So - back story - I'm having my left arm inked in memory of my father. I've already had his LAPD badge done on my left shoulder and have other designs (Marine Corps, stock broker, lawyer) in mind. But the one I just added will be my favorite, even if it probably wasn't one of his life accomplishments.
This one is Picasso's 1955 Don Quixote. For reference, here's the original (in black and white rather than the original "original" in grey).
For those who don't know the story, Don Quixote was a fictional character of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra in the classic novel The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha. The upshot is that Alonso Quijano reads too many tales of knights errant and loses himself in the persona of Don Quixote (along with his trusty sidekick Sancho and his horse Rocinante). The alter ego of Alonso is consumed with doing noble deeds.
The musical, The Man of La Mancha, is one of my favorites and it was one of the few musicals that my dad really liked. He particularly enjoyed the title song Man of La Mancha. I guess the key here is that I don't see my dad as Alonso believing that he's Don Quixote. I see him as Don Quixote, a noble knight who chooses the right no matter the cost. If only I were as diligent.
So that's the back fill and here's the art. I just LOVE this piece!
We just noticed that the date on the signature is wrong - had to laugh about that one because 11/3 (Nov 3) is my birthday but it should read 10/8 (Aug 10th for Europeans). Minor touch up :)
We just noticed that the date on the signature is wrong - had to laugh about that one because 11/3 (Nov 3) is my birthday but it should read 10/8 (Aug 10th for Europeans). Minor touch up :)
 |
| Don Quixote by Picasso on left inside forearm |
The first image is to give a sense of scale. Just under my elbow on the under side of my forearm.
 |
| Don Quixote by Picasso on left inside forearm |
This image shows the incredible detail work that Jimi did. Note that you can even see Picasso's signature in the lower left.
