MUSIC GREATS

This series of paintings was inspired by the music and lives of some of the greatest 20th Century blues musicians. Through the use of colour, line and texture I wanted my paintings to not only reflect their unique faces, but their music as well. Listening to the music of Big Bill Bronzy, Muddy Waters, Lightn'n Hopkins, Big Maybelle, and others was indeed a great impetus for creation. I often listened to one artist over and over while I painted, trying to commit the soul and deep feeling to the canvas or paper. I immersed myself in this realm, studying photographs and reading biographies in order to gain a deeper appreciation of what many of these musicians lived through. Preliminary sketches were done in black and white and colour was later added. Occasionally I would incorporate guitar strings, saxophone reeds, and other elements from a variety of musical instruments to augment the textures of the paint and brush. I am deeply moved by the soul of this music.