Sunday, October 28, 2007

Roland, the Gunslinger

This is the main character from the Stephen King series The Dark Tower. Gunslinger, peacekeeper, Roland Deschain. Roland is a 30th-generation descendant of his world's version of King Arthur, referred to in the series as Arthur Eld. Although he is compared to and described by Stephen King himself as Clint Eastwood in "The Man With No Name", I drew my inspiration from a group of rugged individuals. Yes, Clint Eastwood for facial lines and grit, but you can't beat Paul Newman's eyes for those reach down in your soul and rip out your backbone stares. Plus I really think Viggo Mortensen's portrayal of Aragorn, with his stubbly beard and hair exposed to the elements, gives our hero a more authentic look. This guy wont be concerned with a shorn face.

2 comments:

  1. You have the character down beautifully, but I might comment on the rifle. It would have been in a leather holster on the saddle, handy to his right hand, not slung across the body (uncomfortable and hard to get into action). Google the Winchester 73, a popular rifle of the late 19th century.

    If you were to sling something across his back it might be a poncho.

    Pop

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  2. Hell, what do I know about guns? I'll have to look in to it. Thanks.

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Thank you!