Portrait illustration (acrylic, spray paint and oils on 24"X16" canvas)
Artist, Illustrator: John Potter - Escape Key Graphics
This painting is a portrait of Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy, the sixth president of Ukraine, elected in 2019. It was created in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion of the country. I have been deeply moved by the resolve demonstrated by the Ukrainian people in the face of a powerful adversary. As historical events continue to unfold, the meaning of this work may shift over time. At the moment of its creation, my primary intention was to convey the extraordinary pressure borne by an individual thrust into a role of profound political and moral consequence. Lacking prior experience in either politics or military leadership, Zelenskyy nonetheless confronts challenges of immense scale in both arenas.
This work is the first in a series of paintings that explores the use of custom linear halftones, the structured black line systems that play a central role in the composition.
The flag elements and linear halftone patterns are executed using acrylic resin spray paint, while the more naturalistic portions of the portrait are rendered in acrylic paint with selective use of oil paint. The flag area incorporates both visual and physical texture, contributing to a layered surface that cannot be fully captured through photography alone. The initial drawing was developed from multiple photographic sources in order to construct a distinct and intentional facial expression.
Commission a custom halftone painting
This piece is part of an ongoing series. I am always glad to talk about the work.
For available work and commissions, reach out.
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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.