Saturn V Stage Sep Size:  61 x 40.5 cm (16 x 24 in) Medium:  Acrylic Support:  Stretched canvas Notes:  — This represents the moment when the Saturn V's first stage F-1 engines cut-out and the explosive detonate to separate the S-IC (first stage) from the S-IC/S-II interstage. One of the key events is the four pairs of retro-rockets normally hidden under the engine fairings firing to keep the stages from unintentionally crashing into each other (it happens). I love the Saturn V. When I decided to move from applying acrylics primarily with an airbrush to a "hairy stick" (AKA a brush), it seemed a good choice. Well...yes and no. The subject matter certainly held my attention and pushed me through the learning curve. A big part of that curve was just trying to keep my paints workable for a useful length of time. It was a time of a lot of experimentation with paints, additives, palettes, etc. When I look at the finished piece, I'm always surprised that it came out as well as it did. Because of the difficulties, I always remember it as not being as good. Don't get me wrong, this is hardly a gallery piece, but it will always have a welcome spot in my heart. Many images by CJ Carter are ready for purchase in a variety of formats: prints, canvas prints, phone cases, and so much more. Help support this site and the artist by dropping by the store and getting gifts for yourself, for family, and friends.

Crystal Triode (practice) Size:  23 x 30.5 cm (9 x 12 in) Medium:  Acrylic Support:  Gessoboard Notes:  Airbrushed This is a rendition of one of humankind’s greatest and most significant inventions: the crystal triode–what we now call the transistor. The main goal I had was to practice working with opaque colors, specifically with color matching. Additionally, I wanted to see what differences there were with the techniques I use with transparent paint vs opaque. An added perk was painting something that wasn’t a close headshot–which I seem to do a lot of. For the support I used the generic, thinly-coated gessoboard I ruined when I was doing my sanding prep. Even though a support isn’t usable for fine work, it’ll do in a pinch for practice. This piece is about 95-98% finished. There are some bits that need to be sharpened, and a few areas that could use more texture, but as this is just a practice piece, it’s done enough for what I needed it to do. Besides, the wires vexed me. Very annoying. Here’s a snap of the progression. Many images by CJ Carter are ready for purchase in a variety of formats: prints, canvas prints, phone cases, and so much more. Help support this site and the artist by dropping by the store and getting gifts for yourself, for family, and friends.