Jimi Hendrix, "Hair"

Jimi Hendrix, "Hair"

Portrait, 8 1/2 x 11 in
Graphite on Paper

Jimi Hendrix was an undeniable force in the evolution of rock and roll guitar.  Where most people in his position would push the boundaries, he instead chose to shatter them.  Moving into a transcendent free-form blend of tradition rhythm and blues, surf rock and country as well as jazz - Hendrix used them to redefine what the establishment had come to think of as rock music in the late 60's.  Although his life was cut short at the young age of twenty-seven, we remember him now, forty years later just as lovingly as those who saw him perform.  Isn't it about time to bring a little piece of the legend home with you?

Jimi Hendrix, "Smile"

Portrait, 8 1/2 x 11 in

Graphite on Paper

Sometimes you just end up with an image that sums up a person for you.  That's what happened here.  Initially I had set out to do a much larger study of Hendrix but as the face emerged it was all I could see.  That giant toothy grin peaking out of that wild hair had me hypnotized.  This is what I ended up with - the personification of Hendrix, for me at least.  His music conveyed such an upbeat and almost carefree tone that I never thought I'd get near to capturing that on paper, but I think I accomplished my goal quite well here, and I hope that you agree.  Forty years after his death Jimi is still greatly missed and will always be remembered.

Django Reinhardt, "Classic"

Django Reinhardt, "Classic"

Portrait, 8 1/2 x 1 in

Lead on Paper

Modern music just wouldn't be the same with out Django Reinhardt.  He was badly burnt in a caravan fire when he was young costing Django several fingers, and while this would have stopped most people from playing the guitar but this inventive Gypsy decided, instead to use it to his advantage.  He developed an entirely new system of finger sweeps for the neck of the guitar that would become the basis for contemporary and modern guitar, most of his recognition would come after his lifetime.  Beyond his music though Django's persona was almost as cool as his music.  Sleek ties and hand tailored suits were a trademark for the man who came up from nowhere.  It seems like they designed Art Deco directly off of Django.  Tired of imitations and translations?  Bring the enigmatic gypsy wanderer back to your place, maybe you'll have better luck getting him to stay than we did!