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

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 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!

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)

Tom Noll has selected the WINNING NAME in the “Name the Roy Buchanan Painting Contest”.

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!

Tom Noll posted the photo below to his web site with the caption: “Buddy Nearing Completion…”

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.

After the overwhelming response to the “Name The Gary Moore Painting” Contest, international artist and owner of Creative Bone ArtWorks, Tom Noll, propped up his easel an went to work on his next guitar-player masterpiece.

Buddy Guy, Born in 1936 is a Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. He’s a chief guitar influence to rock titans like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Stevie Ray Vaughan, and a pioneer of Chicago’s fabled West Side sound, a living link to that city’s halcyon days of electric blues.

Buddy left Louisiana in 1957 for a life in Chicago, and as a young guitar player, grew up under the tutelage of Blues greats Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson…etc, etc.

Today in Chicago, he owns “Buddy Guy’s Legends” who’s stage has been graced by some of the world’s most talented musicians and has built a reputation as the nation’s premier blues club. Just a few examples of the talent that has graced the stage are Willie Dixon, Albert Collins, Bo Diddley, Van Morrison, The Rolling Stones, The Black Crowes, David Bowie, ZZ Top, Junior Wells, Slash, John Mayer, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Greg Allman, Clapton, Otis Rush, Pete Townsend, The Pointer Sisters, and quite often…Buddy himself.

Guy, a living legend has firmly cemented a blues legacy that places him squarely in the company of his heroes who came before.

Tom Noll's Sketch of Buddy Guy

This is a “sketch” that Tom made from a photograph taken by “Dr. Jazz”, Ueli Frey, who captured Buddy Guy on film at the 2008 Montreux Jazz Festival.

Ueli lives in Switzerland and has worked as a press photographer since the 1970′s. Along the way he’s had the opportunity to attend hundreds of concerts. He now uses his website to make many of the photographs accessible for the many fans to enjoy. You should definitely check it out!

Tom estimates that the Buddy Guy painting will take another few weeks to come together (progress shots will be posted), with prints of the original oil painting then available to the public in late January.

Tom Noll bringing Buddy Guy to Life on Canvas

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.

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, and of course…Gary Moore. There you will find information about pricing, sizes and other info on Tom’s creative artwork.

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

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!

“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!

“I loved the Gary Moore Contest! Let’s do it again with Buddy Guy!”
- 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.

After receiving over 80 name suggestions, Tom Noll has selected the WINNING NAME in the “Name The Gary Moore Painting Contest“.

Here is the message I received from Tom:

AND THE WINNER IS:

A big THANK YOU to all of you and your heartfelt suggestions that came through while I was swinging the brush…bringing Gary to life on my canvas.

Wow…talk about making a naming task “tougher”. I’ve wrestled with a number of these great ideas along the way.

The original requests for a Gary Moore painting came from a few different clients of mine in the UK a couple of years ago. I was saddened to learn of his death in February and decided I’d waited too long already to paint him. I feel this portrayal of Gary just nailed his emotion and I thoroughly enjoyed creating it for his followers.

I’ve been a giant fan of his soaring blues, and when I saw this title for the painting, it just grabbed me and I felt it was fitting. It speaks instantly of his heritage, and I think Gary would be proud to hang on your wall with this tag.

Congrats to John O’Grady of Wrexham UK for the “Belfast Blues”. I’ll be shipping John’s print across the big pond this weekend, back to Gary’s homeland.

The 27″ x 19″ prints at that intro price of $217 are in the works and will start shipping this Saturday. For those of you who haven’t reserved one yet, contact me (tom@tomnoll.com) and I’ll arrange to get one coming your way too.

Thanks again.

Tom

"BELFAST BLUES", Painted by Tom Noll, Named by John O'Grady

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

THE GARY MOORE PAINTING IS FINISHED, AND THE CONTEST IS ABOUT TO END.

Tom Noll just sent me the photo below along with a message that said:

“Well, it’s been said that a good artist knows when to quit, and I think I am there.”
-Tom Noll, December 11, 2011

Ladies and Gentleman, I give you GARY MOORE as painted by Tom Noll:

The Completed Gary Moore Painting alongside Artist Tom Noll

For those of you who are just stopping by for the first time, we have had a little contest going here at TheGuitarBuzz to give this painting a name. The name should be fitting of Gary Moore and exude the passion he played with as well as honor his extraordinary contribution to music.

The artist, Tom Noll, has offered a FREE 27″x19″ print of the original oil painting to the person who suggests the name that Tom chooses to use as the permanent name for this painting.

We will continue to accept entries through midnight, Tuesday, December 13th, Mountain Standard Time. On Wednesday, December 14th, Tom will announce the WINNER!

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO TO ENTER THIS CONTEST IS ADD A COMMENT WITH YOUR SUGGESTION FOR A NAME OF THE GARY MOORE PAINTING!

CLICK HERE TO SUGGEST YOUR NAME AND YOU ARE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED!

The winner will be contacted on Wednesday and the name of the print will be announced right here on TheGuitarBuzz.com!

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

There’s been a lot of BUZZ around here lately about guitars and art.

Right in the middle of our “Name the Gary Moore Painting Contest” (there is still time to enter), I posted about another masterpiece painting with the International release of “GOLDFINGERz“, a stunning rendition of Joe Bonamassa ripping it up at Montruex.

Yesterday, 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.

Where 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!