Acrylic on canvas, stretched and ready to hang.

Signed on the front.

In the spirit of those who have gone before me I have chosen to paint a self portrait. I have resisted the urge to have it wearing a crown of thorns. Not because I fear the wraith of being labeled a blasphemer, but rather it may be over stating my intention (a bit like some poor American comedy).
The T Shirt is of Jarvis Cocker, famous for his band, Pulp’s, anthem ‘Common People.’ I admire his rejection of convention.
However, what really inspired me to paint this piece is a truly beautiful and poignant song by a misunderstood genius. He became famous because of a song which he recorded while blackout drunk. He was an opera trained singer who struggled to be taken seriously throughout his professional career. His name is ‘Screaming’ Jay Hawkins and the song is ‘Portrait of a man.’ (This is not the song he is famous for.)
Please take the time to give it a listen!