Chapter One: The Fool

Every Story Has A Beginning

Over the next 78 days, I'll be celebrating every individual who is in the Magician's Tarot.  It's been a long journey, full of wild (and sometimes beautiful) ups and downs. People have long suggested this project for years, but I didn't think I would be able to accomplish the mountain of a task. I mean seriously...78 unique cards...? Each a body painting!?

The seed was planted in 2018, and in March of 2019, during a very busy week I painted Best Tardy as the Fool. The idea was he would begin the journey and I would end it, as the Magician. 

The painting was a beautiful success, and it laid the groundwork for the entire project. Hundreds of people applied, and only a handful were selected (86 people) to portray the remaining 76 cards. Though a few people did try to poach the Magician from me!

Let's talk about the card! The cat pictured in the bottom right, was inspired by other versions of the deck featuring a barking dog. During the photoshoot, Van Gogh (the adorable cat here) kept trying to get Best's attention. So we threw in a few treats and were able to capture him doing a similar pose!

Much like the eager dogs here, Van Gogh was serious about needing some attention. We had been painting all day, and it was time for us to be done! At least in his mind.

Sometimes animals know best... Or Best in this case. Doesn't he look glorious though? Surely Van understands? Don't worry, he got lots of love and treats afterward (and during). 

I'm going to be vulnerable with you for a moment, but not a moment more.. as it's nearly midnight and I said I'd get this out today. It wasn't easy going through these photos.

Although Best was the first person painted for the project (and my boyfriend at the time), our relationship (and eventual engagement) did not survive the pandemic. Although we hugged each other goodbye a few months ago (and really encouraged one other and our respective successes), we haven't spoken since.

That being said, I love and respect Best, and when you truly do, you let them go when they need to fly. 

When the project is fully published, I plan on sending him his own copy of the deck. He was incredibly supportive of this series, and I wouldn't have been able to do it without him. It's the least I can do! 

Did you know we took the project on tour? That's for a future story... but check out this cool progress shot!

The next day, after the shoot, we were in LA working with Bob of Scotland (You may have seen his work with various models and Ru girls) painting the infamous(?) Angel Rivera. I always appreciate fun opportunities like this!

Life can sometimes be an adventure, aye?

Back to the story though...

That's a pretty fast turn around, and naturally we were exhausted. Here is a photo of us in the hotel room, absolutely tired and ready for all of the naps. At least we were suffering together! :X :P

After we painted a few people in Los Angeles, we returned home to paint DD Alexander as the Queen of Cups! She was (at the time) a newer drag queen from Prescott who won a contest I was judging.

The prize? A body painting by me! Best helped with that painting, and many others in this series, which is why it's important to start the story with him.

Which leads us back to the Best's Tarot Card. 

I'm really happy with this final edit, and I think it kicks things off strongly!

Did you enjoy the this feature? Let me know in the comments below!

And if you really love my artwork, please consider telling your friends about it the Kickstarter launching on OCTOBER 1st! O_O

We'll talk about that more later though, won't we? Look for the Magician tomorrow!  <3

Love, Heart, and Art,

Brandon