Say When

Starting a new year always feels like a fresh canvas, and for 2025, I knew I wanted to kick things off with a bang! My first art piece of the year had to be something iconic, and who better than Doc Holliday to embody that classic, captivating spirit? I’ve always been fascinated by his character, and bringing him to life felt like a powerful way to begin my artistic journey for the year. It's truly special to see my signature, JFRAZIER 2025, marking the start of this new chapter. For this particular piece, I decided to challenge myself with Posca pens on a black sketchbook. If you’ve never tried working with Posca pens, they’re incredibly versatile and vibrant, offering opaque coverage that really pops, especially against a dark background. The black paper itself presents its own unique set of considerations. Instead of building up shadows, you’re often thinking about applying light and color directly, which can be a fun reversal of traditional drawing techniques. I found myself thinking about the highlights and mid-tones first, almost like painting with light. The process began with a light sketch to capture Doc Holliday’s iconic features and intense gaze. Then came the exciting part: layering the Posca pens. One of my favorite things about these pens is their ability to layer without muddying, as long as you let each layer dry properly. I started with lighter tones for his skin and then gradually built up the deeper shades and details. The black sketchbook really made the white and lighter colors sing, giving the piece a dramatic, almost cinematic feel. I focused on getting the sharp contrasts right, which really helps define the character’s strong expressions. There were a few moments where I had to step back and assess, especially when trying to achieve specific textures like the fabric of his coat or the subtle glint in his eyes. It’s all part of the artistic journey, right? Each stroke taught me something new about how the pens interact with the paper and how to achieve the look I envisioned. For anyone else experimenting with Posca pens on dark paper, my biggest tip is to be patient with drying times and to test your colors on a scrap piece first – sometimes they look different on black than on white! This Doc Holliday 2025 artwork isn't just a portrait; it feels like a statement piece to usher in a year of creativity and exploration. It reminds me of the power of choosing unique mediums and embracing new challenges. I'm already excited about what other creations 2025 will bring!