RUSH Time Machine...

Given the opportunity to paint RUSH by ROCK 101 FM Vancouver was amazing! 
RUSH were part of the stations 40th anniversary celebration.  I got the basic layout done and then completed the work on the 5th hole at the Bro Jake Open, a golf tournament that raises money for the Make A Wish Foundation  which is an amazing cause.
Here are some photos of the work in progress...

 working in the basic layout and blocking in as much canvas as possible.

 Starting in on some detail of one of the guys, Alex Lifeson.  If I am painting say 3 people in one painting, I usually like to start the detail to an almost finished stage on each individually.  There is no real reason, I just like to see how the others will balance out.

 Still blocking in dtails, at this point I was trying to figure out how I would approach the crossed guitars so they would blend, but still be separate.  I thought about some color for the background, but I knew that would change.. It just didn't feel right.

 Here I started to block Neil Peart in.  I really liked the movement in the drumsticks, and now I am pretty happy with the composition..  The background will change to tie it all together.

 The details are all now coming together, Alex's tee shirt and the guitar neck... I hate doing some of the details at this point! lol  Especially a guitar neck which has to be pretty precise and have the correct perspective...  Th e work really slows down at the finishing stages.  I usually get anxious to finish, but focus in the knowing that the details like that really make the painting something special.

 Geddy Lee was the final guy to be finished...  I love RUSH, but I have to admit Geddy is a fav for me.. As far as talent, skill and playing the bass goes..  there is no one quite like him.  The same can be said for the whole band..  AMAZING talents and Real Gentlemen!

It was an honor to meet the guys and have them see my work... I'm glad to say, they really liked it, and for me that is a compliment that exceeds all expectation.  Thank you to RUSH, Rock 101, Bro Jake and Aaron Buckley for making the whole experience a Fantastic milestone in my career!

Rock and Brews, LA, California!

So, I was contacted by owners of Rock and Brews and asked if I would be interested in having my work in their restaurant...  I was pleasantly surprised the owners that approached me were Mike Zislis, LA restauranteur and boutique hotel owner, Dave Furano, Rock promoter legend, co-founder of Winterland Productions and Sony Signatures with his brother Dell, also he was President of Bill Graham Presents for most of the 70's.  Last but by no means least the other partner, Mr Family Jewels himself, Gene Simmons.
Now I'm listening!!

As the project came to life, four of my paintings made it to the Wall of Rock.  Mine were the only artist renditions..  the rest being photos.  This for me was very flattering that they only chose to use my work.  This was especially true in the case of Genes image..  out of all the images he could have used, he chose my painting of him!  Wow, that for me is quite the endorsement!

The other images chosen for now are Elvis, Cobain and Hendrix.

 
My Manager, David Brian and myself were invited to the Grand opening on April 3rd 2012 which was a blast!!  I got to chat with Gene again and connect with all the rest of the Rock and Brews Team.

Many thanks to them all for making us feel welcome!  The food and drink there is absolutely mouthwatering..  if you check it out, get the Backstage Burger or any of the Pizzas... If you love Beer.. look no further with 100 craft brewed beers available!