Shakes

The hot air balloon advertising Showbiz Pizza, featuring the beloved character Shakes the Bear, is a testament to Charles Markert's extraordinary artistic talent. The design showcases a larger-than-life depiction of Shakes the Bear, painted with meticulous attention to detail, alongside his iconic companion, a cheerful yellow bird. The characters radiate charm and warmth, perfectly capturing the playful spirit of Showbiz Pizza.

Markert’s ability to translate a flat, illustrative design onto the complex, curved surface of the balloon is remarkable. The intricate patterns of Shakes’ striped overalls and the expressive features of his face are rendered with impressive precision, creating a dynamic and eye-catching image. The vibrant colors, especially the rich yellows, reds, and browns, are masterfully applied, maintaining their intensity even across the balloon's seams and contours.

The addition of the bold "Showbiz Pizza" logo, framed in a retro-style marquee design, enhances the visual appeal and ties the theme together. The scalloped patterns at the base of the balloon, painted in a harmonious palette of reds, oranges, yellows, and blacks, add a festive and polished finish to the design.

The process of hand-painting such an intricate work required an extraordinary level of skill, patience, and precision. Charles Markert's expertise in color matching and his ability to work on a massive scale, ensuring seamless continuity despite the balloon’s segmented construction, is a remarkable achievement. His work transformed this hot air balloon into a vibrant, floating advertisement that not only promotes the brand but also delights audiences with its artistry.