Hello Fiends! Just a quick update as to what has been happening in the world of Death!
I know a lot of you have been requesting a follow-up to the 'God Save The Queen' punk music post... Hold tight, it's coming sometime in the near future. I've also returned home after an awesome weekend away for Bedlam Breakout. Apart from giving me a rest from art for a few days (hey, everyone needs a break now and then) I also got to watch some ace bands and catch-up with some cool people.
I have a few new items at my Etsy store too, hand painted zombie figurines to paintings to hand painted purses and more! Plus, all my limited edition photo prints are now only £1.00! You can visit my store here: The Art Of Death
In the mean time i'm starting a new project. A more personal project. I have a sketch book that I wish to fill with pretty much just portrait work. I plan to do atleast 20 or so (hopefully before Christmas, but this is wishful thinking). I find portraits a very good way to practice a variety of art techniques as well as just general drawing practice. I'm looking for people to draw, preferably from the music/film world. Or, if i'm more precise, music and film that I myself enjoy. But I am open to any ideas or suggestions. This is were you guys come in. If there is anyone you'd like me to draw specifically, or if you yourself have a high-quality portrait photo then send it this way. When using images for reference material, I enjoy ones that have interesting contrasts with light and shadow. If you're a photographer that likes to take shots of bands or pin-ups or whether you'd like to see me draw a certain horror movie character, then let me know and hey, it might just happen!
Non of the original portraits will be released for sale, sorry. But, if in high demand, I may make some limited edition prints of a few.
All credit will be given to reference photos used, so those photographers out there, fret not, Death will pimp your work ;)
Hello my dear fiends! And how are we all this evening? Thought it'd be wise to give this blog a hearty update, as well as kill my Saturday evening.
After a long hard think, i've decided to write about music... To be more precise, the songs that inspire me and influence me the most. You know? Those songs that mean the most to me.
Before I go any further, I wish to stress that these are songs important to ME. So don't go whining at me for leaving your fave tune out. Also, i'll probably do this over a number of posts, some kind of series. There's far too much to list in one post. I shall start off with Punk. And probably work my way through the other genres at a later date. So stay tuned!
Anyway, here goes:
To start off, i'm opening this baby up with a familiar classic. The Sex Pistols 'God Save The Queen'. This was the song that pretty much got me into punk. As a child (around the age of 7 or 8) I recall watching this on Top of the Pops 2. Papa Death told me to turn it off because he hated this song. Being the rebellious little shit I was, I kept it on and fell in love. I have a lot to thank to this humble tune. I also feel it expresses my view on the UK perfectly. Amazing how a song written 34 years ago can still be related to in this day and age. In my opinion, I think Johnny Rotten should run for Prime Minister! Hell yeah!
This next one goes to X-Ray Spex 'Artificial'. Polly Styrene had a knack for writing and singing some of my favourite punk tunes. For those who know Miss Death, you know I love a bit of X-Ray Spex. She had the political side but also a fun side to her songs too. A lot of tongue-in-cheek. One of the first ladies of punk, Polly had her own unique style that is to die for. RIP Polly.
As a big fan of Black Flag, I won't leave these guys of the list. It's tough to narrow them down to one tune, but it's safe to say that 'Nervous Breakdown' has to win it for me. A song that aided any teenage angst I had. The stresses of everyday life etc etc. as well as being too damn catchy! I prefer the earlier Black Flag. Although most people refer to Henry Rollins as Black Flag's main singer, I feel the Rollins days of the band weren't as raw in sound as the earlier stuff. So I present to you a bit of Keith Morris (probably better known for the Circle Jerks fame).
In all honesty, I didn't really listen to the Ramones properly until my late teens. When I did sit down and started to listen to them properly, a song that stood out to me was 'My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down (Bonzo Goes To Bitburg)'. A song that has a lot to say. It has inspired me multiple times on the art front. A general hit at politicians and their shit ways = An instant love for Miss Death.
This next tune has fond memories for me. I went to see The Casualties in 2007 for my birthday. They played at TJ's in Newport, and 'On City Streets' was just epic live! It was the tour that they were promoting this album. Everyone in the room just went for it and joined in. A unity of punks as well as those who looked a little uncomfortable and perhaps out of place there too. A song that can do that makes me happy. I also got to have a chat with Jorge (the lead singer) afterwards. Possibly one of the most hilarious and entertaining front men I've ever met! I have admiration for this band, and especially this tune.
I now move on to another chick singer. A lady who has influenced me greatly. I sadly never got to see this band live whilst they were around, and for that I hate Kelly Osbourne for (it's a long story, I shall save it for another day). But I have to add The Distillers to the list. Brody Dalle, apart from being one hot mama, also has one hot voice. One of my music idols for sure. We need more ladies in punk.
Leading on from The Distillers, I shall go to Rancid. As a bassist, Matt Freeman is like some kind of God to me. Haha. His bass riffs are awesome! Fast, furious and manic. I dream of the day I can play like him. An ace band live, full of energy and a good sing-a-long!
Back to Britain we go for The Clash and 'I Fought The Law'... A compelling band that were able to mix punk with reggae, ska, funk, dub and rockabilly. Bringing another sound to the punk genre. A band that captured the 1970's/80's perfectly. Listen to their lyrics and get a feeling of Britain (and even the world) in that day. Love!
I'm going to finish off this post with The Bronx and 'False Alarm'. Apart from being a sweet tune, the video is super cool too! B-Movie love! Haha. This is a band I spent a chunk of my later high school years listening to. Many happy memories and an superb live band! Highly recommended!
That is all for now. I'm sure the other genres shall follow soon.
Let me know what you think and leave your comment/opinions/thoughts etc!
Just a brief update.
As I feel i've neglected my blog, I thought i'd give all my lovely fiends a quick update of what's happening in the world of Death.
No idea why, but recently i've been lacking inspiration on the art front. It sucks! I feel as there is nothing left to inspire me. Perhaps I just need a break... Like get away from home and travel? If only I could afford to. Nope. Still stuck in the cruddy North West of England. But please forgive the lack of art recently.
There's still loads of one of a kind, original Horror, Tattoo and Rockabilly inspired pieces available for purchase at my store: http://vickideath.co.uk At the moment you can save an awesome 25% on all items when you use coupon code GIMME at the check-out! Offer ends this Friday (15th July), so hurry over and grab a bargain. As always there is Worldwide shipping, and you even get a free one of a kind gift with every order! Neat huh?!
I think I need to listen to a tonne more music, last time I was feeling this low on the art front, it was this song that snapped me out of it and got back into the swing of things:
But since then, I struggle to listen to this tune without giggling, ever since my adolescent mind took over and ruined the meaning of the lyrics for me! But that's another story. It did however encourage me to create one of my favorite art pieces i've ever created... One of the few pieces I refuse to sell (unless you're willing to make an offer that contains a rather nice sum of money, haha)
But really, I need a new tune to snap me out of it and get the ball rolling again... It always seems to be one of those magical moments when you least expect it. I feel i'm talking crap now.
Good evening boils and ghouls! It's that time of year again, so listen up to hear how you can get your hands on a CUSTOM piece of artwork from Vicki Death!
I'm opening up this competition a few days earlier, because i'm nice like that :D
Throughout the month of May make ANY purchase made at my Etsy store to be automatically placed into a draw to win a custom piece of art by Yours Truly! Custom being YOU get to choose the subject/design of the piece!!! How awesome is that?! The piece will measure 15" x 11" - Thats a damn decent size if you ask me! Usually these pieces retail for between £45 - £70 (or $74 - $115 for my American fiends)! So it's one hell of a sweet prize. There will also be two runner up prizes! Woop!
All you have to do to enter is make a purchase from my Etsy during the month of May, and you shall be automatically entered into the draw! Easy peasy! So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to my Etsy Store now! http://vickideath.co.uk
Death has good news! The thieving toe-rag who stole my art to use on her jewellery without my permission seems to have taken down her ripped off items from her store!
After much hard work, i'd like to thank everyone for their support! You guys rock!
As a little thank you, for a limited time only, i'm offering a FREE limited edition Pure Fury art card with all purchases made at my Etsy store. No minimum spend required either
Head on over to my store http://vickideath.co.uk and support a living, breathing, original artist!
Hello my dear fiends! Yesterday, whilst I was checking my Etsy store I was made aware of a girl who also has a shop on Etsy. This girl has been using my original artwork for her jewellery products and selling them through her Etsy shop. After reporting her to Etsy, as well as messaging her personally requesting she stops using my art and selling these products, i've had 0 result. I call for your help, my dear fiends!
This girl has been stealing my art to make jewellery and profit for herself. http://www.etsy.com/shop/Calavera138 Please DO NOT buy from her. Report her to Etsy! Simply click the link above. On the left hand of the page you'll see a button that says 'Report this shop to Etsy', please click and report her. This isn't the first time people have stolen my work and used it without my permission. And sadly, it probably won't be the last. But, as Etsy don't seem to care about this, then i'm asking you guys to help me out!
I'm spoiling you fiends rotten today! That's right! TWO blog posts in ONE day! What the hell has gotten over me? Boredom is what! So, this post is going to be focused on portrait art... Not any old portraits, but the ones I create. I'm specifying this to pencil portraits in particular. The one thing i've always found that is good for drawing practice is portrait work. It allows you to experiment with various techniques, textures and styles, as well as materials. I don't hold myself to be a great portrait artist, I still have a lot to learn when it comes to art, portraits in particular. I always find them challenging, especially when you're drawing a well known face. But that's also part of the fun of it all. I've drawn portraits on and off over the years, but it's only been in recent years that i've taken the subject more seriously. I find myself rather fussy when choosing who it is I draw. I always prefer the more famous faces than personal photos of friends/relatives etc. But even when drawing the more famous faces I tend to go for those who I love, admire and have some form of respect for. My heroes perhaps? Not in all cases, but in some. Here I wish to show you some of the pencil works I have created over the past 3 years or so.
Elvis - This is an old portrait, created somewhere around '07/'08? I should draw Elvis again, i'd like to think that my drawing skills have improved vastly since creating this piece. Maybe sometime in the near future a new Elvis portrait will appear?
Psychotic Reaction - I remember drawing this in honour of Lux after he passed. This here is my little tribute to the guy who fronted one of my favourite bands.
The Bat - The one and only Mr Vincent Price as Malcolm Wells in the 1959 film, The Bat. Part of me loves this portrait, another part hates it. I look and see so many errors. Perhaps another to re-draw at some point?
Bobby Calabrese - Yes, the guitar-playing fiend from that awesome horror rock band Calabrese! This piece came about from a tweet I sent out requesting ideas of people to draw. Bobby requested himself. How could I say no to a member of one of my fave horror bands? It was a good challange, this was the piece where I discovered that I truly hate, and suck at drawing guitars.
Cry Baby - He's the King Cry Baby with a tear in his eye! Mr Depp as the one and only Wade 'Cry Baby' Walker. Utterly scrumptious and delectable! His hair was a complete bitch to draw, and i'm still not 100% happy with it, but he was a delight to draw.
The Monster - This is a piece that took a total of 8 months to complete (usually portraits take somewhere between 4 hours to 3 days). There is a reason though. I drew up the monster (as seen on the left) then somehow forgot about him. Whilst rummaging through some old sketch pads 8 months later, I came across him and added the background. I always love drawing Frankenstein's creation, and this was just as fun!
Yvonne DeCarlo - This is a woman I love greatly. Probably best known as her role of Lily Munster in the tv show The Munsters, Most draw her as her Lily character. I wanted to take the make-up away and draw a more natural Yvonne. There are some things I need to tweak on this piece. I'll be sure to go back to it one day and do so.
Bwahaha - This has to be one of my favourite portraits I have created so far. Mr Bela Lugosi about to sink his fangs into Helen Chandler. I don't draw enough woman when it comes to pencil portraits. Especially ones that are about to have a set of fangs sunk into theit neck. A good old traditional Vampire. Non of this shit were they sparkle in daylight. Pfft.
Rebel Without A Pulse - He's returned from the grave! I wasn't originally going to have him as a zombie, but then something happened and I ended up making his flesh rot and decay away.
Star Wars - Because who doesn't like Star Wars? I've loved Star Wars since my childhood. It was inevitable that I was going to create some Star Wars themed piece sooner or later. I give you Chewie and Han kicking (well, shooting) butt! This is another piece that I truly had fun doing. Although, just a note, Wookiees can be a bit of a pain to draw, what with all that hair!
The Man in Black - I drew this last year on Mr Cash's birthday. I was feeling uninspired that week, played some of his tunes and the inspiration was back. This is one of the few pieces I refuse to sell. He hangs proudly on my wall framed in (ofcourse) a black 1950's-esque frame.
The Evil Dead - Bruce Campbell. That is all.
Grandpa Munster - Those who know me well, know that I love The Munsters. And how could I refuse a portrait of Grandpa? I love all the character he holds in his face. He was a joy to draw!
The Bride - Another fave. I maintain this to be one of my best portrait pieces (although i'll let you be the judge of that). Elsa Lanchester as The Bride of Frankenstein. One of my all time favorite movies. The depth created by the lighting and her hair proved both enjoyable and challanging at the same time.
Michael, Freddy, Jason - The latest of my pencil portraits (yes, Vicki hasn't drawn one since last year!!!) This was a commission, and it was tougher than usual due to the fact i'm not a fan of the movies. Freddy was by far the most challenging out of the three. Never again do I wish to draw his face, haha.
I shall leave it at that. It has managed to kill about 45 minutes putting this load of crap together. So I guess I win on that factor!
Bikini Girl With Machine Gun - Inspired by The Cramps song 'Bikini Girls With Machine Guns', I even gave this doll red hair in honour of Poison Ivy.
Wanna Date? - This lil' ghoul is inspired by the movie Frankenhooker. I thought it'd be a pretty fun piece to create, and I was right, it was. If you have never seen the movie, I highly recommend it!
Do The Dead - Not so much a pin-up girl (used to be), more of a loose limb. A small canvas piece I created that was inspired by the film Return of the Living Dead and The Cramps 'Surfin' Dead' song that was used for the soundtrack of the film.
Living Dead Girls - This is one of my more recent pieces, created for The Living Dead Girls (buy the t-shirts HERE), a beautiful dead chick about to devour some braaaaaaains! Om nom nom!
Lady Legs Trio - A set of three pieces I created that where inspired from the 1950's lads mags (so to speak). Fun to create and somewhat alluring pieces. Lady Legs II is still available for sale! You can grab it HERE. The other two pieces have already sold.
Death - If you haven't guessed already, this is pretty much a self portrait of Yours Truly! I did alter some things on this, for one, I don't have a rose tattoo on that arm, but two decapitated zombie heads look a bit rubbish in that style. And secondly, I missed off my lip piercings, they looked far too busy for the piece and the style I done this in. Maybe next time, eh?
Zombie Sailor - Sailor girls + Zombie = This. It's actually a bookmark, and you can grab this at my store HERE!
Traditional Tattoo Mermaid - A little homage to my love for traditional tattoo art. I think this little lady is just adorable. You can grab her at my store HERE!
Tattoo Pin-Up - This started life out of boredom (like a majority of my art, haha). Just a little doodle i'd created on a scrap of paper. I ended up making this beauty into a bookmark. Who doesn't want to open their page to a naked, tattooed chick? Grab her HERE!
Mermaid Pin-Up - This one has to be one of my favorite pieces I have ever created. I was limited on the colours I had available at the time. But all the blue and green tones work well together, so I guess it worked in my favour?!. She's a beauty!
Nude Pin-Up & Rose - Believe it or not, this was the first pin-up girl I ever created/painted! I had to make the first one a bad-ass chick, posing in just a leather jacket and stockings! I love her for the fact that this piece encouraged me to draw and paint pin-up girls more often. So if you dig my pin-up art, you can thank this little lady!
Classic Pin-Up - A pretty simple piece. Once more inspired by the old school. At the moment, this is the painting I wake up to on my bedroom wall each morning. If you want to give her a new home, then she's available for sale HERE!
There are a few other pieces I have created that are pin-up orientated, but these ones I have selected are my most favourite! I hope to create many more sexy ladies in the future. The world needs curves, damn it!
Hello there my dear fiends! It's been a long time since i've given this blog a proper update, so I thought i'd do so now. Some of my followers may remember last year a post I wrote about all the zombie paintings i've done (See Here), well, this is sort of in the same style as that, but not just zombies. I wish to share with you some other works I have created over the past year or so, and tell you a little about each piece. All the items in this post are available for sale too, all at bargain prices! Just head on over to my Etsy store for loads more art and other goodies http://vickideath.co.uk You'll find a link that leads directly to each piece at my store in the captions below each photo. So sit back, relax and prepare for some arty goodness!
Zombie Snack Triple Canvas - Three stretched canvas' tied together with zombie food painted on each one! This piece makes me hungry just looking at it! Find it HERE at my store.
Traditional Nurse - This was a piece inspired by an old doodle of mine that I found from many moons ago and my love for Traditional Western Tattoo art. She's a pretty lady in need of a home. Find her HERE at my store.
Carousel Horse - The idea for this came about due to a holiday photo i'd taken in Florence, Italy. It was of a Victorian carousel horse that was in the square. I loved the darkeness combined with the bold colours that the horse had so much I had to paint it. Grab it HERE at my store.
Abigail - Yes, I couldn't have an art blog that didn't feature atleast one zombie, hehe. I'd like you all to meet Abigail. This gorgeous ghoul came about from an old sketch I found in one of my ancient sketchpads. The turquoisey green tones are some of my favourite colous. Plus, I love the vintage frame I put her in. Find her HERE at my store.
Koi - I love traditional Japanese art but very rarely paint it. This was one of my few attempts and I was pretty pleased with the outcome. The original piece has now sold, but it's still available to purchase as a Greeting Card. The cards look awesome framed and hanging on your wall also! Grab it HERE at my store.
Frankenstein Handpainted Box - The monster is alive again! This time in the form of a box. I had plenty of fun creating this. As a lot of my followers know, I love classic horror movies. I also adore the leopard print felt I used to line the box. Awesome for keeping jewellery, cash, candy and those small spare body parts safe! Grab it now HERE now.
Praise The Dead - Yes, yet more zombie-themed art from Miss Death (shock horror!). I rarely draw hands. Why? Because I suck at drawing hands. I did however discover they're much easier to draw if you zombify them. This is my little tribute to those dead and buried. Get this piece HERE at my store.
Traditional Tattoo Mermaid - Once again my tribute to my love for traditional tattoo art. I always have fun drawing mermaids and pin-ups. I find this one exceptionally cute, especially with an adorable anchor tattoo upon her arm. Get her HERE now before she swims away!
The Zombie Gypsy - Once again, another zombie piece. And once again, another taken from an old sketch of mine that I found (yes, every now and then, Miss Death unburies some of her old doodles and gets ideas and inspiration from them). I always enjoy painting gypsy designs. The headscarf was fun to create on this one. Grab her HERE at my store.
'Bite Me' Vampire Box - Another box I created. This has to be one of my faves. As we all know, Vampires rock (well, ones that don't sparkle anyway) and anything with fangs and lots of blood is always good. Another box perfect for storing jewellery, cash, candy and small body parts. Grab this piece HERE at my store.
Sugar Skull & Cross Bones - More doodle development. I rarely draw sugar skulls, and I have no idea why, because I always have fun creating them. Plus I love what they represent as well as all the bold colours bursting from the darkness. Grab this piece HERE at my store.
Arrow Wolf - This is the latest of my creations. Wolves rock! Inspired by traditional tattoo pieces mixed with a bit of Death. This is also the last of my decent art paper, so I do hope I used it wisely. Who knows when I shall have that stuff again?! Grab Mr Wolf HERE at my store.
'Forever' Tattoo Flash - It had been a while since I last created any flash sheets. I kept this one on the traditional side of things. My favourite design has to be the red indian girl. So much so, I might even get something along those lines tattooed on myself one day. Grab this piece HERE at my store.
Monster Mate Bookmark - Yes, that'd right fiends, Miss Death has created something to add even more horror to your literature! More monster madness, the Bride of Frankenstein is a doll. Save dog-earred pages and mark your books with something of awesome! Grab it HERE now!
These are just some of the items I have available for sale! So be sure to check out my store for plenty more Horror, Tattoo and Rockabilly inspired goodies! They make awesome, unique gifts too. Go on, treat yourself! Visit my store HERE and support a living, breathing, undead artist! I also ake on commission work too.
