PORTRAITS
17/02/2025
Betty Carter
Betty Carter (born Lillie Mae Jones, May 16, 1929 – September 26, 1998) was an American jazz singer known for her improvisational technique. Betty Carter was born in Flint, Michigan and grew up in Detroit, where her father led a church choir. She studied piano at the Detroit Conservatory. She won a talent contest and became a regular on the local club circuit, singing and playing piano. When she was 16, she sang with Charlie Parker, and she later performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles and Miles Davis. The lighting effect on the face and hat of the subject was particularly appealing to John, a exciting challenge for the artist in the rendition of the multitude of tones on both the skin and the texture and folds of the hat. A superb singer now sadly missed. Acrylic on canvas. 20in. x 16in. (51 cm. X 40.5 cm.) or 22& 3/8 in. x 18&3/8 in. (57 cm. X 46.5 cm.) including frame. All sizes are approximate. Available for purchase, £200. Please e-mail for details.
MR. HARMAN
MR. HARMAN. Commissioned for presentation to Mr. Harman on his birthday. It was drawn from an old, very small and rather damaged reference photograph provided by his son-in-law Tony, showing Mr. Harman in his then wartime uniform. Only a short while after receiving my drawing he lost his long and brave fight against terminal illness. I also had the privilege of cutting his hair for him whilst he was in the hospice, which he enjoyed immensely, looking dapper again, (yes, I am a fully qualified hairdresser as well!). Pencil on watercolour paper. 10in. x 12in. Double matted and framed. 12.5in. x 14.5in. including frame. In the collection of Mrs. Harman, as a gift from the artist.
DUKE ELLINGTON
Duke Ellington in typical pose at the piano. Viewed from a low angle, this accentuates the dramatic lighting effect, giving a feeling of 'closeness' with the subject. A jazz master! Acrylic on canvas. 20in. x 16in. (51 cm. x 40.5 cm.) or 22&3/8 in. X 18&3/8 in. (57 cm. x 46.5 cm.) including frame. All sizes are approximate. Available for purchase, please e-mail for details.
SASHA
This shows a beautiful young lady, her whole life ahead of her to enjoy, the sparkle of life shows in her eyes and bright smile. This was a pleasure for the artist to depict as the softness of the coloured pencil is a favourite medium of the artist when drawing portraits. The pleasure of painting this portrait was only surpassed when Sasha cried with joy when she was given the painting. Coloured pencil on watercolour paper. 18in. x 12in. Commissioned by Mrs. M. Austin as a gift for her daughter, Sasha. SOLD. In Miss Austin's collection.
