Charlie Watts

The Rolling Stones

Painted in March 2008

Acrylic on canvas - 30 inch x 24 inch

Sold to a client in Texas, USA

Autographed by Charlie in April 2008

I read that The Rolling Stones were making a rare public appearance at the premiere of their film 'Shine A Light' in London, April 2008.

I worked for over 40 hours creating a portrait of the band. Then began the 3 hour journey to London and waiting for 10 hours with fans at Leicester Square for the band to arrive.

As they walked down the red carpet there were dozens of other celebrities and staff on the carpet surrounding them and it was difficult to even see them.

I held my painting over the crowd barrier so it didn't get crushed as there were also many fans pushing and squashing me from behind, trying to get an autograph.

Although Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood were signing autographs for many fans, there were so many people on the red carpet they didn’t see me as they signed across the other side of the carpet for fans on the far side and unfortunately didn’t come over to my side. But after they had gone into the cinema, Charlie Watts remained outside and luckily he saw me and came over to sign the portrait.

I am sure the others would have signed if they had seen it. But it wasn’t to be my day as far as getting the whole band to sign it.

Below is the film of Charlie Watts signing the portrait.