead of the awful painting, a boarded up window, etc. I'll keep my eyes open for his perfect background. Do a sketch and even "color studies"!

Jean

I met with my model last night and we've decided to put an old brick wall behind him, like you might see in an old gym. So I'm on a brick wall search, something scruffy with crumbling grout! Not red, but grey to brown, he's all excited. I'll keep some of the shapes in the background and the plant may turn into a heavy bag. All will just be suggested and muted in color so he can remain the star.

Or I'll take the chair out and let him lean on the wall without adding anything but the brick in the background.

Jean

Dear Chris, you may well have! I have thought of tatooing my children, but my husband nixed the idea. ;) You mentioned 1968, which is the year I was born - just noting that blessed year.