Some of the biggest names in rock music will be making a collective appearance on Westside – thanks to the special talents of Kirk Andrews.
Velvet Music Rooms on Broad Street is to host an amazing exhibition of portraits of music stars, past and present over the next three months.
The Kirk Andrews – Music Icons exhibition, which is presented by Birmingham Art Zone, features 50 portraits of rock gods and goddesses, all of which have been drawn by the talented artist in charcoal and Indian ink.
The exhibition opens on Wednesday 2 August and continues to run daily until 29 October, with the official launch taking place at Velvet on Tuesday 8 August from 6pm, when Kirk will be on hand for a ‘meet the artist’ session.
The 50 drawings, which are all available to buy at prices ranging from £50 to £695, consist of either original framed art or limited edition framed prints.
Among the rock legends included in the portrait exhibition at Velvet are local Black Sabbath icons Ozzy Osbourne and Tony Iommi, David Bowie, Amy Winehouse, John Lennon, Prince, and Debbie Harry.
Kirk, aged 61, who has had a studio and gallery in Stourbridge, West Midlands, for the last six years, said his rock icon artwork was inspired by his passion for music.
He said: “The exhibition comprises a pretty good selection, so I hope to reach an audience of music lovers who are interested in my art.”
Kirk, who has had examples of his art published in three books, including one on Neil Young, said he had been drawing professionally for 10 years after previously working in the retail and exhibition industries.
“I have always been creative but rediscovered drawing after a very bad cycling accident 11 years ago,” he added.
“I first sold my art at an Artisan Fair in Kings Heath the following year and got a lot of interest in my work. Since then my art business has grown and my art now sells worldwide.”
Kirk generally uses images of the rock icons for his art, but he says: “I am not trying to do a copy of the photo, I am using my own style. My preferred method is charcoal because I love the depth it gives. And I particularly love doing a lived-in face.”
Kirk will be creating some live art from Velvet Music Rooms throughout the exhibition on dates yet to be confirmed.
The exhibition launch evening on 8 August also features live music from The Nitecrawlers as part of the regular Henry’s Blueshouse Tuesday night gigs.
For information on commissions, or to buy original framed art, visit: https://www.kirkandrewsart.com/
Limited edition prints can be purchased from Kirk’s Etsy shop at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/KirkAndrewsArt?ref=l2-shopheader-name
Main picture: Kirk with his Ozzy Osbourne compilation
Great artwork. Love it.
I will try and be there on the 8th August.
Thanks
Andy