Mario Monreal

Mario Monreal

It is five years ago this week that our friend Mario Monreal died. Mario was a great pianist and a affectionate friend. Yesterday, on the occasion of the anniversary of his death, a concert was given in Sagunto at the Cultural Center that bears his name. One of the three performers was his widow. My contribution to the commemoration was a portrait of him – a schematic black and white picture that is used in publicity.

Mario Monreal
The schematic portrait that I made for the concert announcement.

When I think of Mario a warm summer night comes to mind when he played his grand piano. It was not a concert but one of his daily rehearsals in his music room where Helma and I happened to be quietly present. It was already dusk, the space was unlit. A balmy breeze stirred the curtains. At my request Mario played Chopin- Waltz no. 7 in C sharp minor. Magical moments and we were incredibly lucky to be part of that opportunity.

(Mario can be heard in a number of my videos.)

Mario Monreal
The portrait of Mario, on which I based the black and white version.

Happy Christmas 2

Happy christmas

The First Noël – Suus & Will Will Sophie is my cousin who is playing his compositions in some of my videos. With his partner he recorded this Christmas song. MUST SEE & LISTEN. Thank you Will and Suus!

Hear him playing in my videos.

 

 

 

 

Portrait painting & music

portrait painting and music

A short message in this mid-week post. In some of my portrait painting videos, the music is provided by my cousin Will Sophie.  For those who want to learn to play guitar like Will: that is possible. Check out his video, really great. I wish you lots of success Will.

My cousin Will teaching how to play Southern Rock Licks
My cousin Will teaching how to play Southern Rock Licks

A great guitarist, a big hitter

Will Sophie

Two cousins in the studio
Two cousins in the studio

 

A month ago Will Sophie was visiting us in Spain. I’ve told you about him before. He plays guitar on some of my recent videos. We are cousins. We come from the same social background. He got into music and I started painting. Two different people with different characters. But we had things in common: we both had a dream, and we shared the inability to survive in a nine-to-five job. I did that until my early twenties, and Will not much longer. The choice for individual independence in our milieu was not very obvious. Which does not mean that our parents were not proud of what we did and achieved. On the contrary. (Behind my back my father gathered my discarded drawings and if something appeared in print he secretly made a small collection). Will has made an impressive career for himself, and I think he belongs to the Top Ten Dutch guitarists. I’m proud that he gave me permission to use his music. It adds so much luster to my videos.
Check out also his video channel.

Rob Kietselaer

Rob Kietselaer

Rob Kietselaer is playing his wonderful compositions in many of my videos. I have painted this portrait in february 2013 as a gift for Rob to thank him for his great music which I grateful and frequently use.