We have hosted several of Tom’s “Name the Painting” contests and watched Tom capture so many of our guitar heroes on canvas.

So what has Tom been up to lately?

Check this out:

Hi Friends,

A real quick update…

Ok, I know I’ve been quiet…but I’m not goofing off…really!!

Tom Noll's 10 Foot Les Paul

Having been selected as one of 10 artists in Wisconsin to paint my own 10 foot tall guitar as part of Gibson’s “GuitarTown” Public Art Project, I’m just approaching the midway point on the figures and guitars, and thought I’d share my excitement.Many of you have been following the progress on my website… TomNoll.com

Thanks for all the support.

On my site you’ll find pictures from day 1 to present, and links to articles about the GuitarTown project. There’s been some great media coverage and the tempo in town is building.

Now on to side 2. I’ve added 1 more Les Paul guitar slinger to the original design of 5…a huge player with his own signature Les Paul guitar. Follow along for the next 3 weeks and I think you’ll agree with my additional choice. (you didn’t think I was just going to tell you?)

Also, last week as the intro offer for the Billy Gibbons artprint came to a close, I drew a name from all the people who’d purchased prints, and I’ve shipped the classic black and white photo of Muddy Waters & Billy Gibbons out to the winner…Kevin Coe of “Old Friends Vintage Guitar Store” in Wentzville, MO. Congrats Kevin!!

You know in closing…I can’t fail to mention the “Art Around the World” at http://www.creativeboneartworks.com/paintingPhotos.htm

visit there…it keeps growing globally…thanks!!!

Until next time…Think Big!!

Tom

Tom Noll
22236 W. Hillcrest Dr.
Waukesha, WI 53186 USA
cell 262-844-7499

http://www.tomnoll.com/
http://stores.ebay.com/Creative-Bone-Artworks-Art-Prints

Tom Noll and the Gary Moore "Belfast Blues" Print

PRINTS CAN BE ORDERED BY CONTACTING TOM NOLL AT THE WEB SITE LINK BELOW:

Tom Noll
22236 W. Hillcrest Dr.
Waukesha, WI 53186 USA
cell 262-844-7499

http://www.tomnoll.com/
http://stores.ebay.com/Creative-Bone-Artworks-Art-Prints

Jeff Beck (Getty Images)

“I don’t like over-the-top heavy metal. Can’t stand it. Too many amps, too much volume. It’s just flat-out ear assault. I’m sure there’s a lot of deaf people out there. Speedy guitars leave me not feeling detached but physically upset. When you think of all the subtleties that were built into the guitar and amps for you to discover, they completely cover the whole lot with a rack of effects. The guitar doesn’t need that.”
– Jeff Beck

Right on, Brother Jeff!

I know this post will alienate a few of my metal friends, but as far as I am concerned God only made one thing on this earth more beautiful than the pure tonal sound of a guitar in the hands of a masterful musician.

I watch a lot of YouTube videos — especially those of bands and artists that I have not had the opportunity to see perform live.  As a result, I have a much better understanding and appreciation of their true ability and talent.  I have also honed in to the styles and genres of music that resonate the most with my personal taste.  And while I love Rock-n-Roll, Smooth Jazz, Blues, Latin and New Age…I do not care for loud, screeching, shredding Metal at all.

I recognize the talent, but I do not enjoy the music.

Guitar music should be sensual, spiritual, uplifting and exciting — not “ear assault”.

So in that light, I admit that I am a lot like Jeff Beck and Jeff Beck is a lot like me!

Jeff Beck Art Print

Are you a Jeff Beck fan?

Be sure to check out Creative Bone Artworks,: “Art That Rocks” Collection – specifically the Jeff Beck print from artist Tom Noll!

Tom’s “Art That Rocks” print collection includes Limited Edition prints from original oil paintings of many famous Blues and Rock guitarists and bands – available for immediate purchase!

Limited Edition prints are still available of this amazing Jeff Beck artwork!

Contact Tom Noll directly to inquire about ALL art prints for sale.  Place your order now for immediate shipment!

AFTER A RECORD SETTING 260+ NAME SUGGESTIONS, TOM SELECTED A WINNER!!

Rev Billy G...Lowdown, Painted by Tom Noll, Named by Jeff Aden

The painting is finished and named…

“Rev Billy G…Lowdown”

So there it is… short, simple, and direct. I think Billy would bow down to it!

This name was an early suggestion that hit me, and stuck. There were sooo many good ideas for this contest, it makes me want to do a Billy series! Thanks to everybody for all the inspiration along the way!!

The winner of the free print is Jeff Aden of Rockford, Illinois with that early single entry, “Lowdown”. He could have stopped there. The simplicity of that name said it all!

A print will be shipping his way approximately March 5th. Thanks Jeff!

If you’d like to get hooked up with your 27″ x 19″ low number print, contact me now at tom@tomnoll.com and I’ll get you squared away with a paypal invoice. I’m offering the special intro price of $222 (plus $8 to ship within the USA; $12.50 internationally) which I’m honoring through March 23rd. As of right now…collectable low-teen numbers are still available.

All prints ordered and pre-paid before Mar 23rd will be eligible for the drawing for my personal 8×10 B&W glossy print of Muddy Waters & Billy. It’s cool!

Thanks again… and feel free to pass this along to all your lowdown friends!

-Tom

To see how “Rev Billy G…Lowdown” came to life, click on this link to visit Tom’s web site: http://www.creativeboneartworks.com/paintingsRevBillyG.htm

Muddy Waters and Billy Gibbons

NOW…TO SWEETEN THE POT!!!!

All prints ordered and pre-paid before Feb. 25th will be eligible for the drawing for Tom’s personal 8×10 B&W glossy print of Muddy Waters & Billy shown to the left.

This B&W photo is a great reminder of Billy’s blues roots, and will look great displayed alongside your “Rev Billy G…Lowdown” print!

Note from GuitarDaddy to Tom Noll: What a wild ride this was! Your artistic talent is only matched by the enthusiasm and creativity of GuitarBuzz readers. Over 260+ names! Amazing! You are probably going to take a short break (well deserved) but PLEASE come back to us when you are inspired to paint another guitar player on canvas. Thank you again for providing a wonderful experience that we all enjoyed! I can’t wait to receive my print! -GuitarDaddy.

VIDEO INTRODUCTION by Tom Noll: Click to watch the “Rev Billy G…Lowdown” Movie Clip
(download time dependent on your connection speed)

************* NEWS FLASH! **************
The painting has been named! [Click Here] to read the full announcement !

Tom Noll is at it again painting one of the all-time great guitar playing legends!

Time to put on your thinking caps to help name another painting.

This one…..1/3rd of “That Little Ol’ Band from Texas”.

Rev Billy G _______, the Sketch by Tom Noll

On the easel right now is the recently named Texas State Musician…ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons.

I’ve captured him at the first annual LaGrange Fest from October 22nd, 2011 in Bee Cave, TX. In the painting, Billy is probably laying down some cool pinch harmonic solo that he does so well. The photo reference I’ve used is courtesy of Rick Kern http://www.rickkern.com/ from Austin, TX. Thanks Rick!

Once again, I want to enlist the help of fans to name this creation. Right out of the box, my friend (the GuitarDaddy) coined the first half of the title…now I’m asking you to finish it.

To suggest a name for this painting, complete this title: “Rev Billy G. …….. …. …..”

The person who nails this for me will get a free print when the painting is done!

You can follow the progress of the painting on my site here as I update it… http://www.creativeboneartworks.com/paintingsRevBillyG.htm

Getting Started with Rev Billy G !

I’m working on the painting now, and am aiming for a late February completion.

The original painting is again 40″ x 28″, which transfers nicely to a 27″ x 19″ print, so I’m going to keep with the same introductory price I’ve been offering of $222, with $8 to ship within the US, $12.50 for international.

Its easy to order! Just contact me via email at Tom@TomNoll.com to secure your low number print.

I’ll then email you an invoice and you will be directed to a secure Paypal site that accepts all major credit and debit cards.

You DO NOT need a Paypal account.

You are going to love this print!!

Muddy Waters and Billy Gibbons

NOW…TO SWEETEN THE POT!!!!

Everybody that pre-orders a print from me during this naming contest will have their name submitted for a drawing to win my personal copy of a glossy photo of Muddy Waters and Billy Gibbons from way back (shown in the plastic sleeve in the photo next to me).

This is a limited edition print of a classic 8×10 Black&White which comes with a pre-printed signature of both artists.

This offer will end 1 week after the name is announced.

This B&W photo is a great reminder of Billy’s blues roots, and will look great displayed alongside your Rev Billy G. print!

I look forward to all the great names that I know are coming my way… go cat go!!

Thanks…Tom

Now, on to the contest…

UPDATE: Feb 11, 2012: Check out Tom’s progress photos…Rev Billy is looking fine! http://www.creativeboneartworks.com/paintingsRevBillyG.htm

UPDATE: Feb 13, 2012: Check out the close-up picture of the Black & White photo of Muddy Waters and Billy Gibbons! Pre-Order a print from Tom during the naming contest and you will be entered into a drawing to win Tom’s personal copy of the glossy photo!

February 17, 2010 – the painting has been named “Rev. Billy G…Lowdown”!

Congratulations to Jeff Aden!

CLICK HERE TO LEAVE YOUR COMMENT!

This afternoon, I received the following email from Tom…

Nephesh - Roy Buchanan, Painted by Tom Noll, Named by David Buchanan

The Roy Buchanan painting… what an experience! Thanks to all of you for the great inspiration you provided along the way which helped the painting foster its ethereal feel.

I’ve got to admit that a few months back, Roy Buchanan was just a name which I associated with a man who was often referenced as a giant influence to many other guitar slingers that I loved, but I’d never explored to find out about him as to why he was so revered. Now, after this brief exposure, I hear why, and I have deep respect for who he was, what he stood for, and what he’s meant to music and to those who have followed.

This contest opened my eyes with the outpouring of emotion and creativity from fans as they expressed what my painting of Roy meant to them. Along the way came a suggestion that is a title of a 1973 song of Roy’s… “Nephesh“, (neh’-fesh) which in Hebrew means soul, or life. This title had a nice connection for me, and it was a singular submission by a person who went on to offer the comment… “and it’s always been one of mine, and my sister Jenny’s favorite songs of dad’s”.

I’m humbled to have my painting of Roy Buchanan named by his son, David J. Buchanan.

As the days of the contest rolled by, David gave us additional little glimpses of his father that enhanced what I was doing, what I was feeling, and shedding some light on what otherwise would have never been known.

Congrats and Thanks David!!! Your complimentary print will be on its way, and I’m sure you will give it a place of honor.

I’ve currently got the painting in the works, making reproductions this week, and will be shipping prints this Monday, February 6th to those who have pre-ordered them. For all others that would like to celebrate Roy Buchanan’s memory with “Nephesh” and would like to own early editions, please email me at Tom@TomNoll.com and I’ll hook you up via a paypal invoice (you don’t need a paypal account). Now that we’ve appropriately named the painting, I am honoring the introductory offer of $222 for prints for another week until February 12th.

Thanks…Tom
—————–

GuitarDaddy adds… As Tom mentioned, along the way David shared many stories with us about his life as a young boy and growing up with a father that so many guitarists and musicians idolized. David shared with me that his Dad gave him a 1969 Telecaster (David was born in 1969)… but David never wanted to be compared to his father, so he just slid the guitar under his bed.

As the years passed, David grew to find his passion in poetry.

Today, his work is published on his web site: www.PoetryBuchanan.com. David also maintains a website on MySpace where he also writes a blog. Check it out at: www.MySpace.com/buchanan69.

A few days ago, David shared some personal things with me and graciously granted me permission to reprint them here on the TheGuitarBuzz.

Presented here is a rare glimpse of a private family photo and a poem that David wrote in 2005 about his father… and his guitar.

I found David’s work to be heartfelt, emotional and very thought provoking.

Roy Buchanan, in a Rare Family Photo (Courtesy David Buchanan)

His Guitar

All through childhood I heard his guitar
Little did I know he was a star
But man was he so bizarre
Very distant, very far
With manic-depression he was on par
His only release was his guitar
There must have been an unseen scar
Hidden behind that smoky cigar
One night with lawmen he did spar
One final act in a police car
Sweet Dreams to you now you’re truly a star
Strumming Nancy in some heavenly bar
Yet I can still hear him playing
His guitar

– 11-24-10 wwww

Copyright © 2005 David Buchanan

Thank you so much David, for sharing your poetry with us!

Roy Buchanan Sketch

Artist Tom Noll has been busy pouring his talent into a stunning masterpiece of the legendary Roy Buchanan!

Roy was a pioneer of the Telecaster sound. He was a brilliant sideman and solo artist, with two gold albums early in his career and two later solo albums that made it on to the Billboard chart.

Despite never having achieved stardom, he is still considered a highly influential guitar player. He was often called “The Greatest Unknown Guitar Player” or “The Greatest Guitar Player that Nobody has heard of”.

He is credited for influencing many guitarists, including Gary Moore, Danny Gatton and Jeff Beck. Beck even dedicated his version of “Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers” from Blow by Blow to Roy. His work is said to “stretch the limits of the electric guitar” and he is praised for “his subtlety of tone and the breadth of his knowledge, from the blackest of blues to moaning R&B and clean, concise, bone-deep rock ‘n’ roll.”

Roy was ranked #57 on the Rolling Stone list “100 Greatest Guitarists of all Time,” Guitar Player praised him as having one of the “50 Greatest Tones of all Time.”

I think you will agree that Tom has captured Roy’s “vision”, he just needs a “name”!

Roy Buchanan is Taking Shape!

Now, on to the contest…

SO HOW DOES THE CONTEST WORK?
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO TO ENTER THIS CONTEST IS LEAVE A COMMENT TO THIS POST WITH YOUR SUGGESTION FOR A NAME OF THE ROY BUCHANAN PAINTING!
TOM WILL SELECT THE OFFICIAL NAME OF THE PAINTING FROM THE COMMENT ENTRIES AND THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE A FREE PRINT OF THE ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING!

GUITARDADDY TIP: As you can see, this painting is already in the works and according to Tom, is about one week from completion. So this contest will be short! The winner will be announced on FEBRUARY 1, 2012 and will receive a FREE PRINT from the original oil painting!

Tom is also offering a discount for pre-orders with an introductory price of $222 plus shipping for “pre-order low-number reservations” and only $199 for orders that are “pre-paid”.

Tom’s Promise: If you are the winner of the contest and you also pre-ordered a print, your money will be refunded! So go ahead and CONTACT TOM at Tom@TomNoll.com to pre-order now!

CLICK HERE TO LEAVE YOUR COMMENT AND ENTER THE CONTEST!

Note: In the case of duplicate submissions, the person who suggested the name first will have claim to that name. Also note, the winner will forfeit any and all rights to the name to Tom Noll if it is selected to be the winner.

PRINTS CAN BE ORDERED BY CONTACTING TOM AT THE WEB SITE LINK BELOW:

Tom Noll
22236 W. Hillcrest Dr.
Waukesha, WI 53186 USA
cell 262-844-7499

http://www.tomnoll.com/
http://stores.ebay.com/Creative-Bone-Artworks-Art-Prints

Bryan came up with the name “Delta Inspiration” which artist Tom Noll felt was the perfect title for his masterpiece.

To bring this story full circle, here is a picture of Bryan holding his Grand Prize!

Congratulations Bryan!

Bryan Schwab holding his Buddy Guy Print!

"Delta Inspiration", a portrait of Buddy Guy, painted by Tom Noll, named by Bryan Schwab!

The announcement of the WINNER of the “Name the Buddy Guy Painting Contest”.

After 80+ entries (many with multiple name suggestions), giving artist Tom Noll over 100+ suggestions to pick from, a truly fitting name has been selected.

Late last night, I received this email from Tom with a message to everyone who participated in the contest suggesting a name for the painting:

“Thank you once again for the inspirational journey we embarked upon. While the paint was wet, your title suggestions came in, reinforcing how much Buddy and his music means to you, and what moves you. While there were many creative bends in the road, names reflecting how Buddy has inspired and influenced us, one name stopped me in my tracks and the lights came on as to the deeper meaning of what Buddy is all about, and HIS inspiration.”

“Delta Inspiration” is the name appropriate for my creation!”

“Congrats to Bryan Schwab from Oil City, Pennsylvania. He will be receiving one of the first prints produced from the limited edition run.
After choosing this title, I looked up Bryan on-line, and realized why he may have had an inside scoop on what makes Buddy’s motor run…I hope you agree.”

“I’m super happy with the painting and will be shipping prints Jan. 20th. To get in on the early editions, please email me at tom@tomnoll.com and I’ll hook you up via a paypal invoice (you don’t need an account)…for some real Delta Inspiration!”

“And, I’ve decided that all orders from this promotion will also receive a signed inkjet of the original oil painting sketch.”

Thanks…
- Tom Noll, Artist and owner of Creative Bone Artworks

Tom included a link in his email to this YouTube video… and here is your winner!

Hey Bryan! You know how to name paintings and you know how to play the blues!

The "Un-Named" Buddy Guy Painting - Nearing Completion

CLICK HERE to go directly to Creative Bone Artworks and view all of the progress updates for the Buddy Guy painting.

Of course, the BUZZ around here is WHO WILL WIN THE “NAME THE PAINTING CONTEST”?

You can Pre-Order a special print made from the original Buddy Guy oil painting by contacting Tom directly. Pre-ordering will allow you to reserve a low-numbered print and to receive your print much faster.

GuitarDaddy Tip: Tom is offering a special, discounted “pre-order” price of $222.00 + shipping until the end of January. On February 1st, the price goes to $329.00. In addition, for GuitarBuzz readers, Tom is offering a “BONUS Hand-Signed Inkjet Print” of the original sketch of the painting, along with the final print, to the first 10 pre-orders!

I’d suggest you jump on this if you are a Buddy Guy fan!

“This painting captures Buddy in a classic pose of him tearing it up on stage at the 2008 Montreux Jazz fest, soaring on his famed Honey Blond Strat. I’m capturing that moment when his relentless energy causes you to hold your breath for that towering note that rips your head off. I’m counting on some great inspirational thoughts from you to bring this thing full circle” Thanks…Tom

SO HOW DOES THE CONTEST WORK?
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO TO ENTER THIS CONTEST IS LEAVE A COMMENT TO THIS POST WITH YOUR SUGGESTION FOR A NAME OF THE BUDDY GUY PAINTING!
TOM WILL SELECT THE OFFICIAL NAME OF THE PAINTING FROM THE COMMENT ENTRIES AND THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE A FREE PRINT OF THE ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING!

Tom’s Promise: If you are the winner of the contest and you also pre-ordered a print, your money will be refunded! So go ahead and CONTACT TOM at Tom@TomNoll.com to pre-order now!

CLICK HERE TO LEAVE YOUR COMMENT!

Note: In the case of duplicate submissions, the person who suggested the name first will have claim to that name. Also note, the winner will forfeit any and all rights to the name to Tom Noll if it is selected to be the winner.