On a recent Spring-like day my friend Dennis Farris and I headed to nearby Trinity Park with our painting gear. We decided to paint the graceful old oak tree in front of the pavilion. Outdoor painting has it's challenges and occasional calamities, but this day's painting was fairly uneventful (no blood was shed this time).
"Trinity Park Pavilion" 9" X 12" Oil Some of you may remember that years ago this pavilion was the stage for Shakespeare in the Park performances. To promote the event, each summer a poster was printed depicting an anachronistic William Shakespeare enjoying various activities in the park. I painted several of these, beginning in the early 1980's as a young illustrator right out of art school. In the 90's Dennis took over painting Will, so I guess we both feel a certain fondness for this place. Here are two of my posters from the 80's. |
Will's got some mad ups!
ReplyDeleteYes, he learned that from Michael Jordan.
ReplyDeleteI really liked that series. I framed Preppy Will and Western Will for my den wall, then hung bball and softball Wills in another room. So lots of our family snapshots over the years have had your Shakespeare in the background. He's almost part of the family!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm glad you enjoyed those posters. We had a lot of fun with Will!
ReplyDeleteIs there anywhere any of these posters are still available?
DeleteJames, is there any way to still purchase the Shakespeare posters?
ReplyDeleteElizabeth - I don't think they're available anymore. Sorry!
DeleteI have 3 (cycling, skateboard ans Frisbee) in fairly good condition if interested
DeleteI have 4 professionally framed behind glass in absolutely perfect condition from the 80s and 90s: Will with beer in lounge chair; will with frisbee and dog; will dunking basketball; will riding mechanical bull 1994 (last year of Fort Worth Shakespeare. Am willing to sell them for the right price. phone 817-307-0479
DeleteI hope you find a buyer!
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ReplyDeleteI have four of the posters professionally framed behind glass, all in excellent condition: Lawn chair Will with beer; basketball dunking Will; Will with frisbee dog; and wild Will riding mechanical Bull (I think that was the last poster of the series, but I am not sure). I would be "will"ing to sell for the right price. Contact Stewart at 817-307-0479
ReplyDeleteThat bull riding poster was done by different artist. There were more posters after that but they didnt necessarily feature shakespeare himself. I know the 1997 featured a hidden image of shakespeare. We had some kind of poster every year until the season was cancelled in 2002. I too, miss performing at Trinity park
DeleteI sure wish there would be Shakespeare in the park in Trinity park again.
ReplyDeleteWhat year was the skateboarding Will poster? I have that one.
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