This project started with the death of the band member and drummer, Joey Jordison. His death invoked real sadness in me and sparked a need to pay tribute to him and the band as a whole.
I started listening to Slipknot when I was about 11 years old and my brother took me to watch them play live when I was 13, my first concert. Their masks suit my style perfectly and they've been some of the most fun people to paint.
Growing up I never really understood why people got upset when celebrities died. When Joey Jordison died in July 2021, I finally got it.
I remember being 13 and watching Joey strapped to his drum kit as it was hoisted into the air and started spinning him upside down as he played drums. It was honestly awe inspiring.
The textures on this one were quite difficult. It involved using a tonne of white paint and if you've used oil paints before you might appreciate that keeping white as white, can be very tricky.
Looks cool though right? The weird circular eyes really make it stand out.
This one is my personal favourite out of the entire collection. It looks inhuman, like an orc or something. His teeth really do look like that as well, it's mental.
I just love the way the leather hat makes him look like a fly but also a pilot and then couple this with the metal teeth and it just becomes mayhem.
Whilst technically no longer in the band, he still deserves a place here in my opinion. Chris Fehn AKA Dicknose, was an icon.
Getting the details right in the zip was the pain point on this one, so I left it until last. Making sure each one had the correct lighting was a labour of love.
This is my favourite of all the masks Joey went through over the years and to be honest, it's my favourite of all the Slipknot masks.
It's brutal and a bit gruesome but it's also iconic and striking. This #2 takes on Joey at a different angle and is a bit heavier on the black paint.
From start to finish this one was just pure fun. What's not to love about a satanic metal clown from hell?
I had never painted a metal anything before this, so understanding the textures was a fun learning curve. It was actually the black paint that cemented this entire thing together.
This is arguably his most iconic mask. Most people will say this is their favourite and it's commonly linked to the first 2 studio albums.
Getting the textures right on the dreadlocks was probably the most difficult bit for me. There is a tonne of small details in the mouth area that elevate the piece.
RIP to the legend that is 'Pig Face'. This was a true pleasure but I must admit it was the most difficult of them all.
The mask itself is a lumpy and bumpy latex mess. Making these tones blend smoothly is what makes it looks like a big old lumpy rubber mask.
This is my third and final tribute... For now. Stepping away from the iconic 'Zombie Jesus' look, I wanted to paint him in his old school Kabuki mask.
This was a nice test for me as it's the first time I had painted a 'realistic' Japanese style mask. The totally smooth textures meant there was no room for error.
Mick Thomson is 6ft 6. Imagine someone who is 6ft 6 wearing that mask. Crikey. He is a guitar powerhouse and his mask has changed the least out of everyone over the years.
The metal plate that's bent around his nose area was really hard to get right and took a lot of finesse to make it look like it was coming away.
Welcome to the world of gothic portraits, where darkness and beauty collide, I am a self-taught portrait artist specialising in oil paints. My passion lies in capturing the haunting beauty of the human form, particularly in the realm of gothic art. I want to share with you my love for the band Slipknot and how I have used my artistic skills to create bold and striking portraits of their iconic masks.
Slipknot is a band that needs no introduction. With their aggressive sound and striking stage presence, they have captivated audiences around the world. But it's not just their music that sets them apart - it's their iconic masks. Each member of the band wears a unique and terrifying mask that has become synonymous with their brand. As an artist, I was immediately drawn to these masks and the possibilities they presented.
I have painted most of the Slipknot band members, including Corey Taylor, Shawn Crahan, and Joey Jordison. Each portrait is a unique and striking piece of artwork that captures the essence of the band and their masks. My focus on gothic art and my love for the dark and twisted made Slipknot a natural fit for my artistic style. These portraits are not just about capturing the likeness of the band members - they are about capturing the spirit and energy of Slipknot and bringing it to life.
One of the things that I love about Slipknot is their commitment to their art. They are not afraid to push boundaries and explore new territories. As an artist, I can appreciate that dedication to creativity and the pursuit of artistic expression. It's this same commitment to art that I bring to my own work. Each portrait is carefully crafted to capture the mood and essence of the band member, while also showcasing my own unique artistic vision.
By sharing my love for Slipknot and my passion for gothic art, I hope to engage and inspire others who share my interests. My love for gothic art and Slipknot has led me to create bold and striking portraits that capture the spirit and energy of the band. As a self-taught portrait artist specializing in oil paints, I take pride in creating artwork that not only captures the likeness of my subjects but also showcases my own unique artistic vision.
Check out my Etsy shop to see if there is any Slipknot paintings available.
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