The Study of Thelonious Monk

Mixed Medium 5"x5"

The Study of Thelonious Monk

This Jazz musician and composer was recognized for his unconventional, and unorthodox way of playing the piano. His fingers in the speed of lightning across the keyboard.

Ironically, an unorthodox technique was used for his portrait study. I applied a black ink wash and white out ( yes, the material use for correcting mistakes when typing! )

Interestingly, I subconsciously pay tribute to this legendary performer the same way he played and composed music, thinking outside the box!

The Study of Quincy Jones

Mixed medium 5"x 5"

The study of the legendary Music Composer, Quincy Jones, is the second of the series of complementary colors. Purple watercolor wash with yellow color pencil was used. The purple wash wasn't dark enough and the yellow color pencil wasn't light enough so I went back in to the dark areas with purple colored pencil. For the highlights, yellow and white colored pencils was use specially for the smoke from the cigarette.

I have a special love and admiration for Quincy Jones because he is a musical genius, pure talent. Everything he touched, turned into “Gold!” He is extraordinary producer who was not afraid to follow his true vision. Mr. Q broke a lot carriers in the music industry specially soundtracks for movies and has produced revolutionary albums for the already successful talents including the late Michael Jackson.