2018

Italy/Spain.

I wanted to draw two countries, two characters together. Because I think they are quite similar and have something in common in their culture and style. 

Italy. I visited Italy (in the beginning I had other less than beautiful ideas about the character), and I have never been to Spain. But over time, I decided to change Italy, and take the Renaissance stereotype about riches, exuberance, etc. Italy is one of the progenitors of the Western culture, and it's the way I want to see and remember the country that I studied so much about in my childhood. So here's an Italian merchant. Rich, arrogant, handsome, knowing the value of money and himself. He fought a lot in the past, but now abandoned the bloody trade and prefers business instead. He is interested in selling and buying very expensive and exclusive goods. He has links within the criminal world and is very tough with his competitors.

Spain. Actually, I do not know very much about Spain, only some general info from world's history. But I associate it with a warlike country in its best years. With richness, conquest and power. Spain is still a warrior and is waiting for adventures, but my Spain is kinder than Italy (lol). They are both friends, yep...  
As a base for Italy, I took an Italian actor Riccardo Scamarcio and for Spain, Spanish actor Jordi Mollà (I'm still not so good at portraits...). Handsome guys!

As a result, we have two "golden" characters. I do not aim to flatter or offend anyone in this way. I know that in the real world these countries are different. I took parts that are interesting to me now, not because someone asked me not to draw stereotypical things (for example pasta). If I want to draw something in an unflattering way, I will do it : )

Well, I didn’t write a big text about the history of the countries, just more about my thoughts.

Thank you.