Painting Mick

 Mick Jagger is now 81. How the hell did that happen? I watched and listened to his recent interview with Tom Power on Q (CBC). In fact, I couldn't avoid it. In one moment I'm listening to it on Spotify; in the next it's playing on the radio. I think it actually popped up on my Facebook feed, too. It seemed pre-ordained that I needed to paint him.

Despite his age - their age - Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones are about to release their first album of new material in something like 18 years: Hackney Diamonds.

The song they played in the interview, "Angry", sounded fresh, new and relevant. They also have enough material "in the can" that plans for another full album of new stuff is in the works.

Here's the real irony. I have painted a solo portrait of Mick Jagger once before.

It was in 2016, and it was painted here, in this house in northwest Calgary. It begs the question of whether there is something in the water here that somehow leads my unconscious mind to think of the iconic and legendary lead singer of one of the greatest rock bands of all-time.

I admire so many of the aging artists who keep moving forward, creating, exploring and trying new things. Among them are musicians like Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton and the recently deceased Tony Bennett. Like them, Mick is living his best life and not allowing himself to be defined by age. I respect that...and hope to emulate it in years to come. 

 

Psychedelic Mick
24" x 24", acrylic on canvas