Celebrities
These are people of the present and recent past who attract our attention and drink up the stream of communication about current society, although few will ever reach historic importance.
THE GREATEST - Muhammad Ali, Olympic and Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World, anti-war activist, religious and civil rights advocate and then most recognized figure in the World, he captured the imagination of people everywhere. This is my colored pencil rendition of the famous photo by Neil Leifer that appeared in Sports Illustrated.
BERNIE SANDERS - The irascible leader of progressives in both the 2016 and 2020 primaries, Bernie has stood his ground opposing the Iraq war and championing single payer health insurance and a safety net for poor and working-class Americans. By 2020 I was interested in learning watercolor and tried my hand at sketching this force of nature. My line was pretty tight, enabling me to capture his likeness, at the same time communicating his energy and spirit through the use of watercolor splashes. Though he lost in both primaries, Bernie has rallied millions to his cause and got me into watercolor painting.
DIANA ROSS - Front Woman for The Supremes, her distinctive voice told stories of both love and hardship endured by Black Americans. This was my Second Painting, and was actually a gray scale of Burnt Umber and Iridescent White Acrylic, giving her a warm glow.
THE BEATLES - The Fab Four who spearheaded the British Invasion in 1964 with their appearance in the U.S. on the Ed Sullivan Show. Caught in a moment of clowning around, their carefree style hid tremendous talent that surfaced as we watched them grow up, grow old, and in two cases, pass from the scene.
JOHN LENNON - One of The Beatles most creative song writers, its wild child of progressive philosophy, he was gunned down by an assassin in front of his apartment building across from Strawberry Fields, a New York City Park named for one of the Beatles’ Hits.
SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY - After The Beatles split up, Paul created the band Wings with his wife and went on to a spectacular single career following her death. Even today, he is almost constantly on tour performing his songbook and interacting with at least the third generation to appreciate his music.
MICK AND KEITH - The Rolling Stones, Britain’s Rock n’ Roll Bad Boys are still around. As you can tell, this portrait was created well over two decades ago, indeed, during the first year I was painting. As with many efforts early on in one’s career, this has uniquely beautiful elements of detail, shading and transparency that I have seldom displayed in later works.
KEITH RICHARDS - My Very First Painting, following Phil Ratner's direction I painted grayscale islands of black through white then washed the entire peace in a thin combination of Acrylic and water. In the end, it looks about the way Keith did after a lifetime of chemical and sexual adventure.
PRINCES DIANA - Beloved British Royal whose tumultuous dealings with her in-laws and the press abruptly ended with her death. The World mourned her passing, and many young people for whom she was a role model found it difficult to deal with the loss of her death. At the request of a schoolgirl, I donated this portrait to a local middle school where it was intended to help the children studying there.
SCOTTIE PIPEN - He was a teammate of Michael Jordan during the 6 Championship years enjoyed by the Chicago Bulls. For this piece I used metallic acrylic paints, including copper, silver and gold to highlight his remarkable physical development.
SIR SEAN CONNERY - The archetype James Bond from which all later actors crafted their version of that character. A versatile actor whose many roles entertained us through many decades. This monochrome piece came as I was learning my way around the human face, its planes, angles and other structural elements.
WILLLEM DE KOONING - Perhaps the most prominent Abstract Expressionist of the 1950s, his action paintings channeled energy from his feelings onto the canvas. In the background of this painting is Woman II, perhaps his most famous painting.
YOUNG GEORGE CLOONEY - As Dr. Doug Ross in the TV series (depicted here) he became an American Heartthrob, then showed off his considerable comedic and dramatic talents in many movies and became a top director and producer. He then become a spokesman for refugees, a philanthropist and husband, all while retaining his glamour.
JOHN ENTWISTLE - Base guitarest for the rock bank The Who. This was a commission early in my career.