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RichardCox — 50s Sci-Fi Heroine

Published: 2011-09-14 10:52:30 +0000 UTC; Views: 19490; Favourites: 256; Downloads: 0
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Description The client asked for something pretty straightforward, and pretty much up my alley: a classic/1950s-esque sci-fi heroine, riding a rocketship. It's certainly a theme I've explored in the past ( ). The result is that I went through about 3 revisions on the pose, changing her expression, pose, positioning repeatedly, until I landed on this one, with exaggerated hand positioning and faux startled expression that lands it right in that 40s pinup era I cherish.

Her outfit is of my own design, but the theme being what it is, it had to be shiny, simple, and a bodysuit. The padding and penstriping gives it and her a bit more shape and form. The green clasp adds some contrast to all of the reds. The styling of the suit (the clasp, silver coloring, and the penstripes) tie the outfit into the ship.

And that ship. Whew. I think the first impulse for this is to go with a straight silver rocketship that's standard for (generic) science fiction from the period. Well, hooey on that. I researched period cars, and pulled together elements from various large-engined autos. I then layered them onto the outline of a generic 1950s rocketship. And you just KNOW she would have a candy apple red rocketship. Seriously. Let's talk chrome. Chrome is a fun challenge, but also a pain in the BUTT to do. It reflects EVERYTHING. The shapes and colors around it as well as It's own contours. That includes light AND color. think I spent about 8 hours getting this ship to the point I approve of it. I also added my name to it in a boss 1950s car font. Woot.

I definitely wanted the Squidgy Alien to be more fun/cute than menacing. If you look at the piece sideways, you can kinda tell a bit more just how goofy he is. He almost has 3 eye stalks and 2 "arms" (although they end in eyes as well).

And the background fades out at the edges as opposed to my usual fade in from character. I just thought it would be an interesting affect that reflects a lot of illustration from the period that tends to fade out towards the edges.

11x14, Copic marker, white ink, black & white colored pencils on smooth bristol board. Hair by Marilyn Monroe.

Wednesdays Heroes have posted my prelims and some process shots here: [link]
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Comments: 21

Quick-5 [2017-06-20 19:10:01 +0000 UTC]

Would you like to ride in my Rocket 69?

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Kinkifun [2017-04-03 17:05:12 +0000 UTC]

Lovely.

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NativeStew [2014-05-31 00:59:36 +0000 UTC]

excellent. looks a lot like my Breitling girl photo: bahamawave.deviantart.com/art/…

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Bongwater-bandit [2014-05-11 21:50:33 +0000 UTC]

I'm digging the texture work

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RichardCox In reply to Bongwater-bandit [2014-05-12 13:10:33 +0000 UTC]

Thanks!

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Fe-li [2012-10-09 08:41:49 +0000 UTC]

What a fantastic retro and glamourous drawning!

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Levia-the-Dragon [2011-09-16 10:53:38 +0000 UTC]

hhh yes, it reminds me of the rocketship from Tintin, very much a retro classic as far as colours go.

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RichardCox In reply to Levia-the-Dragon [2011-09-16 18:46:26 +0000 UTC]

Thank you

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Mycael006 [2011-09-15 12:26:40 +0000 UTC]

Love it, was thinking about starting a similar theme myself on some upcoming comission requests!

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LittleJohn312 [2011-09-15 00:25:48 +0000 UTC]

Love this one!

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angelacapel [2011-09-14 20:45:20 +0000 UTC]

You take such care and time with your pieces. They're always so lovely!!

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RichardCox In reply to angelacapel [2011-09-16 18:46:41 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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jimjimmyjones85 [2011-09-14 14:57:02 +0000 UTC]

I love them both ! NICE !!!!!!!

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AmyClark [2011-09-14 13:04:43 +0000 UTC]

Seriously loving the color effects on this, with all of the shiny and reflective materials! You really kicked ass on creating realistic feels to the surfaces!

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RichardCox In reply to AmyClark [2011-09-16 18:47:13 +0000 UTC]

Thanks a lot Amy. Working on those reflections was a lot like doing math. :/

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Comixbookgurl [2011-09-14 12:04:48 +0000 UTC]

love it

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statman71 [2011-09-14 11:40:18 +0000 UTC]

This is superb Richard! One of your best, IMO. Well done!

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RichardCox In reply to statman71 [2011-09-16 18:47:21 +0000 UTC]

Thanks man

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BlueMaxx86 [2011-09-14 11:02:17 +0000 UTC]

Great pulp style. Liking her bubble helmet and the "red Chevy" transmogrified into this personal dart-rocket. The amorphous 50's alien is a great touch too.

Can I ask what's on the written on the side of the rocket?

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RichardCox In reply to BlueMaxx86 [2011-09-14 11:40:26 +0000 UTC]

That'd be my name.

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BlueMaxx86 In reply to RichardCox [2011-09-15 01:40:11 +0000 UTC]

Ah, 'course. I see it now.

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