VisCom Professors’ Paintings Going on Tour

January 17, 2017

Liberace, by Jack Harris

Music lovers of a certain era would scratch their heads if you asked them what Mick Jagger and Liberace have in common.

But in fact, there is a common denominator – though it has nothing to do with their music. Instead, each is the subject of a painting by an FSC professor who is having his portrait exhibited in a traveling show sponsored by the Society of Illustrators.

Liberace – a flamboyant pianist, singer and actor best known for his eye-popping outfits from the 1940s to the ’80s – was painted by Professor Jack Harris. Mick Jagger – lead singer with the Rolling Stones – is Professor George Fernandez’s piece. Both are headed to the art gallery at the Fairfield Theatre Company in Fairfield, Connecticut. The exhibit runs February 6 – March 4.

Seven Licks: After Bill King, by George Fernandez

It’s not a coincidence that both artists painted musicians. Music was the theme of the Society’s annual Members Open competition. Members were asked to choose a line from a song in any musical genre, and then illustrate it in the medium and size of their choice.

Founded in 1901, the Society of Illustrators is the oldest non-profit organization dedicated to the art of illustration. Notable members have been N.C. Wyeth, Rube Goldberg, and Norman Rockwell.