I think all of us can agree with this sentiment… “Wake me when it’s over” It’s also currently where I’m at spiritually, relationally and emotionally.
This pandemic has changed up so much of our world in ways I had never imagined and its still causing so much loss and pain to so many here in the United States.
These COVID series of paintings are rooted in the concept of honoring those artists and musicians who have been down the roads of hardships, loss and yet their music brings a sense of hope in these uncertain times.
Willie Nelson is a country music icon who has certainly seen his fare share over the years and continues to inspire me and many others with his timeless music.
I know the context behind the lyrics is about an exhausting relationship and for me COVID feels much like this.
“I’m getting tired now
I gotta get some sleep now
Guess I’ve been worried much too long
And don’t wake me ’til it’s over
When the need for you is gone
[Chorus]
My eyes are getting weak now
I gotta get some sleep now
I gotta rest my aching head
I just want to lay here
Just let me stay here
‘Til the blues get up and leave my bed…”
Willie Hugh Nelson (born April 29, 1933) is an American musician, actor, and activist. The critical success of the album Shotgun Willie (1973), combined with the critical and commercial success of Red Headed Stranger (1975) and Stardust (1978), made Nelson one of the most recognized artists in country music. He was one of the main figures of outlaw country, a subgenre of country music that developed in the late 1960s as a reaction to the conservative restrictions of the Nashville sound. Nelson has acted in over 30 films, co-authored several books, and has been involved in activism for the use of biofuels and the legalization of marijuana.
Born during the Great Depression and raised by his grandparents, Nelson wrote his first song at age seven and joined his first band at ten. During high school, he toured locally with the Bohemian Polka as their lead singer and guitar player. After graduating from high school in 1950, he joined the U.S. Air Force but was later discharged due to back problems. After his return, Nelson attended Baylor University for two years but dropped out because he was succeeding in music. During this time, he worked as a disc jockey in Texas radio stations and a singer in honky-tonks. Nelson moved to Vancouver, Washington, where he wrote “Family Bible” and recorded the song “Lumberjack” in 1956. He also worked as a disc jockey at various radio stations in Vancouver and nearby Portland, Oregon. In 1958, he moved to Houston, Texas, after signing a contract with D Records. He sang at the Esquire Ballroom weekly and he worked as a disk jockey. During that time, he wrote songs that would become country standards, including “Funny How Time Slips Away“, “Hello Walls“, “Pretty Paper“, and “Crazy“. In 1960 he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and later signed a publishing contract with Pamper Music which allowed him to join Ray Price’s band as a bassist. In 1962, he recorded his first album, …And Then I Wrote. Due to this success, Nelson signed in 1964 with RCA Victor and joined the Grand Ole Opry the following year. After mid-chart hits in the late 1960s and the early 1970s, Nelson retired in 1972 and moved to Austin, Texas. The ongoing music scene of Austin motivated Nelson to return from retirement, performing frequently at the Armadillo World Headquarters.
While it’s a departure from my moons and enneagram pieces, this series still honors visual elements like weathered walls but features more graphic poster style elements like the stencil hero image and hand painted lettering.
Here are some lifestyle images of framed print options.
Here are some close ups of the detail and finished sides:
DETAILS:
Size: 30×40 inches
Media: Gesso and acrylic paint on Fredrix 12oz Pro Canvas
Edges: Finished, ready to hang. Framing optional
Price: $3,600
Available: SOLD!
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