
Keith Richards, affectionately known as Keef was the first portrait in this icons and legends set for The Rolling Stones. All my other portraits have been focused mainly on the lead singer/artists.
It’s so hard to pick any one song for this guy but since his series was created during a pandemic, I wanted lyrics that reflected my current mood.
BACKSTORY: “Gimme Shelter” was recorded by Keith and Mick from 23 February and 2 November 1969 and released on December 5, 1969.
Written by Keef as he brooded over Anita’s dalliance with Mick, “Gimme Shelter” represented something darker and more universal: rape, murder and the death of the 1960s spirit. It’s also not too far off on all the we are currently witnessing.
“Gimme Shelter” is the opening track to the 1969 album Let It Bleed by the Rolling Stones. The lyrics are to poignant for all that continues to go down in history in 2020. A year of disruption.
“GIMME SHELTER”
My very life today
If I don’t get some shelter
Ooh yeah, I’m gonna fade away
It’s just a shot away
War, children, it’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
Our very street today
Burns like a red coal carpet
Mad bull lost your way
It’s just a shot away
War, children, it’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away, yeah
My very life today
Gimme, gimme shelter
Or I’m gonna fade away
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a kiss away
It’s just a kiss away
It’s just a kiss away
It’s just a kiss away
Kiss away, kiss away
I wasn’t really wanting to paint lyrics on these as they already each had a lot going on with the texture, stencil and the metallic gold.
Here are some process and detail images.


I love how the black, gray, pink and metallic gold creates a timeless energy that takes me back to the late 60’s.

I love how the black, gray, pink and metallic gold creates a timeless energy that takes me back to the late 60’s.

Wide flat tip brush to cut in Keef’s hair

Here’s some side shots of the 1.5″ finished gallery wrapped sides.


DETAILS: ORIGINAL PAINTING
Size: 30×40
Media: Gesso and acrylic paint on Fredrix 12oz Pro Canvas
Edges: Finished, ready to hang
Price: $3,600
Available: SOLD!
For Prints: Click on the SHOP ART! button above, then select the ART PRINTS tab to create your art print piece. Photographic, fine art paper, metal, plexiglass and stretched canvas options are all available.
*Free shipping on original paintings with in the United States
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