‘GARY’ LIGHTBODY Snow Patrol ORIGINAL

The 2nd of my Northern Irish Legend Portraits is Bangor-born, Music Superstar Gary Lightbody from Snow Patrol. 

“Gareth John Lightbody OBE is a Northern Irish singer, songwriter, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the alternative Rock band Snow Patrol. He has also founded the musical supergroups the Reindeer section and Tired Pony.“

~Wikipedia

‘GARY’, measuring 122cm x 81cm this piece was a blast to create. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a massive Snow Patrol fan. After missing out on tickets to their hometown gig (also my hometown), I had to go back to basics and paint the band a picture to hopefully secure tickets for the event.

Gary has always been an idol of mine, coming from a small town (now city), he made global success, but it wasn’t plain sailing, and that’s what makes him so likeable. Painting him was great, his large fuzzy hairy and strong features hooked me in. I wanted him on a black background and knew his hair would be lost in it, but it turned out well with a bit of playing about. Finally, that shirt! Haha, that shirt took a lifetime. There is a lot of freestyle in there and artistic license, but I am happy with the outcome.

Make sure to watch the ‘Making of’ video below, but to sum it up, it was as follows:

Chose a cool reference picture

Roughly whitewashed a board

Threw down some guidelines

Applied my 1st coat of Tin awesomeness

Brought the detail back through with acrylic pen

Applied the ‘Darkness’ 😵‍💫

Brought The King to life 😉

You’re welcome