MUSIC
Music is an important part of my work. Whenever I am in my studio, my stereo is usually playing. It helps take me to that "other place" where I can just delve into the music and let the paintings come on their own. I listen to all types of music, depending on the mood of the day and on the mood of the painting. There are many musicians that influence my work, such as Sting, Michael Buble, Josh Groban, U2, and so many more.
Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams and his music have been an important part of my life. Not only am I a big fan of his music, but I respect him as a fellow artist. I went to my first Bryan Adams concert in 1985 and he has been an influence on me ever since. I have learned about my own art, just by listening to him discuss his art form and he is always inspiring me to do better, to constantly try new things and to push myself artistically. I feel that a lot of Bryan's energy is in many of my paintings, as his voice is often in the background as I paint. I have traveled to many of his concerts and each has had a big impact on me. I met Bryan for the first time in 1992 and it was an incredibly emotional experience for me...as he has added so much to my life...and continues to do so every day. Thank you Bryan!
Thanks also to Keith Scott...Bryan's lead guitarist. After listening to you for so many years, it was a pleasure to meet you.
This portrait of Bryan was painted
as a gift to
me by my teacher & friend, Karen Hersey.
I treasure it!
Josh Groban
It's not very often that music has a profound effect on me the way that Josh Groban's music does. When I listened to his "Closer" cd, I was overwhelmed, it was the kind of emotion that is totally unexpected and that simply cannot be explained. When I found out he was touring Canada, I instantly bought tickets to his concert in Calgary.
Needless to say, the concert was amazing. The biggest surprise of the evening came when he announced to the audience that the concert was being recorded and aired live on the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. This came as a shock to me as I have been involved with this Telethon for over 20 years! It was almost as if he was speaking directly to me when he dedicated the song "Raise Me Up" to Jerry Lewis and to all of Jerry's Kids.
After the concert ended, we went to my favorite restaurant and I suppose you would call it a coincidence. I was sitting at a table with friends discussing the concert and then my friend quietly announced that Josh Groban was sitting at the very next table!!! I went over to him and introduced myself. He was kind and held my hand the entire time I spoke to him. I explained to him that the concert was extra special for me, as I had Muscular Dystrophy. I went on to explain to him that I am an artist and that I listen to his music while I paint and he is a HUGE inspiration to me. When he asked me about my work, being as I'm not exactly shy, I handed him my business card and suggested he check out my website!!! I thanked him for being such a huge part of my work and told him to wait and see what comes out on the canvas next!!!
After that great night, I went into the studio with a totally new perspective and while listening to his cd's, this painting was the result:
"You
raise me up, so I can stand on mountains"
-quote from Josh Groban's song "You
Raise Me Up", Closer cd
The painting has affectionately been named "The Josh Painting", because in the months following the concert, everyone that knew my incredible Josh story, would stop by my studio to see how "The Josh Painting" was coming along.
Thank you Josh.
ALL IMAGES AND TEXT COPYRIGHT CAPRICE FINE ART & CO. INC. 2008 ã