B B King by kenmeyerjr
kenmeyerjr

B B King by

One of several large watercolors done for a show, watercolor.

This was done on 25 × 40 300 lb cold press arches paper. I used a projector to get the basic proportions correct (very little actual drawing), then added details and tightened the drawing up. I started on the face, as I often do, laying in layers of burnt sienna, cadmium red, sepia, etc…with violet for some of the shadow areas, then moved outward bit by bit.

The background is most often the most fun, as I don’t know exactly how it will look. I try to let paint and water flow, tipping the paper now and then to hasten that process.

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About kenmeyerjr

I’ve studied and done art my whole life, starting with tracing from comics at the age of 8 or so, progressing through working in comics and games, private commissions and having jobs in online games, educational media, military training and much more. Commissions accepted. See www.kenmeyerjr.com/port for more work.

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Tags

blues, guitarists

Comments

  • Jim Phillips
    Jim Phillipsover 2 years ago

    Amazing work Ken, not only is it a grand likeness of B B King the background just sings with his R & B style. Excellent work.

  • Thanks, Jim! I love doing musicians.

    – kenmeyerjr

  • John Harding
    John Hardingover 2 years ago

    wow Ken, awesome work mate, how cool does that colour background look!!!!

  • Thanks, John!

    – kenmeyerjr

  • Mike Oxley
    Mike Oxleyover 2 years ago

    Beautiful portayal of one of the blues greats, Ken. Captures B.B. perfectly. I’ve had the privelege of seeing him in concert many times over the years and this brings back great memories. Thank you!

  • Oh, thanks, Mike…I had hoped it would work out to give this to him, but it never did.

    – kenmeyerjr

  • redladyart
    redladyartover 2 years ago

    What a great likeness. Great watercolor work. :)

  • Thanks, Sharon!

    – kenmeyerjr

  • Jean M. Laffitau
    Jean M. Laffitauover 2 years ago

    Fantastic!!!!!!!!

  • Thanks for all the nice comments, Jean.

    – kenmeyerjr

  • Cathy Amendola
    Cathy Amendolaover 2 years ago

    This STUNNED me when I saw it, Ken…..I can almost hear the vibrating note he is playing…just as BB King gets into his music..you get into creating it on canvas! well done!
    Cathy

  • Why thanks, Cathy! I had a lot of fun with the background, that’s for sure!

    – kenmeyerjr

  • Rhinovangogh
    Rhinovangoghover 2 years ago

    Awwwwwwww jyeah!!!!!! Very nice!!!

  • thanks, rhino!

    – kenmeyerjr