Bout ya folks,

Time to give this one the proper blog treatment. I actually wrapped this piece a month or two back, but it took such a chunk out of me that I needed a bit of recovery before writing about it. If you follow my socials, you’ll know exactly which artwork I’m talking about. The Stranger Things beast that basically took over my life.

This one was a commission for a fan in Texas. A brilliant job to get and something I was buzzing to take on, but I didn’t fall off my chair when the email came through. It was just a class brief from someone who genuinely loves the show and knew what they wanted.

At the start I pitched seven heads. Nice number. Clean. Balanced. Then the more we talked, the more it felt criminal not to go with the most obvious number of all. Eleven. Perfect for the show and perfect for the composition. Suddenly the whole thing opened up. Eleven front and centre with that little gown nod for those who know, Hopper giving his moody heroic aura, Lucas ready for action, Dustin with that classic spark, Max, Mike, Will, and the rest sliding into place to create one big chaotic but controlled scene.

It was a serious slog. Long days rolled into long nights, trying to make sure every character stood strong without the whole thing turning into visual noise. By the time I hit the final brush stroke I was totally busted, but genuinely proud of it.

Then came the small task of getting a nearly two metre canvas to Texas. The answer ended up being a brand new drainpipe. Solid, safe and absolutely perfect for the job. Not glamorous, but sometimes you need to lean into practicality. The painting arrived without a single bump.

Now that it is safely on the other side of the world, I can finally enjoy the timing. Season 5 has already kicked off with more episodes still to drop, so Stranger Things fever is officially back. Couldn’t have planned that better.

FOR THE FANS

If you’re into Stranger Things or just enjoy big, chaotic ensemble portraits:

• Prints are available on the website – large or small. SHOP HERE

• Let me know who your favourite character is in the piece.

• And if you think someone else would enjoy it, feel free to pass it on, with your own little Hellfire gang

Onwards,

Jossiepops