Superman. Feynman. Spaceman.

So today I’m about 33% finished my triptych for Painting III, “Superman. Feynman. Spaceman.” It’s not a triptych necessarily in the strictest sense, but I really like the word “triptych”. The basic premise is that Superman, Feynman, and Spaceman (probably Buzz Aldrin, though I’ven’t decided yet) presents three heroes who are heroic in three different ways. Each painting is going to be 36″ x 24″, and when complete will be displayed across an entire wall.

Feynman needs a few more finishing touches, but at this point is basically done. I was working from a photograph of the physicist lecturing at Caltech. The entire painting in black and white and the effect is pretty dramatic. Actually, it’s incredible. I have no idea where this painting came from; I have a difficult time believing that I painting it. Needless to say, I’ve very pleased with the results.

I’ve resolved to do Superman next. I think I might do him in color, but I’m not entirely sure. I’m also having trouble selecting which source image to use. I’m basically deciding between two:

I really like the atmosphere of the former, which I think I could accentuate to good effect. But the second is definitely more dramatic, and more quintessential Superman. I’ll probably play around with both of them in PaintShop before deciding.