Created 2025
When I paint a portrait I have to have a connection with the person that I am painting. I have to know that person. If I did not know the person then the portrait would lack emotion and would not be authentic. My hyperrealism oil painting of David Bowie is full of emotion as although I never met the man, his music and bravery have influenced and guided me from an early age.
I have always wanted to paint David Bowie. Bowie inspired me, he told me that “different” was good and that we need to break down barriers and communicate directly from the heart, unfiltered. I try and live by these rules and paint by them as well.
I wanted to include in this painting a famous quote by Bowie, words that always propel me. I also wanted to create a background of different colour balls to give the painting the feeling of an abstract world with some balls fading into Bowie while others do not. There is no rule for this pattern as there is no rule for Bowie. It is spontaneous.
I hope that you see in this work bravery, defiance and beauty.
“David Bowie” is also available as a signed limited edition print, CLICK HERE
If you would like to commission James to paint your favourite Musician please email James at james@jamesearleyartist.com
