Ivan was a post war baby boomer, he spent his early years in the rubble left in the aftermath of WWII and learned to use his fists early in order to survive. At 22 he enlisted in the Soviet Navy as a way to get regular meals and out of the USSR in order to see the world.

The now Starshina (Chief Petty Officer) Ivan "Knucklehead Volstevroya is the Soviet 2nd Fleet boxing champion and a regular in the underground fight scene. His tattoos tell the story of leaving mother Russia behind and a new dawn after stormy seas with the world to his front in the Navy.

Raffa's sculpt is literally the most fun thing I have ever painted, I am honoured to have been invited here, this is my first submission..... please be gentle!

  • Ken "Macca Chung" Lim

    Love the style and the story to the piece. Nice work!

  • Jay Martin (Redrum)

    Cracking effort buddy!!

    • Paul Bullock

      Thank you Jason for all the advice and support. I've got a lot to learn but this is the best place to be for that!

  • TimPLUS

    Fantastic job mate. Lovely tattoo and the skin is first class

    • Paul Bullock

      cheers buddy, Tattoo was scary

  • Nick M

    Fantastic job, mate! Love the story behind the character

  • Jeff Burns "Tinman"

    Welcome to P&P!! Very nice start!

  • Chris "D.Vader" SuhrePLUS

    Think this is one of your best pieces to date. Nice work! Welcome to Putty and Paint.

    • Paul Bullock

      Thanks mate, that means a lot

  • Paul Bullock

    I just wanted to thank all the artists who have taken the time to look at Ivan, and in particular those of you who have voted so far. I was very nervous for my first submission but you have all made me very welcome. Being surrounded by all your incredible work will only help me to get better. Bully

  • Stepan Nikolaev (RantaN)

    Interesting character and painting. However, such a surname - it is something unimaginable for the Russian. Even say it is impossible.Best regards.

    • Paul Bullock

      Thanks Stepan, oh dear! I got the surname from a book I think. What should I change it too mate? I will let you name him :)

  • Norman ( Normski )

    I thought I had voted on this on.. tattoos are very cool.. nice work

  • John Margiotta "BloodASmedium"PLUS

    I love the nesting doll tattoo as much as all the rest. The blackened eye is well executed and quite believable!!! Well done again Paul!!!

    • Paul Bullock

      Thanks John, sorry I only just saw your comment

  • Mally Anderson

    Those tatts are insanely thought out - great job big man.

  • smallsoldier (Scott Pasishnek)

    I like this one a lot. Especially the tattoos.