Sophisticated Smoking Skull Artwork

I work full time as a Fire-Fighter in England, who loves to draw and create new pieces of art in my spare time. Married with two beautiful boys. Self taught artist, with no formal training. I drew the Top Hat Smoking skull as it reminded me of my Dad, who always had a pipe in his mouth. I see it as a celebration of his life and he has always inspired me to give my best no matter what..!! I have always enjoyed drawing skulls and see it as much more than death or anger...!! To me the SKULL is so much more than the symbol of death, it is also the symbol and celebration of life, power, strength, protection or a significant life change. I love the fact it evokes many different thoughts, and once was explained to me, "a skull represents overcoming a great adversity". As for inspiration, inspired by many great artist of all different mediums and eras. Pablo Picasso, Auguste Rodin, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Damien Hirst, Thiago Bianchini, Tony mancia, Jennifer Lee to name a few. Firstly I sketch a drawing in pencil, sometimes using reference images, then will transfer to digital art to complete the process. I hope the image is liked by many, as I feel it is a fun contemporary piece.