Danny Perkins Founder of BADD – Bikers Against Drunk Drivers

Custom Motorcycle Art is a new territory for me, but I have always wanted to paint a
“Manly Portrait”. I mean a portrait of a man with something that is special to him,
other than his beloved pet. So I am happy to say that I finally got my chance to paint
a portrait of a rider with his motorcycle. Sometimes life works in mysterious ways and
what started as a casual encounter lead to this unexpected portrait commission,  I am
working on of Danny Perkins the Founder and Executive Director of B.A.D.D. ,
Bikers Against Drunk Drivers.  Danny lost his brother to a drunk diver and was
himself seriously injured and wanted to make a difference by creating the Worlds
Biggest Custom Bike Giveaway, to raise funds for those who are touched by tragedy due
to drunk drivers.

My tool for painting tiny portraits

“Under the new World’s Largest Custom Bike Giveaway program, participating groups can
choose to share the proceeds of funds they’ve raised with B.A.D.D. and a charity of
their choice. “Let’s face it, drinking and driving affects everyone,” says Perkins.
“It’s an epidemic in North America that’s got to be stopped, and if we can get the
message out by helping community groups raise funds at the same time, then we’ll have
succeeded in our mandate.”

… 25,000 people in North America are killed each year due to drunk drivers, leaving
families struggling not only with the loss of a loved one, but also financially.
Consequently, B.A.D.D.’s mandate includes the creation of an emergency fund for victims
of drunk drivers while they await compensation or where no compensation is forthcoming.”
Source: Motorcycle.com

Painting in Progress – Stage 2

To be honest the last time I was on a motorcycle was  as a teen when I would ride behind my
brother and his friends through the crazy crowded streets of Tehran, Iran, unbeknown to my
parents of course. I love the look of motorcycles, but know very little about these beautiful
machines and their riders and in an effort to learn more found out about the wonderful
charity events B.A.D.D. has done in the past. If you ride motorcycles or have lost a biker
friend or family member to a drunk driver please check out the site.

Now to my first ever “Motorcycle Art” custom portrait. I have spend a lot of time on the
drawing for this 24×20 in oil on canvas painting in order to get all the details just right.
Danny mentioned that he liked blue skies and the landscapes of Nevada or Arizona, so I placed
him on a road surrounded by red mountains and plains. I wanted him and his motorcycle to take
center stage and thought that the angle will appear as if he just has come to a stop to gaze
back at us. Here you see the drawing and the fist layer of color that is being applied. The
painting is in its rough stage and all I am concerned with right now is getting the first
layer of color in place. Once that is done creating form will begin. Thanks to being sick
with the flu twice in a row this month I am a tad behind schedule and know that Danny is
eagerly waiting to see what has been done so far. Remember this is the “ugly duckling” stage
and it only gets better from here on out!

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