Ryan Hastings

Benjamin Four 2024

Benjamin Four, the finished painting

36 x 24 in · Acrylic on canvas

Price on request

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The studio wall around Benjamin Four, with reference photos, sketches and inspiration pinned up

Process

01 02 Step 2: I decided it was time to paint over this old painting I started years ago but never finished. It was supposed to be the companion piece to this painting of a little button warrior I did probably 20 years ago. Step 1: The little button warrior I painted probably 20 years ago.
The little button warrior I painted probably 20 years ago.
I decided it was time to paint over this old painting I started years ago but never finished. It was supposed to be the companion piece to this painting of a little button warrior I did probably 20 years ago.
03 Step 3: Feeling it out with paint. Using tape to carve some interesting shapes.
Feeling it out with paint. Using tape to carve some interesting shapes.
04 05 Step 5: I used my iPad to sketch the photo of myself on top. I liked how that sharp yellow plane shoots out of my core. However, I ended up flipping it in the final painting. I think it was an accident. Step 4: Photo from inside my Seattle bathroom in 2019. I would take a few shots before getting into the shower most mornings. They weren't well-thought-out shots. More of a mindless ritual than self-portraiture.
Photo from inside my Seattle bathroom in 2019. I would take a few shots before getting into the shower most mornings. They weren't well-thought-out shots. More of a mindless ritual than self-portraiture.
I used my iPad to sketch the photo of myself on top. I liked how that sharp yellow plane shoots out of my core. However, I ended up flipping it in the final painting. I think it was an accident.