Portrait - The Smooth Criminal

A tribute that I've always wanted to make; Michael Jackson.

*******The Tribute Section*******

Let me share some story regarding Michael Jackson. I fell in love with him since I was a wee little kid. I don't know which video that made me mesmerize by his movements, his singing voice, his smile... I was completely obsessed with him. I think I was about 5 or 6, I started my first portrait; Michael. I drew him on a kiddy black board and drew him in my own version with that white chalk my mom bought for me. I covered the portrait with a blanket to surprise my mom. The next morning, I did and she liked it. That was the last time I drew a portrait of Mikey.

Now, almost two decades later, I never thought I would draw him again... as a tribute. As a farewell gift. I always loved him. Regardless his weird lifestyle and that 'Wacko Jacko' crap. I always thought he's innocent and he'll always be. I maybe some kind of rocker now but Mikey has always been my idol and someone I would look up to in music. He's awesome.

I sometimes couldn't believe that he's gone. When I lost a friend when I was 19 and ALMOST lost a love one this year, I'd cry my eyes out; accepting the fact that this had happened to them, my loved ones. But as for Mikey, I couldn't understand that he's gone so suddenly... and still so young. I sometimes feel that he's still around. It made me wonder that he had left a part of him with us; his magic.

Mikey has been my idol growing up. My admiration for him made him mold me into a part of a person I am now. His love for children made me a Preschool teacher.

This is a tribute to the last legend; Michael Joseph Jackson, the magician, the child, the entertainer, the heart and the inspiration. If I get to say something to him, I would tell him that I love him, I would thank him for being such a beautiful person and I would thank him for making the world a better place, even if it's just a bit. Now we'll do our part. You are truly our, the fans, Smooth Criminal. You left a beautiful scar in our lives.

Thank you so much. You're always that crouch-holding-high-pitching-singing-magician in my life. I'll miss you so much. Don't worry, they won't bother you anymore...

Rest well, Mikey. I love you.

August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009

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The ingredients:
- Made in two days;
first day (8 hours), second day (5 hours)
- Staedler pencils;
H, HB, 2B, 3B, 4B, 6B, 7B, and 8B
- The usual printing paper
- Some paper clips
- Art folder for support
- HP Deskjet F370 scanner
- The usual eraser, couldn't find the kneaded ones. >x<
- My Aspire 5590 laptop
- Adobe Photoshop CS3; for editing, erasing dirty debris, lightening and darkening some areas
- Winamp, songs;
Dirty Diana, Give In To Me, Scream, Ghosts, Smooth Criminal, Earth Song and Man In The Mirror
- Mikey's reference photo

I think I may have improved in proportions. It's not 100% accurate but he looks like Mikey. :3 So, I'll put up 60pt to my experience pool. 300/1000. Not leveling up yet. >w<

I hope you guys like it! Tell me what you think.