Back in September 2008, I emailed Dan Brereton about doing a commission for me as we were both going to be at the Minnesota FallCon. It went something like this: Ray: "I was wondering if you would like to do THE WATCHMEN? I'd kinda like the whole group, but it doesn't have to be full figure -- 3/4 or even busts would work alright, depending on how much time you have. Dan replied: "I'd love to do something like, this, I just dont know, at this point if I
could get it done in time... how would you feel about my sending it to you (via fed-ex) after it was done? How much are you willing to spend on this? I could do a grouping of Rorschach, Nightowl, Manhattan and Silk Spectre for $x - color, torsos...? Let me know what you think. maybe for (a little less) I could do Nightowl, Silk Spectre and Rorshach?" I told Dan that I suggested The Watchmen because I thought the atmosphere was well suited to his style. I did
wonder if Dan might want Ozymandias in the group just because of the interplay between a charcter who is all brightness on the outside, but has all that Machievellian scheming going on underneath. I definitely want Night Owl and Silk Spectre in whatever grouping Dan decided on.
Dan responded, "Ray, I can do the whole gang in painted color for a $X. That may seem like a lot, but in comparison to an 11x17 single figure painting, its pretty fair. again, its up to you. I figure if youre going to get the Watchmen, why not go the whole hog? It will be a great piece, an as its my favorite Graphic Novel, Ive been dying to do them. I'm thinking of doing it cover format, as a montage - I'm sure you know what I mean. This is something I've been waiting to do for some time, I'm happy to have this on my to do list. I don't see
it taking any more than 1-3 months (from Fallcon, if I dont make it in time). if you're willing to wait, I promise it will be worth it. I truly am excited to tackle your commission. I want it to be something you'll be proud to own."
After completing the commission in Janaury 2009, Dan said, "Seriously, it was a lot of fun and I was very inspired by the subject matter. Glad you like it! Im pretty pleased with it, too.
Best, Dan"
I am indeed proud to have this piece hanging on my wall...!
Before accidentally deleting the whole room that contained this image, these were the comments left:
Doctor Fantastic wrote:
Outstanding, masterful!
Posted on 2/13/2009:
Marvel Two-in-One 76 Guy wrote:
Cool!
Posted on 2/13/2009:
Eric Seffinga wrote:
Dan did a nifty job with it!
Posted on 2/13/2009:
Terry at Al Rio Art wrote:
Great one Ray! It's loaded!
Posted on 2/13/2009 :
Will K wrote:
A great combination of artist and subject.
Posted on 2/13/2009:
Hart Rieckhof wrote:
That is by far the BEST Brereton commish I have seen him do!!! Congrats Ray!
Posted on 2/13/2009 :
Kenneth Zenuk wrote:
Awesome piece Ray and Dan did say it would be worth the wait and I would say that this is definately worth the wait!
Posted on 2/13/2009:
Royd Burgoyne wrote:
Truly fabulous commission Ray! I love how Dan worked in some of the more famous elements from the book such as the Doomsday Clock, smiley badge and Owl ship :)
Posted on 2/13/2009:
Steve Chen wrote:
THAT... is freaking AWESOME. Totally fits with Brereton's style and worth whatever you paid for it, I'm sure.
Posted on 2/13/2009:
Jon Calderas wrote:
Man, whatever this cost...it is a bargain. Dan does incredible work and this is stellar. Fantastic piece and very timely.
Posted on 2/13/2009:
Chris McCall wrote:
This is beautiful. Dan's work has never jumped out at me the way this piece does. Congratulations!
Posted on 2/13/2009:
Ronald Sonenthal wrote:
Excellent! And, a great story!
Posted on 2/13/2009:
Shea O'Neill wrote:
Man... what a score this is!!
Posted on 2/14/2009:
Shawn Low wrote:
Great piece...would have loved a 'full frontal' for Dr Manhattan though. :-)
Posted on 2/14/2009:
Ben Bressel wrote:
awesome Ray
Posted on 2/17/2009:
John Cogan wrote:
Dan never fails to deliver awesome commissions. This piece is amazing. I can understand why he didn't want to part with it.
Posted on 3/18/2009
