Iceman by Robert Longo

Iceman (2009) by Robert Longo

Robert Longo draws amazing portraits using charcoal on mounted papers that are so life-like one could swear they were black and white photographs. This one above, Iceman (where's Maverick and Goose?) is part of a series of helmeted fighter jet pilots titled Yingxiong (Heroes).

For more, check out Robert's website: Link (Don't miss the Beginning of the World, 2007 series)

Looks like a lot of his work is only based on photos/still lifes and copying other artwork. I'm impressed, but I guess I'd be more impressed if it looked like he drew from imagination instead of copying photos or still life things.

Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)

Everybody's a critic! I, for one, find his artwork fascinating and technically superb.

Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)

robert longo? wow. he's been around fo-ev-uh. never really liked him much.

Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)

Damn right I'm a critic. Don't get me wrong. He does have an eye for detail that is extremely impressive, BUT where's the imagination?
Anyone could go out and simply copy what they see in front of them. So he adds deeper shadows, ooo, big deal. I'm just not totally in awe by still lifes.
I'm just not a fan of still life artwork, whether if it was drawn from actual objects in front of the person or from a photo.
I see still lifes as only a way to improve your skills as an artist.

Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)

I remember Longo's iconic portrait photography back in the '80s; these are quite different - very nice!