This musician has always been front and center in the Washington, DC punk scene. The founder of legendary bands such as Minor Threat, Fugazi, and The Evens, it’s Ian Mackaye. His integrity and DIY spirit are truly inspiring. Oh yeah, and the music kicks ass.
Signed prints of this portrait are available here (in my Etsy shop)!
For some strange reason, whenever I think of Texas, Wille Nelson comes to mind. No doubt, he has legendary status as a musician, activist and weed proponent. Given these credentials, it makes sense that Texas is in a Willie Nelson state of mind.
Prints of this piece are available here (in my Etsy shop)!
!0% of proceeds from each print will be donated to Farm Aid, a charity which he founded to help farm families in need.
Her star is so bright, to an iconic degree. I failed to fit this portrait in just Tennessee. Born in a one-room cabin in Appalachia, Dolly Parton would grow up to master country and bluegrass music, acting, and business. Her efforts to promote literacy, along with her support for the LBGTQ community, have shown to be a true humanitarian.
Signed prints of this portrait are available here!
Here's a portrait of legendary Australian musician, Nick Cave. This dark poet composes some of the most melancholy music on this mortal coil, yet, the results are sublimely beautiful. This is inspired by a series called World Tour - in which I use pages from an old atlas as canvases - painting images relating to the place on each map.
Signed prints of this piece are available here!
I attempted a portrait of Ezra Koenig, the frontman of one of my favorite bands, Vampire weekend. He’s written some beautiful tunes about Capre Cod, which sparked this idea.
Prints of this piece are available here!
We lost Kurt Cobain on this day, 25 years ago, but his musical legacy will always be in bloom. Local friends, this drawing is part of a group exhibit - The Grand Floral Show - at The Farm Salon, Greig Farm, Red Hook, NY, April 6-28th. The gallery is open Fri-Sun 10-3 pm.
You can order your signed print of this portrait here!
Here's a small study of singer/songwriter, Kasey Musgraves. This drawing of one of my favorite country artists was inspired by her song, Butterflies. No doubt, when I listen to her music, I get butterflies!
Signed prints of this piece are available here!
As a band, the Grateful Dead seemed to tap their inspiration from the deepest of American wellsprings. With music that was earthy and organic, they gained a following who rewarded this authenticity with complete loyalty. As a singer and (legendary) guitar player, Jerry Garcia channelled their vision to perfection. He will always be the face of the incredible community. Signed prints are available here!
She’s a visual artist, singer/songwriter, activist, and philanthropist all in one person. She steadfastly honors the legacy and vision of her late husband, John Lennon. And when it comes to waging peace, Yoko is numero Ono. Signed Prints of this piece are available here!
I was recently looking through a book of copyright-free engravings from the 18th century, and came across a page of flowers. It got me thinking about a song, In Bloom, written by one of the voices of my generation, Kurt Cobain. More than two decades after he died, Nirvana's music is still as relevant as ever. I was compelled to draw this tribute to him.
Prints of this piece are available here.
Enough with trade wars and tariffs. America needs more great Canadian imports, like Leonard Cohen. This legendary singer/songwriter, poet, and novelist was born and raised just outside Montreal, Quebec. We lost him last year, but this true artistic spirit's legacy lives on.
Here's a portrait of Irish singer, Sinead O’Connor. While drawing this piece, I kept contemplating the tragic losses of public figures, Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. Like many, I kept thinking, how can these people who seemingly have it all, choose to take their lives. There’s a saying, “You don’t know if the roof is leaking unless you’re inside the house”. It’s too bad we can’t see inside the internal landscape of anyone’s psyche. They might be stuck in a dark emotional valley, and don’t have a map for climbing out of it. It’s a good reminder to be kind to others, and stay tapped into our empathy. It might make a difference in their lives.
He emerged from the land of ten thousand lakes, with poetry tapped from the deepest of waters. His name is Bob Dylan.
Here's a portrait of a truly inspirational New Yorker, Patti Smith.