My piano player sitter features in new Mr Kipling ad
Was thrilled yesterday when our daughter's partner Emmet McGrath pointed out an ad he'd seen featuring fantastic pianist Paul Kissaun - ex Flying Pickets - who I'd painted during lockdown.
Paul Kissaun musician in lockdown £980
During the grim weeks of Covid 19 isolation in 2020, Paul Kissaun had kept the spirits up of his neighbours in his Ealing close by entertaining them on the piano for half an hour each Friday evening for 15 weeks.
His neighbours came out to listen in a socially distanced way with a glass of wine - or cup of tea - in hand and it made everyone feel better.
The impromptu gigs were also shown to a larger audience on socially distanced fest.
After some investigation of where the sessions might be happening I contacted Paul to ask if I could portray him in lockdown and went along to take photos from which I could work.
There's something about the warmth of the atmosphere in this Mr Kiplings ad that reminds me of the warmth Paul spread back in those difficult days.
If you'd like to see the ad click here.
Paul's portrait featured in the Lots Road Group of portraitists' 'Beyond the door' exhibition. If you'd like to read his take on performing in lockdown click here.
It’s a great ad. I’m afraid I don’t know if they’re related but Paul’s on facebook if you’d like to message him.
Amazing artist
Lovely message but no self-respecting piano player would take a bite of cake, lick their fingers and then place them on the keys.
Lovely message but no self-respecting piano player would take a bite of cake, lick their fingers and then place them on the keys.
I love the message of this ad but it upsets me every single time I see the girl taking a bite of cake, then licking her fingers before playing the piano. After 66 years of playing, any such offender would have been shot for touching the keys with sticky fingers…No! Please…