I've chosen to render a series of historical figures in the colours of Birds of Paradise. The male birds of these species display glorious and varied plumage in startling colour in order to seduce a mate. The Huli Wigmen of Papua New Guinea emulates these colours when they adorn themselves with shells, feathers, and body-paint. I have these references in mind as I paint my Victorian Gentlemen.
Zhooshy (Prince Albert Victor) 2011, oil on panel, 60" x 48"
2 Beards (Czar Nicholas II, George V) 2009, oil on panel, 60" x 48"
Shirkster (Prince Albert Victor) 2013, oil on panel, 40"x40"
Deevie, 2102, oil on panel, 60" x 40"
Kicker (Roger Casement) 2012, oil on panel, 24” x 22”
Uranian (Edward Carpenter) 2012, oil on panel, 24” x 22”