Elvis drawn on 1956 newsprint
Last month I saw this article in the New York Times, Arts Beat. Elvis Presley Enterprises was looking for art to help celebrate the 55th anniversary of the release of Heart Break Hotel.
I've been drawing on newsprint for years. I like how the underlying text of the articles adds context but until now, all the subjects have been as current as my daily newspaper. Drawing Elvis circa 1956 was an opportunity to search for some old articles written before history had a chance to put Mr. Presley's life into context. As the authors of the 1956 news articles could not have predicted the legend that Elvis would become, the underlying text becomes as innocent as the young Elvis, helping to anchor the drawing to that specific time.
I was just informed by Elvis Presley Enterprises, that my drawing was selected as one of the 56 finalists in the Elvis in '56 art contest! Fans will get to vote for their favorite piece at The official site of the King of Rock and Roll
Click here to vote
Click here to read the New York Times Art Beat piece
Click here to view Elvis sing Heart Break Hotel
10 Comments
Congratulations! A well deserved honor. keeping my fingers crossed (and marking my calendar) for the final vote.
I hope so, because I really have my heart set on winning that <a href="http://www.shopelvis.com/Product.aspx?cp=796_12512_29511&pc=EPAM2593" rel="nofollow">Elvis Yahtzee</a>
Wow, Larry. Thats terrific. Good luck. Love the drawing. It would be our pleasure to vote. Looking forward to playing Yahtzee!!!!!
Awesome! That's fabulous, Larry. I look forward to it!
The text is very legible in the original, somewhat less here at 72 dpi, but it's interesting that the articles are written about playing in the local Y gymnasium and Elvis having to be protected from bobby soxers.
What fun!
Outstanding work, will vote on May 10, good luck!!!
Thanks Art. Note: Everyone is welcome to vote, but if you do, be honest and vote for the the piece that you like best. I haven't seen any of the other art, but most times these things end up being who has more friends on facebook. Winning isn't that important.
Congratulations. It's done. I like background's timing passing by the quick sketches.
This is so cool! I must tweet it. I just voted, hope it's not too late.