t˛ :: Zé Burnay

The Copperhead Man

Artist: Zé Burnay (All)

17 Comments - 217 Views - 12 Likes

Click Image to View Full Size

Additional Images:

Contact Info

Prelim

Prelim 2

Process

Process 2

Process 3

Artwork Details

Title:	The Copperhead Man
Artist:	Zé Burnay (All)
Media Type:	Pen and Ink
Art Type:	Commission
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	217
Likes on CAF:	12 13
Comments:	17
Added to Site:	3/7/2024
Comic Art Archive:

Description

I commissioned Zé a couple months back and this is the mind blowing end result. The entire commission process was an absolute delight. He is a true pleasure to talk to, and I really enjoyed how in-depth we got in regards to this piece.

The final idea spawned from multiple abstract ideas we discussed, and I completely trusted him with where he wanted to take it. We had talked about West Virginia and its geography, music, and some more serious topics such as death and the grieving process. I had also brought up the WV native Copperhead snake. I have always thought that he is extremely talented at drawing wildlife, and that is not to mention beautiful landscapes and macabre skulls!! The overall idea morphed into this being made of snakes, in other words, a SNAKE MAN (crowd goes wild). He sent a very rough sketch for this idea, and it immediately brought a big smile to my face.

There are two books called, "The Telltale Lilac Bush and Other West Virginia Ghost Tales", and "Coffin Hollow and Other Ghost Tales" both by Ruth Ann Musick that I read growing up. I remember it was hard to get them at the library, because someone always had them out. When we were younger these books were enough to scare you too. I think that this idea fits wonderfully in that vein of Appalachian folk horror. "A mountaineer who never made the journey back. Some say if you camp at that same location where he disappeared, you just might meet "The Copperhead Man."

In regards to the piece itself, the detail is just staggering. You can really pore over it. Everywhere you look there is fine and realistic detail, along with some great textures. It is very clear that so much time went into drawing this. The concept and execution are both wild and wonderful, and that is exactly what I was hoping for.

Sincere thanks goes out to Zé Burnay for one of the most unique commissions I have ever received!

See additional image for all of the places you can check out and buy his work, along with some process pics of the commission.

Get your very own Copperhead Man print here!:
https://zeburnay.bigcartel.com/product/the-copperhead-man-print

11x17

Social/Sharing

About the Owner

	Tyler T ( 4 ) Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	November 2020
Last Login:	September 2025
Country:	UNITED STATES
On CAF:	Premium Member Q&A Tyler's Classifieds Tyler's Want List Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF

Contact the Owner

Use can use a contact form to send an email to this gallery owner,
but, you must be logged in to use this feature.

Comments on this Artwork

You must be logged in to make comments.

M L
Member Since 2015

1 - Posted on 3/7/2024

An absolute triumph - this is seriously elevated. Just, WOW! Congrats Tyler. Please bring this to OAX next year. I'm love to check this out in person.

Tyler T
Member Since 2020

1 - Posted on 3/7/2024

M L wrote:

An absolute triumph - this is seriously elevated. Just, WOW! Congrats Tyler. Please bring this to OAX next year. I'm love to check this out in person.

Thanks ML! I definitely will. The snakemen of Masters Of The Universe and Ziritt/MacLean's Death Fight Forever would be proud.

Rob R
Member Since 2019
Forum Moderator

3 - Posted on 3/7/2024

Travis, this is making me uncomfortable.

Tyler T
Member Since 2020

Posted on 3/7/2024

Rob R wrote:

Travis, this is making me uncomfortable.

Lol!

Danny Hoskins
Member Since 2021

1 - Posted on 3/7/2024

That is really cool! Congrats!

James S
Member Since 2017

1 - Posted on 3/7/2024

This triggers my trypophobia!

Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005

1 - Posted on 3/8/2024

That's a great and frightening design that I can see them using as the next horror icon. It brings a gut level response with how realistic Burnay draws it.

Eranga Devasurendra
Member Since 2020

1 - Posted on 3/8/2024

Bruh...what in the unholy Margaret Thatcher is going on here? The spooky emergence from a skeleton, the atmosphere, the gorgeous rendering and achievement in value variation - this is an artistic marvel! Thanks for putting Zé on my radar!

Davide G.
Member Since 2009

1 - Posted on 3/8/2024

Truly impressive! It reminds me of Gustave Doré illustrations for Dante's Inferno.

stephen yarish
Member Since 2004

1 - Posted on 3/8/2024

wow, that is pretty dang cool. very unique idea and great execution!

Reba Jacobs
Member Since 2017

1 - Posted on 3/8/2024

This was you! I've been following Zé's progress on this wonderful piece. It's incredible and I'm so glad it's in such a good home (since it's not mine). Really one of his very best.

Tyler T
Member Since 2020

Posted on 3/8/2024

Reba Jacobs wrote:

This was you! I've been following Zé's progress on this wonderful piece. It's incredible and I'm so glad it's in such a good home (since it's not mine). Really one of his very best.

Haha, it was! I am still in awe of how it turned out. Appreciate hearing that, Reba!

Daryl R
Member Since 2015

1 - Posted on 3/9/2024

Creepy, twisted, and pretty awesome. I fully expect this to be hanging proudly in your home so you can explain it to all the dates and other guests who come over to the Casa de Turner!

Kavi H
Member Since 2018

1 - Posted on 3/11/2024

superb detail and complete nightmare inducing vibes, wowww! really cool thanks for sharing

K Gearon
Member Since 2011

1 - Posted on 3/13/2024

Whew, a labor of love, no doubt. Ssssso much detail, man, and a legit creepy vibe, in a great way. Congratsssssss!

artless artmore
Member Since 2013

1 - Posted on 6/24/2025

This puts me in a mood --- what a superb and unique drawing. How did I miss it when you first posted?! Always a pleasure to revisit your gallery!

James Dornoff
Member Since 2019

1 - Posted on 7/18/2025

This really is an incredible piece. Great story to go along with it. Such great detail and textures technique, so freakish that it would make a great cover to a novel.

All
	Michael Hosey 9/6/2025 7:55:00 PM
	Timothy L. 9/6/2025 7:42:00 PM
	Benedict Judas Hel 9/6/2025 7:22:00 PM
	Mike Humphrey 9/6/2025 7:22:00 PM
	Chris Johnson 9/6/2025 7:02:00 PM
View All


	Craig Zablo 9/6/2025 6:57:00 PM
	PATRON OF COMIC ART 9/6/2025 6:32:00 PM
	Rugrat Spawn 9/6/2025 5:47:00 PM
	Mark Graham 9/6/2025 5:34:00 PM
	J Murdock 9/6/2025 5:26:00 PM