Portraits

Sandy Denny. Reminds me of two significant times and places in my life. Liege and Lief by Fairport Convention was an often played album when I was 19/20, I'd just left home again into my first proper relationship. And then 10 years later she marked my move to Bristol and the establishment of significant friendships there. I love her voice. Acrylic on canvas 56cms x 51cms (22 inches x 20 inches). Prices  include postage to the UK and Europe.

I'm no fan of country music but Dolly seems to be one of the sweetest humans there is. Very giving, philanthropic, beautiful in both appearance and voice. She has always freely admitted her faults and her cosmetic inhancements, someone who comes across as having an easy humour with a sparkle in her eye. I like her. Acrylic on canvas 80cms x 80cms (31.5 ins x 31.5 ins approx.). SOLD.

Greatest respect to Michael, the King of Glastonbury festival. I've been going since 1988 and I've loved it in all its various forms it's had since then. One of my favourite temporary fun cities. Acrylic on canvas 

John's was the voice of my musical education. It seemed like he was always there on the radio as an alternative to the mainstream. With him I discovered reggae, punk, experimental out there music and loads of bands that I would have never encountered otherwise. I couldn't quite believe it when he died, I felt robbed, it was like losing a family member or a friend. His voice was always a comfort, I still miss him. Painting is on canvas 40 inches x 30 inches (102cms x 76 cms). 20 prints available. Prices include postage to the UK and Europe.

When I was a teenager she was right in the mix of it all. Too cool to be a new romantic, just plain cool. I didn't realise until later that she was one of the original punks, when there were only about 50 of them in total in 1975/76 and on TV with the Sex pistols in their famous interview when Reg Grundy got them to swear on a prime time watching spot. Seems tame now but it was way out there in the 70s. Acrylic on canvas 60cms x 60cms (24 x 24 inches). SOLD.

Number 8 in the window series. Chris is the face of British wildlife on British TV, an advocate for its protection and conservation. A great educator across the ages and unafraid to speak out against actions that threaten natural habitats and species. I admire him greatly. Pictured with him are a fox, badger, squirrel and a pair of red shrikes which I read somewhere are his favourite birds (I'm sure he has many favourites). Acrylic on canvas 89cms x 89cms (35 ins square). Price includes postage and packaging to the UK and Europe

John Lee Hooker. Reminds me of good times and friends circa 1988/9, music legend. I remember his album "The Healer" was played to death in our house for a while, lead me to look deeper into his discography, what a dude, cool as, great performer. 60 x 60 acrylic on canvas. Background is an acrylic pour.  Prices include postage to the UK and Europe. SOLD

Circa 1989. My first record(single) I ever bought was Kate Bush's Army Dreamers which I'm still fond of, but her albums "Hounds of Love" and "The Sensual World" are cemented into my heart. They're an emotional journey every time I listen to them. She's an original to be sure, there's her and then failing imitators, no one for me comes anywhere close to her innovation and originality. I'd be a fan I guess. Acrylic on canvas.60cms x 60cms (24 inches x 24 inches).Acrylic on canvas 60cms x 60cms (24 ins x 24ins approx.). Prices include postage to the UK and Europe.

His recent passing felt very personal. I loved the Specials in the 80s, they were a part of my teenage self. Saw them one last time this summer just gone, every tune was note perfect. This is my first portrait in oils, quite a learning curve learning to control them oily beasts. 100cms x 80cms oil on canvas.

When I was 23/24 I spent a year at L'arche, a monastic community built around Gandhian principles. I learnt a lot about service, spiritual practice and simple living. I'm so glad I did that, I often reflect back to it.  Acrylic on canvas 60cms x 60 cms (24 inches x 24 inches).  Prices include postage to the UK and Europe.

Always the epitome of cool for me. I first noticed Don as an associate of the Clash, he came across as someone who embodied the culture of alternativism. He kept cropping up over the years, when Don was involved with something, I wanted to know what it was. I've seen him DJ at festivals many times, I still listen to him regularly on the radio, he's still cool as ever if not even cooler. Original Acrylic on canvas 40cms x 30cms (16 ins x 12 ins approx.) Prices include postage to the UK and Europe.

Michael Eavis as Elvis number 2. I thought he deserved a proper Elvis pose. Fun to paint. This would look lovely on a huge poster in the South East Corner I think. It's my dream to have some of my artwork displayed at Glastonbury festival. Let's see if that can become a real thing

Tommy Cooper. For me Tommy was one of the funniest men to have ever been in entertainment (humour is personal though). He was often on TV as I was growing up, always a joy to watch, never malicious or cruel. Famously he died "live" on stage in 1984, entertaining to the end. Whilst searching for this source picture I watched through some of his stuff and laughed at his funny, affable act again, corny jokes, clumsy magic, delivered with natural genius. Acrylic on canvas 92cms x 45cms (36 inches x 17.5 inches). Prices include postage to the UK and Europe.

I can't remember which album I bought first but the rest of them followed shortly after buying the first one. I was right into Jimi's music from the off. And he was as easy to fall in love with as the music, great flamboyant showmanship, lyrically interesting and creative in his writing. He had a great wardrobe and he looked like a fun dude to hang out with. I missed him by 20 years but his music still really resonated with me. Acrylic on canvas 60cms x 60cms (24 ins x 24ins approx.).Prices include postage to the UK and Europe.

Always loved her raw soulful voice. Her music opened doors for me. Would have loved to have seen her perform. I remember buying her greatest hits when I was about 16 (the one with her sat on a Harley on the cover), every song became a favourite and it featured heavily in my fledgling journey into getting high. Oh them young days, ha ha... Oil on canvas 112cms x 80cms.

Ram Dass. Commission piece for a lovely friend. Ram Dass though has had influence in my life indirectly. Him and Timothy Leary introduced a generation, first to the joys and woes of LSD and psylocibin experiences, and then Ram Dass through his spiritual journey and writings opened a way for many to their spiritual potential. The trickle down from his journey has affected mine. Acrylic on canvas 60cms x 60cms (24 inches x 24 inches) SOLD.

I've always enjoyed Ravi's music, it was my first introduction to Indian classical music. I tried to go and see him when I was in India but he didn't turn up, never got to see him but I have seen his daughter Anoushka a few times. Acrylic on canvas 60cms x 60cms (24 ins x 24 ins approx.). Prices include postage to the UK and Europe.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s Faithless were part of the soundtrack to my household and social scene, "we come 1" is my favourite, still love it. Maxi had a powerful presence and living in London at the time, every now and then Maxi would appear at some party or gig I was at. I thought he was cool as fuck. Sad to hear of his passing this last month, I'm sure he'll be missed by many. Oil on canvas 100cms x 80cms. SOLD

I remember my dad playing the Beatles music when I was very young, it might be one of the first bands I heard, or I could be fabricating that memory. I liked George later because he was the spiritual one in the Beatles, as I began to think that way in my late teens. He seemed so calm and genuine, that also draws me to him. Acrylic on textured canvas 90cms x 30cms (35.5 inches x 12 inches). Prices include postage to the UK and Europe.

Kirk to Enterprise. I'm lost Scotty , I feel red, I'm lined with gold, I feel ungrounded and yet I am here. What are you wearing Scotty? I miss you.... I saw a lot of this program when I was growing up, it seemed like there were hundreds of episodes, I bet there were only a few. 60cms x 27cms (24ins x 10.5 ins approx.) SOLD.

Breadhead. My lovely friend Bea. I've got lots of love for this crazy beast. 110% mega raver. I did this portrait for her mum. Acrylic on canvas 60cms x 60cms (24 inches x 24 inches). Not available.

Tom Baker and Elizabeth Sladen. "The definitive article, not a doctor, the doctor" Tom was the doctor of my childhood, back when TV seemed to have some level of importance, a gathering point for the family. Doctor Who was a one time a week surreal drama that to be honest I spent most of the time hiding behind the sofa whilst watching. Aside from the programme itself, Doctor Who triggers a memory of family for me, we all seemed to be present in the house then, archetypal childhood memories of the 70s. Acrylic painting on canvas 80cms x 60cms (31.5 ins x 24 ins approx). 50 prints available. Prices include postage to the UK and Europe

Bob Dylan. A young incarnation from the British tour when Bob went electric and was subject to abuse from some audience members for not staying true to his roots. Fuck them, idiots. I love Bob. Bringing it all back home was in those first bunch of albums I bought when I was 15 or 16 and drawn to the hippy thing. His poetry and his stands on fairness and equality spoke to something in me I was previously unaware of. I really liked the music too. Acrylic on canvas 60cms x 60cms (24 inches x 24 inches). Prices include postage to the UK and Europe.

A thought on how to represent the subconscious mind. I was thinking of ancients and ancestors, of wisdom and the characters of tumbling thoughts. I know... Anyway fun to paint. This was one of them that I did a big chunk on it and then put it aside for a while before getting it to a finished result. I stuck to pretty much blues and reds just for the hell of it. Acrylic on canvas 75cms x 75cms. Prices include postage to the UK and Europe.

Billy Bragg. Working class poet. When 16 year old me discovered his music it felt pretty significant. The only person I see every year at Glastonbury festival, twice normally. Acrylic on canvas 60cms x 60cms (24 inches x 24 inches). SOLD.

Akala. Poet, rapper, teacher, and an important cultural voice and mind of current times. I first came across him randomly on You Tube with his track "Bullshit", I was hooked straight away. He is so eloquent, truthful and bold, further from his songs I then listened to him speak on black history and politics. I saw him live a few times and read his book "Natives", which I would recommend to anyone. We have a shared love of books hence the background to this portrait which is a mix of his reading list and mine. Truly an inspiration. This painting was tough, it took me a while, I abandoned my first go and painted over it. I'm pleased with where I got with it. As a little bonus game that comes with the painting, how many of the books on the bookshelf have you read? I've read 34 of them. I'm working on reading the rest of them... Acrylic on canvas 102 cms x 76 cms (40ins x 30ins). 

Roni Size. I moved to Bristol in 1998, my first city I'd lived in, I loved it, so vibrant, full of music, arts and circus. I was already really into jungle and drum and bass. Roni Size and Reprazent had brought out New Forms in 1997, I was so excited to be near to the source and to be around the Bristol jungle/drum and bass scene. Much raving ensued. Excellent times. Acrylic on canvas 80cms x 60cms (31.5 inches x 24 inches). Prices include postage to the UK and Europe.

 I was 10 or something when Blondie's debut album Parallel Lines came out. I loved it so much. The cover was so cool, although apparently they didn't like it much. I listened to that album hundreds of times, I still love all the songs on it. Listening back to it now while I've painted this portrait I realise what a good band they were. Debbie as a singer and lyricist, and drummer Clem Burke really stand out for me. Just great. Acrylic on canvas 60 cms x 60cms. Price includes packaging and postage to the UK and Europe.

I thought it started with Purple Rain but it didn't, but it sort of did. When I bought my first bunch of albums included in there were Prince's first 3, although I wasn't that into them. Then Purple Rain came out and the film pretty much at the same time. I thought he was cool as fuck, I always thought that about him. As a musician he was like a god walking amongst mortals, incredible skill, an incredible showman and out there weird as you like non conformist. There was no one like him. Acrylic on canvas 60cms x 60cms (24 inches x 24inches). Prices include postage to the UK and Europe.

Arguably the best juggler ever, Francis Brunn. This picture was a commission for a juggler (I've also been a pro juggler on and off for many years). The painting is based on Francis' routine and final mind blowing trick where he included 12 objects (that's really hard!). Although one of these characters in the painting is not Francis, it's Ernest Montego who was the only man to go one better and include 13 objects in the Brunn finish. Acrylic on canvas 60 cms x 60 cms. SOLD

Steel Pulse were the first reggae band I got into, they were a coming of age band for me, part of a gateway to a wider musical world. Handsworth Revolution is still one of my favourite albums. Acrylic on canvas 80cms x 80cms (31.5 inches x 31.5 inches). Prices include postage to the UK and Europe.

I painted a series of people at windows. This one is of my lovely ex-housemate Gabrielle and my cat Moz or Barry Scroggins as I mostly call him (he also has a number of other names, he doesn't care much about nomenclature or particularly respond to any of them). Gabrielle was a joy to live with, easy company. Acrylic on canvas 120cms x 80 cms. Price includes postage and packaging to the UK and Europe. 

The great Nina, a fierce force to be reckoned with. She was a classical piano player of great skill, that should have been enough to take her to great fame and recognition but discriminated against she was denied the path that should have been open to her. She was asked if she could sing as well as play the piano and told that if she did there was work for her. The world should count itself lucky that she decided to give it a go, she wrote and performed so many great songs. I can't remember when I first heard her, it seems like I've always been a fan of her music. Acrylic on canvas 56cms x 56cms (22 inches x 22 inches). SOLD.

Still miss you Amy, great voice for a generation, a tragic public melt down. Acrylic on canvas 50cmsx 40cms ish. SOLD

Circa 1990ish. Easily one of the most important male role models (or person role models if you like) in my life. I can't remember a time when his tv programmes and his message about the natural world weren't something important and significant to me. It was because of him I followed the education path I did. Environmental leader, educator of multiple generations and chosen uncle. Acrylic on canvas 60cms x 60cms (24 inches x 24 inches). Prices include postage to the UK and Europe.

R2 and threepio. I think it was my 9th or 10th birthday (I was 8 actually) when my dad took me and a few friends to see the first Star Wars (A New Hope). A perfect film for a young boys mind, the archetypal good versus evil story with heroes /heroines, fantastic characters, humour and battles in space. I still love and feel involved in the story even though I'm not up to date with the films, the good and evil archetype still resonates strongly in me. Doesn't everyone want to be on the side of the good, the light, working towards making the world (or universe) better?  Funnily enough this is the first one of these which after being sold got subsequently left on a bus. I did another for them but I liked this first one better. Acrylic on canvas 40 cms x 30cms. SOLD. but , you know, I could another one if you like...

Stevie Wonder. I first noticed Stevie's music when I was about 10 when he brought out Master Blaster, which is the era of this portrait. I must have heard some of his music before but it hadn't registered I guess. Master Blaster got me though and then that opened up to the 70s Stevie stuff which I still love today. He's a phenomenal talent, seemingly born with the music in him, I've got lots of love for Stevie. Acrylic on canvas 70cms x 50cms (27.5 inches x 20 inches). Prices include postage to the UK and Europe.

I first got into Pink Floyd when I was about 17 I guess. The four band members all put in major contributions to the music, I like a lot of it. Roger left in the mid 1980s and took with him the sound he contributed, lots of scrapping ensued between him and the other members of the band. I enjoyed Roger's solo music as much as when he was with the band, it has integrity, depth and consideration framed in a dark genius. Speaks to me anyway. Acrylic on canvas 51cms x 40cms (20 inches x 16 inches).  SOLD

 This is the 3rd portrait I've done of David. A truly important public figure and someone who has deeply affected my life and thinking personally. This was a commission for a birthday present, I do those if asked, very reasonable rates. Ha ha. Acrylic on canvas 60 cms x 60cms