It starts with an idea.

Planning for my latest painting began from a backup story in Wonder Woman #316, 1984. I loved the dramatic pose of the Huntress with a long, dark cape draped down her sides with her arms raised high. I remember a similar pose from a production still of Batgirl (Yvonne Craig), from the Sixties, Batman, TV series.

Then I remembered Frank Langella as the evil sorcerer, Skeletor, from the Masters of the Universe film. I loved the actor’s flair with his black cloak, as his extensive skull makeup allowed little movement of his face, but the makeup/mask was terrifying on its own. Fashion is an extension of one’s self, of their emotions, this is utilized in much of my work. The Huntress (great name) pose, the cloak, and the skull face would be used to show a duality between beauty and ugliness. Sex, tainted with evil. But because I’m predominately a happy person, I want this painting to reflect that as well.

As of late, I’ve been digging into Diana Ross’ back catalog of lesser known music from the early Eighties. The music videos Dirty Looks, Eaten Alive, and, Pieces of Ice are prime examples of fashion and fades of the era. I appreciate Ross’ commanding presence in front of a camera or on stage. The latter two videos resemble bad B horror films, a notorious source of regular inspiration for my work. I could incorporate Ross’ beauty and the beastly nature of her videos into my skull faced heroine. This would soften the wickedness of the figure, but also enhance the over all mood of the piece.

Within minutes I suddenly had a reference sheet cobbled together and I’m now eager to begin sketching out designs for the upcoming, “Glamor Gore” painting, working title.