Artistic Influences: Tim Bradstreet

I’ve been playing table top roleplaying games since I was about 11.  Since that time I’ve seen the work of countless science fiction and fantasy illustrators who have since influenced my photography even more than the work of other photographers. 

During the early 90s the table top rpg world was dominated by a game called “Vampire the Masquerade” which was published by a company called White Wolf.  I was not so much into the game itself but I ended up playing it because everyone else was doing it.  That’s where I first remember seeing the amazing artwork of Tim Bradstreet.  Bradstreet’s style was dark, gritty, and realistic which fit the game setting quite well. 

Although Bradstreet doesn’t do much illustration for the roleplaying game industry his work can be found gracing the covers of several comic book titles.

I’ve always found Bradstreet’s work to be very photographic in nature.  It’s clear he uses photos as a reference for his illustrations but even more than that his work seems to convey the feel of a photograph.  Unlike many comic book or fantasy/sci-fi artist he doesn’t enhance the proportions of the people in his work.  They look like real people instead of super heroes which is probably why he doesn’t do a lot of super hero cover art. 

I consider his high contrast and gritty style to be a big influence on my photography.  I don’t like doing a great deal of retouching and enhancing on my photographs.  I like contrast and strong lighting which is one of the reasons I don’t consider myself a portrait photographer.

Concepts for Post Apocalyptic photo projects.

Last year I did quite a few post apocalyptic and zombie hunter photo shoots.  This year I plan to continue those projects but I am also starting a somewhat more serious Post Apocalyptic project set even later after a supposed fall of civilization.  The work I hope to produce will be more artistic and less focused on killing zombies and badass characters posing with guns.  Not to say that some of the photos won’t feature weapons but the focus will be less on action and more on social issues like survival, and spirituality.  Costumes and props will be more complex as will makeup and locations will be more specific. 

tribal warpaint designs

I’ve begun to work on some concept designs.  These are warpaint designs for tribal type characters.  I’ll also be working up some costume designs for various differ types of social groups that could likely form in the event of social collapse.

This project will take some time to compleate.  I’ll be working on it off and on for a good part of 2010.

Artistic Influence: Gerald Brom

  I plan to start putting up weekly post about different artist and photographer who influence my art and photography.

Gerald Brom

"Peace" by Gerald Brom

 

I’m convinced that Gerald Brom was not born in the natural sense. I’m pretty sure he was created from the genetic material of Norman Rockwell and H.P. Lovecraft in some dark hidden ex-Nazi research bunker.

"Baby Head" by Gerald Brom

Brom’s paintings drip with the primordial essence of all things dark and horrible and at the same time often shine with an ethereal and mysterious beauty. Perhaps it is his unique ability to subtly juxtapose subjects of horror and beauty in the same piece that sets his work apart from other artist.

"Gunslinger" by Gerald Brom

 

I’ve been a fan of Brom’s artwork since the early 90s and his artwork work has been a major influence in my creative endeavors. I’m constantly amazed by the work he puts out and the success he has had in the; fantasy, sci-fi, and horror illustration fields.

Make sure to check out his website: bromart.com