Bubblegum Machine Painting (acrylic and spray paint on 18"x24" panel)
Artist, Illustrator: John Potter
This work is the fourth in an ongoing series that investigates the use of custom linear halftones, which is the structured line systems that function as the darker tonal elements within the image. For this painting, I employed a particularly dense and intricate, yet intentionally irregular, halftone pattern, allowing certain areas to remain fully dark. Select areas are rendered in a limited, monochromatic palette to make the role of the halftone structure in constructing the image more readily apparent. Compared to earlier works in the series, this piece represents a more complex and refined application of the linear halftone approach. The halftone pattern itself is based on a star motif, chosen to reinforce the broader pop-culture sensibility underlying the work.
The composition is derived from a photograph I took with my phone in a shopping mall. The subject matter struck me as playful and subtly retro, making it a fitting source for this series. Conceptually, the piece also reflects an effort to move toward imagery that is more grounded and mature than that of the preceding work, which centered on overtly whimsical exaggeration.
The painting is executed using acrylic resin spray paint in combination with brush-applied acrylic paint and is finished with a clear artist’s resin. While the work reproduces well in photographs, its full visual and material impact, particularly the interaction between surface, pattern, and image is best experienced in person.
Commission a custom halftone painting
This piece is part of an ongoing series, but I also accept commissions for original work in the same technique. If you have a subject in mind, I would enjoy discussing it with you.
PAINTINGS:
MURALS:
BLACK AND WHITE WORK:
PORTFOLIOS
- Illustration Portfolio: Start here for custom illustration and book covers. You can also browse illustrated maps and architectural rendering.
- Fine Art: I offer original paintings and drawings, including my Custom Halftone Series. You will also find mural work here.
- Graphic Design & Motion: View my graphic design portfolio. After that, explore motion design and animated illustrations.
- Maps by application: I create illustrated maps for boat shows, resorts, marinas, real estate, transportation, transit and parking, towns and cities, parks, and wayfinding.
- Additional project types: I also produce cover illustration, vehicle and vinyl wraps, proposal renderings, and street art.
- Illustration methods: My techniques include vector, isometric and axonometric, painting, black and white, GeoData maps, overhead maps, and custom halftones.
- Software portfolios: I work primarily in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, SketchUp Pro, and Adobe InDesign. For motion projects, I use Premiere Pro and After Effects. You can watch my demo reel here.