The Making of “Floating Around The Fringes” by Dennis Larkins

Artist Dennis Larkins recently completed a five panel original painting titled Dream Puzzle. Today we take a closer look at the making of the third panel, “Floating Around the Fringes.” Moonalice fans may recognize this art as poster M569, created for the show at Pacific Grove’s Good Old Days Festival on Sunday, April 14, 2013.

“Floating Around the Fringes” is an original painting done in sculpted relief, so the images literally jump out at you, or in this case dance out to you. Dennis has shared some pictures with us to get a better understanding of his creative process. Once the outline of the image had been established, Dennis begins construction on the 3-D objects, which are later applied to the panel. After the sculptures have been applied, the painting process can begin, first with basic block colors, then by building up the various objects and characters through a series of light and dark steps, toning, and color glazing. More painting occurs, this time detail painting occurs before it’s finished with strong black line and highlights to achieve a cartoon realism effect.

Dennis notes:

Noth­ing says “Good Old Days” like a big toothy vin­tage car with a pretty danc­ing girl twirling on the hood! Add in bathing beau­ties soar­ing through the air on Spring breezes and you’ve got your­self a Festival!

Learn more about Moonalice poster 569.