Rob Schamberger Captures Cody Rhodes in a Unique Light
Summarize:
– Artist Rob Schamberger dives deep into Cody Rhodes’ persona, emphasizing the “American Nightmare” aspect.
– The painting contrasts Cody’s vibrant entrance attire with a darker, more introspective theme.
– Schamberger’s new techniques and challenges faced during the creation process highlight the evolution of both the artist and the wrestler.
Rob Schamberger, renowned for his wrestling-inspired artwork, recently took on the challenge of painting “The American Nightmare,” Cody Rhodes, for WWE’s “Canvas 2 Canvas” series. In this piece, Schamberger delves into the essence of Cody’s character, particularly emphasizing the “American Nightmare” facet.
While fans are accustomed to the flamboyance of Cody’s entrance attire and the overall vibrancy of his persona, Schamberger chose to explore a different angle. He began with a tonal underpainting, followed by layers of red and blue glaze, setting the stage for the painting’s darkest areas. The subsequent highlights, rendered in acrylic, offer a stark contrast, resulting in a piece that’s both familiar yet refreshingly different.
Schamberger’s inspiration for this unique approach was drawn from Cody’s own journey. The wrestler’s perception before his WWE hiatus and his return showcased a transformation, a theme the artist mirrored in his work. The intricacies of Cody’s entrance jacket posed a significant challenge, rivaling the complexity of painting Bret Hart’s wet hair, as Schamberger noted. Yet, with determination (and a little feline assistance), the artist triumphed, producing a masterpiece that beautifully encapsulates the duality of Cody Rhodes.
