Painting Eric Clapton's Fool Guitar - Phase One

Photo of original guitar by John Peden. Source www.vintageguitar.com

 
 

 Join me as I embark upon my artistic journey to paint a copy of Eric Clapton's "The Fool" Gibson SG, made famous in 1967.  My multi-talented musician friend Bruce Diamond of Diamond Strings has commissioned me to create a replica of this historic art guitar.  Pictured below is the front and back of the original piece.  I have been entrusted to paint a  copy of the front only.
 

Photo of original guitar by John Peden. Source www.vintageguitar.com

When Bruce approached me to do this project I was delighted to get a lesson in art history and music history as I was not aware of this guitar.  This famous decorated instrument accompanied Eric Clapton and his band Cream on their first American tour.  The two artists responsible for painting it soon after became part of a popular art group called "The Fool" (hence the naming of the guitar).   

The Fool collective created an abundance of pop culture art during the 60's including clothing, posters, paintings, and murals.  They worked for many British bands, among them The Beatles.  For further reading, here is an interesting article:  http://www.vintageguitar.com/12684/claptons-fool/

Drawing the psychedelic angel

Bruce supplied me with his sacrificial Gibson SG, primed, sanded, and ready to go.  The first step in my journey is to roughly sketch the design onto the body of the guitar.

I'm happy.

On to the pickguard.

Pickguard landscape.

Finally, the headstock.

That's all for now, folks.  I will return with more news when I start to do the actual painting.