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Tom Noll is Painting Frank Zappa!

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World-renowned artist Tom Noll is back at it again – with FRANK ZAPPA on his canvas!

In a career spanning more than 30 years, Zappa wrote rock, jazz, orchestral works. He also directed feature-length films and music videos, and designed album covers. Zappa produced almost all of the more than 60 albums he released with the band The Mothers of Invention and as a solo artist.

Tom Noll’s Sketch of Frank Zappa

Take a look at the “Creative Bone ArtWorks” Official Web Site and browse Tom’s extensive gallery of “Art That Rocks” which includes many guitar players like Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Jeff Beck, Muddy Waters, Keith Richards, David Gilmour, B.B. King, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Les Paul, Johnny Cash, Gary Moore, Buddy Guy, Joe Bonamassa, Roy Buchanan, Ronnie Earl and Billy Gibbons. There you will find information about pricing, sizes and other info on Tom’s creative artwork.

Tom estimates the yet-to-be-named Frank Zappa painting will take several weeks to complete (progress shots will be posted on his web site – CLICK HERE) be sure to bookark the page to follow along with the fun.

CONTACT TOM at Tom@TomNoll.com!

 

Waukesha, Wisconsin – Les Paul’s Birthplace, Home of Gibson’s GuitarTown and Guitar Artist Tom Noll

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Regular readers of TheGutiarBuzz have heard of Tom Noll, the artist behind the “Name the Painting” contests that we host.

Tom Noll and his 10-Foot Guitars

What you may not know, is that Tom also played a huge roll in the Gibson GuitarTown project in Waukesha, Wisconsin, the birthplace of Les Paul.

Gibson Guitar chose the birth and resting place of guitar legend Les Paul for one of its acclaimed GuitarTown community arts project. Waukesha GuitarTown features 10-foot tall fiberglass Gibson Les Paul model guitars, and a series of regular size Gibson guitars, artistically designed by acclaimed Wisconsin artists and displayed in front of the city’s landmarks and businesses.

Each guitar celebrates a musician, personality or artist unique to the region’s history, with guitar sculptures sponsored by local businesses and individuals.

The Waukesha GuitarTown Project unites the Waukesha area music, art and business communities with a mission to raise funds to better the lives of those served by local charitable organizations, including Waukesha school music and art programs, the new Waukesha County Museum Les Paul exhibit, and the new Waukesha Community Health Center.

The launch event occurred this past June 1st, in honor of Les Paul’s birthday.

Other Gibson GuitarTown cities include Los Angeles, Cleveland, Miami, Orlando, Austin, Nashville and London.

The local news station (Fox 6) took an in depth look at the making of and meaning behind Guitartown in Waukesha this summer. Watch this exclusive video of two of the artists actually from the hometown of Les Paul toiled away with the project of a lifetime.

You just may recognize one of them…

[CLICK HERE] to see several progress shots of Tom as he painted the 10-foot guitar and to find out how you can order a print of the photo above!

Name the Painting Contest – This Time it’s Tom Waits!

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UPDATE!!!!!
The painting has been named!!!

[CLICK HERE] for the winning announcement!

After the overwhelming response to the previous “Name the Painting” contests for Gary Moore, Joe Bonamassa, Buddy Guy, Roy Buchanan and Billy Gibbons, Ronnie Earl, my good friend and world-renowned artist Tom Noll is back at it again with the legendary Tom Waits on his canvas!

Tom Waits Sketch by Tom Noll

Tom Waits is a singer-songwriter and composer with a very distinctive voice, once described as sounding “like it was soaked in a vat of bourbon, left hanging in the smokehouse for a few months, and then taken outside and run over with a car.”

With this trademark growl, his incorporation of pre-rock music styles such as blues and jazz, and experimental tendencies verging on industrial music, Waits has built up a distinctive musical persona.

He has worked as a composer for movies and musical plays and has acted in supporting roles in films including Paradise Alley and Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

He has a cult following and has influenced subsequent songwriters despite having little radio or music video support. His songs are best-known through cover versions by more commercial artists: “Jersey Girl”, performed by Bruce Springsteen, “Ol’ ’55”, performed by the Eagles, and “Downtown Train”, performed by Rod Stewart. Although Waits’ albums have met with mixed commercial success in the USA, they have occasionally achieved gold album sales status in other countries. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his soundtrack work on One from the Heart.

In 2011, Waits was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Tom estimates the Tom Waits painting will take several weeks to come together (progress shots will be posted on his web site – CLICK HERE), with prints of the original oil painting available shortly after.

The artprints are super high quality giclees, which utilize fade resistant UV archival inks. They’re produced from the original oil painting, and are rolled and shipped in a rigid tube along with a certificate of authenticity. The prints are perfect for matting and framing, and will be a memorable addition to any room.

The 27″x19″ prints will be available in mid to late August with a special PRE-ORDER price of $229.00 (plus $8.00 to ship within the USA; $12.50 internationally). 

As a BONUS, Tom will include a FREE inkjet of the sketch along with the full print!

Take a look at the “Creative Bone ArtWorks” Official Web Site and browse Tom’s extensive gallery of “Art That Rocks” which includes many guitar players like Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Jeff Beck, Muddy Waters, Keith Richards, David Gilmour, B.B. King, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Les Paul, Johnny Cash, Gary Moore, Buddy Guy, Joe Bonamassa, Roy Buchanan, Billy Gibbons and Ronnie Earl. There you will find information about pricing, sizes and other info on Tom’s creative artwork.

GuitarDaddy Tip: You can Pre-Order a Tom Waits print by contacting Tom directly. Pre-ordering will allow you to reserve a low-numbered print and to receive your print much faster.

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 TOM WAITS 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!

“I love these NAME THE PAINTING contests! They are so inspirational to me!”
– Tom Noll, owner of Creative Bone Artworks

Also, keep checking back to TheGuitarBuzz.com for contest updates!

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.

Blues Guitarist Ronnie Earl’s Painting Has Been Named!

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After over 250+ suggestions, Tom Noll has selected a title for the Ronnie Earl painting!

Read this:

I’ve finished the Ronnie Earl painting and selected the perfect title. But first, I’d like to thank everybody that has been a part of this painting experience. Great inspiration has come from reading not only your title submissions, but all your comments from the heart. So many people opened up to say how much Ronnie Earl means in their life. It really meant a lot to me and made me realize this was bigger than I originally thought, and much more than just another painting. You would think it would have been a lot of pressure, but the energy just flowed out.

So, if a painting could have dozens of names, this would be it, but I’ve chosen the name: “Transcendence”.

“Transcendence”, Blues Guitarist Ronnie Earl, painted by Tom Noll


Thank you to Natalie Berry for this great title. She submitted this to the Buzz… “Ever since I first heard Ronnie live in 1989, his music has always had the effect of helping me to transcend myself and taking me to a better place. So I would like to call the painting “Transcendence.”

I feel that this name captures what Ronnie is about, and what his fans embrace. I truly hope Ronnie will give it the nod.

Natalie will be receiving a complimentary print from the limited-edition run as promised!

I suspect I will have prints in hand in a couple weeks to start delivering. Pre-orders on these 19” x 27” print are suggested to secure your low numbers of the run of 500. Send an email to me at Tom@TomNoll.com and I will hook you up at the introductory price of $229 and $8 to ship ($12.50 international).

I’m honoring this price until July 20th.

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

-Tom

Here We Go Again! Name the “Ronnie Earl Painting” Contest!

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NEWS FLASH! THE PAINTING HAS BEEN NAMED! [CLICK HERE] TO READ…

After the overwhelming response to the previous “Name the Painting” contests for Gary Moore, Joe Bonamassa, Buddy Guy, Roy Buchanan and Billy Gibbons, my good friend and world-renowned artist Tom Noll is back at it again with blues guitar legend Ronnie Earl on his canvas!

Regular readers of TheGuitarBuzz know that I am a huge fan of Ronnie Earl! Let’s just say I already have a spot on the wall reserved for this one!

Ronnie Earl picked up his first guitar the age of 20.  He became serious about the blues after attending a Muddy Waters concert at the Jazz Workshop, a small club in Boston. By his third year in college, Ronnie was seriously pursuing his guitar playing and would go on for the next 39 years to stretch the boundaries of electric blues guitar.

In 1979, Ronnie Earl joined the Roomful of Blues, then a ten-piece ensemble group based in Providence, Rhode Island, where he would spend the next eight years playing and touring while releasing a number of albums. In 1988 Ronnie formed his own band that he called The Broadcasters, named after the first Fender guitar which originally had been labeled The Broadcaster and was distributed in 1950.

Ronnie musical influences are blues guitarist and vocalist Otis Rush as well as Magic Sam, Guitar Slim, Jimmy McGriff, Jimmy Smith, Grant Green, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane and Wes Montgomery, all of whom have deeply and profoundly shaped and inspired his playing.

Ronnie Earl is a two-time (1997, 1999) W.C. Handy Blues Award winner as Guitar Player of the Year. He has served as an Associate Professor of Guitar at Berklee College of Music, taught for five years at the National Guitar summer workshop in Connecticut. In 1995 Ronnie released Ronnie Earl: Blues Guitar with Soul, an instructional VHS tape that was then re-released in DVD format in 2005.

He has played alongside such greats as B. B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, the Allman Brothers Band, Muddy Waters, Big Joe Turner, Otis Rush, Earl King, Junior Wells, and Buddy Guy. Listen to what his peers have to say:

“I feel the respect and affection for him that a father feels for his son. He is one of the most serious blues guitarists you can find today. He makes me proud.” ~ B. B. King

“Perhaps the finest living blues guitarist on the planet.” ~ The Boston Phoenix

“He has released some twenty albums – but Ronnie Earl can still take your breath away.”~ Guitar Player Magazine

Ronnie’s road manager, Tom Hazeltine, is a talented photographer and has captured hundreds shots of Ronnie playing live.

You can find many of them on Ronnie’s Official Website and Tom’s Facebook Page.

Ronnie Earl Sketch by Tom Noll

Here is a “sketch” that Tom Noll made from one of my favorite photographs, which captures the pure emotion of Ronnie’s music and is the inspiration for Tom’s newest painting!

Tom estimates the Ronnie Earl painting will take several weeks to come together (progress shots will be posted on his web site – CLICK HERE), with prints of the original oil painting available shortly after.

The artprints are super high quality giclees, which utilize fade resistant UV archival inks. They’re produced from the original oil painting, and are rolled and shipped in a rigid tube along with a certificate of authenticity. The prints are perfect for matting and framing, and will be a memorable addition to any room.

The 27″x19″ prints will be available in mid-July at the introductory price of $229.00 (plus $8.00 to ship within the USA; $12.50 internationally)

Take a look at the “Creative Bone ArtWorks” Official Web Site and browse Tom’s extensive gallery of “Art That Rocks” which includes many guitar players like Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Jeff Beck, Muddy Waters, Keith Richards, David Gilmour, B.B. King, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Les Paul, Johnny Cash, Gary Moore, Buddy Guy, Joe Bonamassa, Roy Buchanan and Billy Gibbons. There you will find information about pricing, sizes and other info on Tom’s creative artwork.

GuitarDaddy Tip: You can Pre-Order a Ronnie Earl print by contacting Tom directly. Pre-ordering will allow you to reserve a low-numbered print and to receive your print much faster.

“This painting captures Ronnie Earl in a classic emotional pose playing live at One Longfellow Square in Portland, Maine, January 2012.  I can almost hear his strat sing!  He plays with such pure passion.  I’m counting on the Guitar Buzz readers to come up with some fitting name suggestions!” Thanks…Tom

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!

“I love these NAME THE PAINTING contests! They are so inspirational to me!”
– Tom Noll, owner of Creative Bone Artworks

Also, keep checking back to TheGuitarBuzz.com for contest updates!

Check out the 6/17/12 Update:

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.

Interview with Guitar Artist Tom Noll of Creative Bone Artworks

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Recently, I had the opportunity to interview the man behind the brush, world-renowned artist and owner of Creative Bone Artworks, Tom Noll.

We had a great time talking guitars, painting, Harley’s, Les Paul and life.

Here is the transcript:

What is life like for you on an average day?
Well, waking up is a good start. I never take a day for granted and I fill it with creativity. I’m always envisioning what I can transfer from brain to canvas, and how I can best capture my subject. A long ride on the Harley is always a good brainwave session.

How long have you been painting “professionally”?
My oil painting has only been the last 4 1/2 years. I’ve worked in the design and advertising world for 32 yrs., and after a serious health scare decided to start my Creative Bone Artworks and create a vibrant body of work to leave behind.

The Freeman Newspaper, November 21, 2009

What made you choose Rock-n-Rollers and Guitar Players as your painting subjects? I mean…have you ever painted a picture of a barn in a wheat field?
Starting out with fluid watercolors in the late 70’s, I painted the barns and landscapes and did the art fair circuit on the weekends. Recently, I painted the large 8’ x 9’ Bob Marley on request from a client and fell in love with the energy. Now, I live for the positive response to my work, and the happiness that I see it brings to others.

Is it your goal to one day meet the person that you painted? You know, the “artist” meets the “artist” kind of thing? Have you been able to meet anyone that you painted?
Yeah, its always great to meet that person after you’ve spent weeks looking into their psyche to discover what moves them, to bring them to life on the canvas. One such situation was my fortunate meeting with Les Paul, and hanging with him for an afternoon.

Were you able to show him your work? What did he think?
Oh yeah. He was very humbled and he signed several prints and the original oil painting. Its one thing to nail his image, but then you have to get his ax right. With Les Paul…talk about pressure! We used the painting as the backdrop to his book signing that day, and I gave him the framed print #1. He was thrilled! Ultimately, the image filled the front of the local newspaper on the day he was laid to rest.

Tom Noll painting Les Paul

You know when you can put a guys image on his fan’s living room wall for that constant recognition, who wouldn’t be pleased with all that that brings.

I keep missing Joe (Bonamassa) at his shows, and twice friends have delivered images to him for me. Once in Milwaukee, before I had painted him, he was shown what I was planning to do with him in that cool gold lame suit, and then after it was done, he saw an image of it finished in LA and he approved and signed a photo print to me. I’d had a “Name the Painting” contest with his fans going at the time, and I was told Joe wanted to submit an entry, but, well…he’s a busy guy.

Tell me about your guitars! When did you start playing?
I started on a Fender Squire, but I was really challenged and it didn’t even feel right. Then one day I said to myself, “well ya dumb &#%&, you’re lefty handed. So I flipped it over and restrung it, ala Jimi style…and immediately I sounded exactly like him…ha, ha!

Les Paul Signing

Do you have a favorite axe?
Well, the Squire is now retired on the wall, graced with a Joe Satriani signature, and I’ve purchased 4 lefty guitars. I’ve got an electric acoustic guitar, a Martin Backpacker for on the Harley, a Custom Tele, but the Les Paul is probably my fav.

Tom, you have painted an amazing list of past and present musicians. How do you go about choosing who will be on the easel next?
You know, I’m pretty approachable, and often its by request…and if the subject is someone I’m passionate about, I’m off and running. I’ve also done my fair share of custom paintings for clients that the public never sees.

Most guitar players will play guitar well into the late stages of their lives. What about painters? How long do you see this creative drive staying alive in you?
Hmmm…I’m guessing the lifestyle of a musician is a bit more “late night” than mine. If they can hang in there, I’ll be right behind them with my brush. Then, as with the late Gary Moore, now that he’s passed, its my obligation to capture his spirit forever.

Other than painting and playing guitar, does Tom Noll have any other passions?
Ha, ha…step into my garage!

Tom Noll and his "Red Ripper"

Thank you Tom!

What Has Tom Noll Been Up To?

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Regular visitors of TheGuitarBuzz know who Tom Noll is.

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

Gary Moore Art Prints!

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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

I’m a Lot Like Jeff Beck…

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I didn’t say I could PLAY like Jeff Beck, but after reading some of his comments in a recent interview with the U.K.’s Daily Telegraph, I realized that I sure do THINK like Jeff Beck.

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!

The Billy Gibbons Painting Has Been Named!

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Another successful “Name the Painting” contest with Billy Gibbons on the canvas!

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)

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