Rockahoney

So, I'm getting an illustration put together to be considered for a group show. No guarantee that my piece will be put in, but I'm doing my best on this one.

I have been wanting to do this concept for over a year, and I finally have opportunity to do it. I was going for a tribute/parody to Mucha's Job Cigarette lady (look it up) with a rockabilly character. Obviously, I didn't really have a good grasp on the rockabilly look in the first sketch. Also, it's a girl.

I've really got the look down in the second one and I still really like it, but the composition and pose are too closely related to the reference image.

So, I went back to Mucha's original compositin and changed the girl to a dude. What? Rockabilly guys are hot. I love the way he looks and the smoke is pretty awesome too. If frustration has a visual look to it, I'm pretty sure it's his leg.

Traced the sketch and transferred it to illustration board to be inked and painted. I added in some other elements, like his tattoos. He's got lips on his neck, lucky 7 and flaming dice and a snake with a rose on his left arm, the king's crown on his right hand, the nautical star on his right wrist, a rockabilly heart and scroll and a pentagram on the right arm. I might add another one on his chest...

The borders are swallows with scrolls that lead into 8 balls. As in, you know, billiards.

I'm excited; I hope this turns out well!

I also hope you have a fun and relaxing holiday. Cheers!