Every picture tells a story
John Lennon
John Lennon has had a profound influence on
my life and music. Here we have a slightly
exaggerated image of him, but I think it brings
out his sad, serious and humorous qualities.
Medium: Acrylic paint on chip board.
Marlene Dietrich
One of Hollywood's greatest glamorous and exotic actresses throughout the 30's, 40's and 50's.
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Medium: Charcoal on paper.
Django Reinhardt
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Django Reinhardt was a genius gypsy jazz guitar player. After gaining reputation as a brilliant guitarist at the age of 18 he was badly injured in a fire and lost the use of his ring and little finger of his left hand. Undeterred he persevered and became an even better player. What a hero .
Medium: White pastel on black card.
Brian Blessed
What an image, the face says so much about this lovable character.
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Medium: Charcoal on paper
Mick Jagger
Mick Jagger's features just get better the older he gets. So I've exaggerated them slightly for even more effect.
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Medium: Acrylic paint on canvas
The Fab Four
I had in mind here the 1963 With the Beatles album cover with a difference. I wanted the four greatest musicians from history and chose Beethoven, Mozart and Bach as three of the best but couldn't decide on the fourth. So I gave John Lennon pride of place.
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Medium : White pastel on black card
Me
This is me John Phillips caught in classic melancholic pose. Might get round to working on it more.
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Medium: Charcoal on paper
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La Bella Darma de Cordoba
This is a very special lady whom I am very close to. I managed to catch her here happy with a book and a glass of wine in a cafe bar in beautiful Cordoba Spain.
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Medium: Acrylic paint
Edith Piaf
Edith Piaf was a French singer who had the most beautiful voice and sang with such emotion. She sang of a lot of heartache and sorrow which was reflected in her short life.
Recently I have had the pleasure of playing double bass in trio, playing her music.
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Medium: White pastel on black card
Jimmy Hendrix
Another genius improvisation guitarist from his era.
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Medium: White charcoal on black card.
Jim
Jimmy Smith was a good friend of mine whom I have found memories of playing with in The Old Castle Band . He sadly died in 2023 and I did this portrait as a tribute to him.
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Medium: Acrylic paint on board.
Double Bassist
I play the double bass, and so particularly liked this image.
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Medium: White pastel on black card.
Challenging grandad to Jenga
Caught this caption of grandson in deep concentration during a game of Jenga.
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Medium: Acrylic paint on card.
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I'm a big boy now
Another grandsons birthday.
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Medium: Pastel on card.
I'm looking at you
Got inspiration for this menacing Panther's eyes look whilst watching 7 year old grandson drawing big cats.
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Medium: Pastel on black card.
Joyful bubbles
Mia and Charlotte having fun with bubbles. The Mandarin symbol means Joy.
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Medium: Soft and oil pastels on card.