Las Vegas a la Ralph Steadman

After three days in Las Vegas attending a summit at one of the big hotels, I've decided to dedicate the next few days' posts to drawing inspired by what was my dad's favorite place on earth. Above is the seminal work by Ralph Steadman for the Hunter S. Thompson novel "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." It's a wonderful example of characterization and spontaneous ink splotchiness. But I think it also exhibits some amazing draftsmanship.

Enjoy an overview of some of Steadman's work in this video: 

Steadman's ink work is so distinct, it inspired a font called "Deadman," which is downloadable here.

This video, from the Criterion Collection DVD of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, offers a glimpse into Steadman's technique, demonstrated by Steadman himself:

Signmaker's Sketchbook

Like Francesco (well, not exactly) I, too, was a sign painter. The above example from my sketchbook is the concept for a work that now hangs over the nutritional bars and supplements at the Trader Joe's store in Crystal Cove, California.

Ernesto Caivano's Natural World

Ernesto Caivano's pencil and ink drawings make me think of classic botanical renderings meant to deconstruct simple biological systems. And I suppose they are - except these systems reside only in Caivano's alternate world.  These drawings, from a suite called "Floral Veins and Conduits" (2006), are barely 7"X10," but loaded with references to global warming, the nature/technology chasm and natural selection gone awry.

Today's Drawing

Today's Drawing: