For years, I've admired the enchanting Barbara Steele and not just from her movie personas. She had an extensive modeling career, as well, with many fine, enticing images to prove such. Her "chain mail" dress series has always impressed me. Though I don't know the photographer behind those provocative images, I've always been most appreciative of the effort applied.
With this said, my dear, artistic friend, Nate "the Animal" Gonzalez, has honored me with a variation on one such image from that particular series (see above), which captures both Steele's natural, magnetic draw, along with loads of '60s sex appeal.
Gonzalez labored hours on this one, which is no surprise. Just look at the detail. The refashioning of Steele's see-through dress, with all those little, linking loops, is an amazing accomplishment--and all done by hand. I, for one, would have been beyond intimidated to have tackled such a task, but one as bold and talented as Gonzalez seized the opportunity without an ounce of hesitation and succeeded in spades. (Below is an example of an early rendering of the piece, if only to give one some idea of its progression.)
The image, which Gonzalez was kind enough to frame, measures 11" x 17". Prints of this superb piece are available, incidentally, so please feel free to contact the artist for price and shipping details at... https://www.facebook.com/ArtByTheAnimal/?hc_ref=SEARCH. (You can also post a message below.)
BTW: Gonzalez is open to commissions, so if you have a favorite semblance in mind, don't be shy... Additionally, he'll soon be offering some of his 9" x 12" pencil, marker and sketch copic entries for sale: quite an exciting prospect for any art aficionado.
Nate "the Animal" Gonzalez has really outdone himself with an original nod to an old, iconic favorite and just in time for the latest "Star Wars" release.
"Dark Side - REVEALED" is a 11" x 17" experimental tribute to the Dark Lord of Sith, inspired by (Gonzalez has informed me) a R2D2 "bleeding" composition his friend, Scott fashioned. Thank goodness for inspiration, I say, for this one is a winner all the way.
What's works for "Dark Side - REVEALED" is its symbolic angst. In other words, it represents the pain and rage of Anakin Skywalker and his ultimate descent into that hellish titan known as Darth Vader. The bleeding element also symbolizes (at least to me) Vader's harbored sadness: perhaps a mad, tearful yearning to return to a clear-headed mode, while still being shackled by contempt. (I also appreciate the print's hip "Rogue One" insignia and the simulated, air-brush quality of the image, which would look "impressive...most impressive" on a van or car hood.)
I'm honored to have this captivating composition for my collection; Gonzalez was even kind enough to install it in a stylish black frame for me. (If you wish to touch base with the artist to obtain a print of your own, you can reach him at https://www.facebook.com/nathaniellgonzalez.)
Nate "the Animal" Gonzalez has hit the bullseye once again with more colorful, DC superhero tributes!!!
First up is a fabulous trio which he calls "The Holy Trinity". It's a combo of previous portraits, featuring Adam West's Batman (see "Collectible Time #50": Jan '16), Linda Carter's Wonder Woman and Christopher Reeve's Superman.
Gonzalez's 11" x 17" arrangement is impeccable, giving his spot-on representations of the thespians and their characterizations a divine sweep--holy, indeed!!!
In addition to the above print, I gained two 11" x 17" versions of Gonzalez's most recent masterpiece, "Batgirl Bombshell".
What's neat about the initial (above) variation is its bright, throwback panache. This color implies a stained-glass quality, but even more so, it could act as convincing, WWII nose art: sexy and when need be, lethal.
The antiquated version (below) is equally fascinating, with a creased, golden, weather-worn aura: for all intents and purposes, a long-lost treasure from decades past. Its distinct hue and texture also represents that good, ol' Americana, folk-art flair.
These three are marvelous prints to add to one's collection; so feel free to touch base with Nate at his Facebook page (aptly named, Nate "the Animal" Gonzalez) for prices and availability.
Nate "the Animal" Gonzalez has done it again, this time with two eye-popping, iconic depictions!!!
First we have an Adam West Batman 11" x 17" portrait: a sequel of sorts to Gonzalez's Burgess Meredith Penguin sketch (see "Collectible Time #42: Oct '15) and his Cesar Romero Joker painting (see "Collectible Time #39: Sept '15).
Gonzalez has carefully captured West's sturdy, stalwart aura with the proper glint of conviction, which would make any citizen (Gotham-based or otherwise) feel secure, while making any arch criminal cringe. I also love the overall hue on this one, including the realistic cowl sheen.
I sure hope Gonzalez continues his Batman series. His love for the Adam West show is most evident in what he's already produced, and to see Gonzalez take on other Batman '66 characters would be a dream come true.
Next up is the artist's brilliant Boba Fett...
Like the Batman print, Fett is an honorable 11" x 17" and presents a rich, sandy backdrop and fetching pigments that respectfully represent the character's roughened guise. The pose is also fitting, with the fearless bounty hunter geared for action, as his famous Slave I makes an explosive, rear cameo.
Gazing upon this vibrant expanse inspires me to watch a"Star Wars" adventure, particularly "Return of the Jedi", or at the very least spring a spirited offshoot of such in my mind...
Gonzalez is an excellent, upcoming artist, and his reputation is destined to expand. You'd be wise to get in on the ground floor by purchasing copies of these or others from his impressive ensemble.
You can touch base with the amiable Gonzalez at Facebook, under his name, where a gallery of his work can be viewed. You'll be most impressed!!!
My buddy, Nate "the Animal" Gonzalez is at it again (see Collectible Time #39: Sept '15), with another Batman '66 tribute...and this time, it's Burgess Meredith as the Penguin!!!
Indeed, this homage is spot-on, but in addition to capturing Meredith's facial design, it lends a more sinister, chilling quality to the character (a tinge of Robin Lord Taylor foreshadowing, perhaps?); nonetheless, it's certainly one to gaze upon and admire.
According to Nate, this may act as a blueprint for a painting he'll do, but it'll be a copy of the sketch he'll end up using, since I now own (along with two 11" x 17" prints) the 8" x 10" original!!!
HOOOOHAAAAHOOOOHAAAA!!!
It's another spectacular print for my growing collection, and this time it comes from the incredibly talented, Nate Gonzalez, a buddy, I might add, of previously featured artist, Jesse Gutierrez (see "...Mars Needs Homegirls": Sept '15).
Gonzalez's Cesar Romero Joker captures the character's demented glee to a tee in this deliciously lurid 11" x 17" representation!!!
For a meager $20, you can nab a print for your very own. Just visit Nate Gonzalez at his Facebook page and message him. He'll take it from there with the necessary arrangements.
I gotta say, each time I gaze upon this masterpiece, I churn a belly full of maniacal laughter. What an inspirational tie-in for the Batman '66 renaissance, don't you think?
