Friday, June 14, 2013

Bernie Taupin, song writing partner to Sir Elton John for more than 40 years is showing his art in Toronto at the Liss Gallery

Bernie Taupin
Black marker on drawing paper
10 x 12 inches
Barbara Muir © 2013

Entre Voudin
Bernie Taupin ©  2013
When I was invited to cover the art show In Other Words --
 a collection of paintings by one of the most famous lyricist/
 song writers in the world, I was more than thrilled.  Bernie
 Taupin has been the song writing partner to Sir Elton John
 for more than 40 years.  So many of the moving moments
of those past 4 decades have been affected and made hugely
 memorable by Sir Elton John's voice and music and
Taupin's words.  Candle in the wind, I Guess That's Why 
They Call It the Blues, and Daniel are only a few of the hundreds
of notable and internationally, well loved songs Taupin has written. 
Bernie Taupin and Sir Elton John

Now Toronto's Liss Gallery is featuring works from another
side of the artist. Taupin is also an incredibly talented painter --
working out in abstract art, images that are another expression
of his incredibly creative, and expressive, artistic voice.  

Beginning June 15, the gallery will feature Taupin's
paintings until July 6.  This weekend the artist will make
two special appearances at the gallery.

Taupin says, “Canvas to me is simply the visual extension
of what I have spent my life creating through words. The
imagination, in my estimation, is the most powerful tool
the artist possesses enabling us to conjure up beautiful
distraction for the ears and eyes."

This video -- The Art of Bernie Taupin is a delight.
Click here to watch.
Make sure to check out Taupin's art while the show is on.  

Have a visiting-great-art-shows day.

6 comments:

laura said...

Wonderful drawing, Barbara.
I think I played the album Goodbye Yellow Brick was playing every morning before heading to school: I can still hear it, and it brings 7th grade vividly back!

Sheila Vaughan said...

Thanks for posting this Barbara - Bernie Taupin was/is a fantastic lyricist. Love your ink drawing of him. It's full of life. Wish I was in Toronto and could see the exhibition. It's interesting how many singer/song writers do paint as well.

Kim Rempel said...

How interesting! I never knew he painted. Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchel (did you see her works in the interview this week? Wow!) And I think your drawing of him is delicious!!

Barbara Muir said...

Thanks so much Laura,
His songs bring back so many memories. Elton John has sung so many major moments into being and celebration. I met Bernie last night and it would be nice to draw him again knowing how he looks in person.

Love your work.

XO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Sheila,

Thanks so much. I think you would like his work. He's done many large abstract pieces, some with words and letters, many more about colour and texture. Now that I've met him I would love to draw him again. He was very kind to the people at his opening. Wonderful to see.

XO Barbara



Barbara Muir said...

Hi Kim,

Thanks so much. No I missed Joni's interview, where could I see it? I didn't know Paul painted. I saw him in the one hour special on Colbert last week. Maybe he's the one who painted the piano.

Hope to talk soon.

XO Barbara

Portrait Artist

My photo
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
I paint and draw on commission and for shows. To commission a portrait, or purchase one of my paintings please contact me at: barbara.muir@sympatico.ca
A major highlight in my career? Drawing Oprah Winfrey live via Skype for her show "Where in the Skype are you? Galleries: Studio Vogue Gallery, Toronto, Canada. The Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, New York City. Gallery at the Porch Door, Kingston, Canada. Your positive comments on this blog mean the world to me. I'd love to hear from you!