Musicman Magazine

Neal Hamilton on Wayne Shorter

The Wayne Shorter portrait began as a commission from a devoted jazz enthusiast and jazz art collector from Columbus Ohio. As with all the portraits I create, I began his portrait by researching his musical library and I set the mood in my studio by playing the subject matter’s music for the duration of the project.

Hours passed as I painted. With each brush stroke, I got deeper into that zone. I started to feel the soul of the music, which I infused, mentally and spiritually, into the painting. R &B legend Bootsy Collins said that I breathe life into a flat surface.

He was one of the founders of Weather Report, a band that I loved back in the 1970’s. After making that connection, I was more enthusiastic about the project, and the importance of bringing attention to the trailblazers’ stories, historical backgrounds, and their profound influence on the world through their music.

This is the fun aspect of my painting process. I learn about the subject’s history and their musical contributions to future generations. I am wondering who the next commission will be and what I will I learn from them. I am A Keeper of The Flame, bringing attention to great musicians, through my art. That’s why I PAINT OUT LOUD!

https://www.nealhamilton.com

216-798-0285 | nhpaintoutloud@gmail.com

http://www.ritagrahamsings.com