A few years back, I was strolling along Madison Avenue when I happened upon an “up-scale” thrift store. There, perched high upon the wall was Blue Marilyn by Andy Warhol — a 25.5″X25.25″ reproduction shimmering in the low light. After no small amount of negotiations, $125 later I found myself with a fake Andy tucked under my arm, but six blocks from his old townhouse on Lex and 89th.
Our Broadway Bares adventure began when Ari Lankin painted an impromptu tatoo on the arm of a Kriss Angel dancer in front of the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign. They suggested we paint live at Broadway Bares Las Vegas, which we did, at Planet Hollywood. A few weeks back, Ari received a call requesting the live-painting action for the fittingly named “Broadway Bares XXI: Masterpiece” at the Roseland Ballroom on Father’s Day (the Vegas installment was on Easter Sunday). And just like that, it was on.
It began in 2009… my first Guggenheim painting. Then in 2010, I decided to do it again… same location and canvas size… after #2, I decided to paint The Guggenheim every June for 20 years. Beyond being one of my favorite places in the city, this will allow me to see my style progression in a consistent way. After the jump, process shots of The Guggenheim #3.
After raising two children over 30 years, the Hoffman family has placed their house on the market. So, being commissioned to paint their storied home — theFlag House in Larchmont, New York was a special project. To truly comprehend the warm memories of this special place, I had the pleasure of spending an evening at the house, grilling, swimming and chatting with the family.
At first, he went by Dr. J — inspired by his basketball hero, Julius Erving (my Dad played high school ball against him). After receiving a Masters in Mixology, Andre Young became a Doctor.
When you find yourself painting alongside the finest Vegas dancers in Las Vegas, live, at Planet Hollywood… it becomes a high-note on an already melodic adventure. Ari‘s chance meeting at The Welcome to Las Vegas sign lead to this particular charitable evening — Broadway Bares.
The Sahara hotel, slated to close forever next week, was the first location I was asked to leave. Anywhere. In the world.
Nine days in Vegas was the case that they gave me. Actually, it’s the trip I booked online.
