#1: The Predator
Watercolour on artboard.
A3
297 x 420 mm
11.7 x 16.5 inches
1.4mm board, Acid free
A hybrid of beast and machine, I loved getting into the detail of this design. For those who have watched the Alien film series, you will have picked up its signature essence in the theme of my painting. The artist that designed and created the Aliens, Swiss H.R Giger, has always inspired me from an early age. His fascination with creating the ultimate apex predator through beast and machine is a style I have sought to emulate in my own creation. Can you spot the Alien-esque face in the nose of the car?
H.R. Giger images that I used for inspiration:
My painting was also inspired by the GWR Predator - a car designed by Scottish racing driver Graeme Wight Jr., winner of two British championships in hillclimbing – whose style and name caught my attention.
Jonathan Varley driving the GWR Predator
I first clapped eyes on the car at the British hillclimbing events. Taken in by its sharp design and feel, I had my idea for my next project.
Just like the Caterham 7 I painted, I love the effect a splash of colour can have in a monochrome painting, using deep reds on the helmet visor for vibrancy and a more striking visual impact, as well as copying nature’s way of signaling a dangerous predator.
One challenge and subsequent learning I gleaned from this was never paint watercolour on an Oil Painting artboard – it was near impossible to spread the water evenly and accurately, but I managed to navigate well enough anyway.
