#11 - The One With Thomas Surprenant

Battles With Bits of Rubber

The last time we talked about making foam latex, the craft and materials involved in actually producing the foam. This time around, we figured it would be a good call to look at painting and art finishing.

Painting foam latex is different from painting skin or translucent appliances like silicone or gelatine, as naturally you have to create the appearance of translucency on something which is opaque.

Thomas Surprenant is long serving makeup artist with a hefty list of credits, from Deep Space 9, Donnie Darko, The Grinch, X-Men The Last Stand… but not only is he a working makeup artist, he also has developed his line of prosthetic paints and brushes which are well regarded by industry figureheads.

You know when Rick Baker calls you up to order some that you're doing something right.

As you'll hear, his exposure to painting skills and a pragmatic approach combined with creativity produce amazing results, but more importantly than that you'll come to see the depth of understanding required. It makes it attainable, and allows you to see what it is you need to be doing in order to get there yourself.

We think you'll enjoy this as much as we did, it was an education!

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Thomas lists a fair few artists as inspiration, and although there are inevitably sinful omissions (we'd appreciate it if you think of some to add them as comments or email us to let us know!), this is a good starting point to grow an awareness of skilled artists whose work has helped set the bar.

• Mike Smithson http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0810480/
• William Forsche http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0283825/ http://forschedesign.com/
• Thom Floutz https://www.instagram.com/imitation.of.life/
• Kevin Haney http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0359790/
• Lance Anderson https://www.stanwinstonschool.com/artists/special-effects-character-creator-lance-anderson
• Fred Blau http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0087865/
• Tim gore http://extremegorestore.bigcartel.com/
• Tim gores bloodline acrylics http://www.createxcolors.com/timgoresbloodline.html
• Gino Acevedo http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0009707/