Chris Simonite's Cubo-Weirdism Blog! A Blog about Chris Simonite's Art by Chris Simonite. Who the Hell else?

I never thought this day would come. When I started making Cubo-Weirdist paintings based on pop culture, I reckoned that subject matter would be a bottomless pit of ideas. I'd never run out! And I don't think that has happened. At least not yet. But it's starting to feel like it's getting close. I guess what I'm really thinking is that I'm running out of ideas for particularly iconic pop culture characters.

But I guess one of the things that I really want to know is what my audience wants to see. Every now and then I'll ask that question in my Instagram posts, but I rarely get an answer. Of course, sometimes I get commissions of particular characters, so that is one way of letting me know. And I appreciate those of you who have commissioned me!

But of course, characters from pop culture (movies and TV) have been my main source of inspiration, but they are not the only ones. I have also done series of rock/pop/soul/etc stars and comedians. In addition, I did a series of beloved figures from pop culture that most of us think of as national (or international) treasures. 

One thing I've thought about lately, is revisiting some of the subject matter that I've painted in the past. Especially ones that have already sold. For example, I'm thinking of doing another painting of Jimi Hendrix. Who knows I may even start on that after I finish this here blogpost here! Last year I sold quite a few paintings of musicians, so there may be more that I need to revisit. 

So that brings me to the painting I want to show you today. A few years ago I did a painting of Bryan Cranston as Walter White from Breaking Bad. That particular painting sold to a collector in New Brunswick. So last week I decided that I should paint him again. The fact is I'm a huge fan of the show (though I've only seen it once–might be time for a re-watch) and he is definitely one of the most iconic characters of the 21st Century. 

Heisenberg, 14" x 11", oil on canvas. Sold.

This time around I used a very similar source photo for reference, but I decided to push the "weirdism" a little. As you can see, I gave him that big round cartoon eye and the mouth that is both opened and closed (Schrödingers mouth?). Every time I give a subject a big round eye, it's a nod to George Condo as well as to my own background as a hack cartoonist. 

Say. My. Name., 16" x 20", oil on canvas, 2023. Available.

So to finish off this post, here are a few questions for you dear reader(s). What do you think of the style of the first Walter White compared to the second? What pop culture characters, musicians or other figures would you like to see me paint. No obligation to buy! I've also mentioned in the past that I don't paint enough women, so please give me some ideas for iconic women to paint! 

See you next week!