Hello fellow earthling
And thank you very much for having a look at my entry for Jazzas Challenge of the Month November with the Theme “Portrait of a Man”.

I chose to depict Bill Nye the Science Guy as representation of a wonderful, brilliant and influential man because of many reasons but mainly because he characterises the value of learning. Of course there are numerous others like him, who devote their lives to teaching the magnificent fascination and rational methods of science and I’d draw them all if I found the time.

I’ve always been convinced that curiosity is one of the most outstanding qualities of human nature. It is at the root of all grand things we’ve accomplished but we need people like Bill Nye to guide us in the right direction, so we don’t succumb to superstition and dangerous behaviour.
Bill Nye and his fellow scientists allow all of us, not only those who understand the raw data, a glimpse into the fascinating and vast wonders of our universe – from the Atoms in a Tardigrade to the Event Horizon and beyond. They share not only their knowledge but their joy and love for what is reality. They unweave the rainbow, help us understand it and make it all the more beautiful.
I do think it takes a strong, patient and kind person to do this, because of the never ending arguments with people who cannot comprehend, that understanding is in no way devaluation but profit to the wonderful things around us. It takes a lot of energy to fight against windmills and a kind and patient person to keep doing it with respect and compassion. To keep going and doing what they do is a testament that our brains have evolved to be curious, to seek out answers and to share it with others.
I am deeply grateful for all those people who let us experience the natural world with insight, questions and curiosity, who help us learn and inspire us to seek out answers.

For me, a real man isn't a warrior with a sword, it is a teacher with patience.
So yes, this is the portrait of a man who shares his love and interest for the world we live in, the planet we call home and the creatures we share it with. Someone who lets us look around us with a smile and a fascination so deep that it cannot be described.

Alright nerdizzles, enough with my orotund babble about how much I love people who share their knowledge. There are some references and stock I want to mention – Credit where credit is due, right.
I used some brushed from Sycra’s CS6 Brush Presets Collection (mainly the Angled Sketching Brush and some cloud brushes).
I’ve also used a Starfield photo taken by the Hubble Telescope, because I was too lazy to dot millions of stars and galaxies.
While doing the first sketch of Bill Nye, I’ve had several photographs of him around, most of them from a TED-Talk he gave recently.
There also is a very faint texture overlay (I doubt it’s noticeable in this resolution) taken from another Sycra Collection, sadly I can’t remember which one.

Congratulations, you made it to the end of my ramblings, now go get yourself a cookie.
Good luck to all contestants, best wishes and have an awesometacular day in the Milky Way!
Rahel

Edit:
After pinching myself and rubbing my eyes in disbelief, I can tell you that lovely Bill Nye here won the Challenge of the Month. That's so fucking cool that there is a grin stuck to my face :D
Congratulations to everyone else who participated in the Challenge, I really loved working alongside you and am looking forward to see more of your stuff. If you haven't seen the other entries, please check them out with the tag COTMMAN.

Alright, before I go and continue my silly happy-dance, some of you asked me what equipment I use. It's simple, just Photoshop CS6 and a very old, almost senile Bamboo Tablet.

Now, with all the best wishes and a huge smile: Have a good one everybody and enjoy your day!
Rahel