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'Bernard O'Keefe' - the latest portrait painted from life in one sitting - by expressionist painter Stephen B. Whatley.

The portrait was painted uniquely at Mr O'Keefe's business centre, KWT Printing in London's Covent Garden - please see the previous post for a glimpse of the oil painting inn the making.

Stephen B Whatley's many portrait sitters since the early 1990s include: actors Alec McCowen CBE and Sir Ian McKellen; TV presenter Sarah Greene; actresses, Frances Barber, Elizabeth Dawn MBE, Dame Judi Dench, Susan Hampshire OBE, Siân Phillips CBE, Alison Steadman OBE, Julie Walters OBE, Barbara Young, Carol Royle, Virginia McKenna, Barbara Windsor MBE; comedienne & writer Jo Brand; & entrepreneur, Ivan Massow.

His portrait of Barack Obama was published in TIME and his Royal portraits have been featured in MAJESTY magazine.

The work of Stephen B Whatley is on daily public display at Tower Hill where his commission of 30 paintings for the Tower of London is permanently reproduced through out Tower Hill Underpass that leads to the Tower of London.

The artist's work is in collections worldwide & in public collections including BBC Heritage, The Royal Collection, London Transport Museum & Westminster Cathedral.

Oil on canvas
30 x 24in/76 x 61cm
Private collection, London, UK.
www.stephenbwhatley.com

See what makes this artist tick ! Hot off the press via Twitter (X.com )- my most intensive and lengthy illustrated interview to date conducted by American art historian & landscape gardener John G. Stamos . I’m very humble but he was so taken with my art he felt it needs shouting from the rooftops …it’s quite a long introduction - but then there’s a good conversation that’ll make you laugh at times and touch your heart at others !

Read how my work evolved from dark to light via early tragedy - and learn about my portrait sittings with stars and Royal commissions - including how I splashed Prussian blue paint on the red carpet whilst painting in Buckingham Palace ; and made Queen Elizabeth laugh when I met her after completing my Tower of London commission of 30 works, a permanent art exhibit outside the Tower of London, for 25 years....just click the link below :

renaissancegardenguy.com/impassioned-expressionism-an-int...

Many thanks - Stephen B. Whatley
www.stephenbwhatley.com

Artist Stephen B. Whatley at the British Library in London on April 5th this year with historian author Michael I. Ohajuru, to sign some special prints of his charcoal icon of John Blanke, originally commissioned in 2015 - to publicise his new book Who is John Blanke ? (Canbury Press).

The expressionist artist first learnt of the 16th century black trumpeter John Blanke in 2000 and included an interpretation of him in his painting of the Westminster Tournament, inspired by the Westminster Tournament Roll of 1511 - part of Whatley's Tower of London commission.

The fascinating, beautifully produced book - a look at John Blanke through the eyes of artists and historians - is available from Canbury Press & Amazon.

See 'John Blanke' 2015 (Charcoal on paper) here on Flickr :
www.flickr.com/photos/stephenbwhatley/20218487302/in/phot...

See Stephen's painting of the Westminster Tournament , part of the Tower of London series :
www.flickr.com/photos/stephenbwhatley/2480299677/in/photo...

www.stephenbwhatley.com

A new tribute to The Sacred Heart of Jesus by expressionist artist, Stephen B. Whatley.

This is the most recent of several tributes to the Sacred Heart of Jesus that the artist has created, all through prayers, especially to the Holy Spirit - which emerged in this painting on Thanksgiving Day last week, when the painting was begun.

Stephen B. Whatley is a Catholic convert, a calling he felt through his spiritual search to survive early tragedy in his life; and in 2013, his exhibition, "Paintings From Prayer" was staged at London's Westminster Cathedral; which owns his portrait tribute of Pope Francis.

The British London-based artist gets what he humbly feels a 'Divine Push' to paint tributes of faith, alongside his other work - a large body of which is on public display every day in the City of London, just outside the Tower of London - where his series of 30 paintings commissioned by Historic Royal Palaces, 20 years ago, vibrantly chart the history of The Tower.

As a permanent art exhibit reproduced throughout the walkway leading from Tower Hill Station they form a bright and vibrant entrance to the Tower of London.

The work of Stephen B. Whatley is in collections worldwide & public collections which own his work include the BBC, London Transport Museum, and The Royal Collection of HM King Charles III.

Catholic institutions that have either acquired or commissioned the artist's paintings include The Carrollton School of The Sacred Heart, Miami, USA, The Institute of Marist Brothers, Canada, Newman University, Birmingham (UK), St Anthony Padua Catholic College, Sydney, Australia and the Duchesne Academy of The Sacred Heart in Texas, USA.

In 2004, the artist was presented to HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in recognition of his work.

It is said that wherever an image of The Sacred Heart is displayed that place will be Blessed.
Blessings of Peace and Hope !

The Sacred Heart of Jesus. 2024
Oil on canvas
30 x 24in/76 x 61cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

Happy Advent....a new tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary by Catholic expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley.

Artist Stephen B. Whatley was born an Anglican and in the 1990s, he became attracted to the devotions within the Catholic Church – to which he converted in 2011.

He is happy that his work touches so many Christians, whether they be Catholics, Anglicans or Episcopalians.

Since 2000, he has been drawn to make statements of prayer and faith; often painting on specific anniversaries and Feast Days – with what he humbly calls a “divine push’, creating both works of hope and light.

The work of Stephen B. Whatley is in collections worldwide & public collections which own his work include the BBC, London Transport Museum, and The Royal Collection of HM King Charles III.

Catholic institutions that own the artist's paintings include The Carrollton School of The Sacred Heart, Miami, USA, The Institute of Marist Brothers, Canada, Newman University, Birmingham (UK), St Anthony Padua Catholic College, Sydney, Australia and Westminster Cathedral, London - which staged his 2013 exhibition, Paintings From Prayer.

In 2004, the artist was presented to Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh in recognition of his work.

The artist's series of 30 paintings, commissioned by the Tower of London in 2000, is a permanent exhibit outside Tower Hill Station, London ; reproduced throughout Tower Hill Pedestrian Underpass (outside Tower Hill Station) - the main portal entrance to the Tower of London.

Our Lady Star Of The Sea 2024 by Stephen B. Whatley
Oil on canvas
40 x 30in/102 x 76 cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

My tribute painting of Saint Marcellin Champagnat has arrived in Australia ; acquired by the Marist Brothers in New South Wales.

Marcellin Champagnat established the Catholic teaching community of Marist Brothers in France in 1817, inspired and moved by finding a dying teenager with no knowledge of God.

I originally learnt of this Saint and was inspired to paint the tribute when the Marist Brothers in Quebec Canada commissioned me to paint their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, The Good Mother in 2018; which can be seen in this photostream.

The Marist Brothers have provinces worldwide.

As so often, the internet provided the discovery of my painting by the Marist Brothers in Australia who expressed that they had ‘fallen in love’ with my art ; and are ‘stunned’ by the original oil painting.

Saint Marcellin Champagnat is Patron Saint of Education.

Humbly blessed & wishing Peace and Healing.
- Stephen B. Whatley, London UK, October 2024

www.stephenbwhatley.com

Lighting up Royal history ! Tower Hill Underpass is lined with reproductions of the series of 30 oil paintings that expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley was commissioned by Historic Royal Palaces to paint in 2000, capturing the spirit & history of the Tower of London.

Many of the oil paintings were painted on location in and around the Tower of London over the 8 months the artist fulfilled the commission.

This photograph was taken in July 2022 - but the public art exhibit has been open daily since 2001, to commuters and tourists alike; leading from Tower Hill Station to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

The work of Stephen B. Whatley is in collections worldwide & other public collections which own his work include the BBC, London Transport Museum, Westminster Cathedral & The Royal Collection of King Charles III.

The artist was presented to HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in 2004 in recognition of his work.

See the whole series of paintings in the Tower of London gallery - & much more - on the artist's website.

www.stephenbwhatley.com

A new 'work from prayer' created on the first day of Advent, December 1, by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley.

The Catholic artist humbly feels a 'divine duty' to create on significant dates, to bring light, peace and healing to viewers of his paintings and drawings.

The work of Stephen B. Whatley is in private collections worldwide & other public collections which own his work include the BBC, London Transport Museum, Westminster Cathedral & The Royal Collection of King Charles III.

His series of 30 paintings commissioned by the Tower of London are showcased as a permanent public art exhibit, at the entrance of the Tower of London, just outside Tower Hill Station, in The City of London.

Peace and Blessings.

Holiness of Mary - Advent 2023.
Pastel on paper,
16.5 x 11.5in /42 x 30cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

November 18th, 2023 would have been the 80th birthday of my wonderful mother Marjorie (18 November 1943 - 5 August 1981).

The tragic loss of my beloved mother - two weeks after my 16th birthday - who took me to my first art school interview has marked my life ; and ironically proved a catalyst in the development of my art; through my need to express my emotions on canvas.

Through prayers , I found the strength to paint this new tribute painted throughout that day and completed on November 25 - inspired by several photographs, mainly taken in 1980, to capture her loving essence.

Those blessed with loving mothers, always treasure them whilst here...I know love never dies.

Painted with love and deep gratitude - Stephen B. Whatley, November 27, 2023

To view my gallery ' A Tribute To My Mother ' on my website and see photographs of her and other posthumous tributes I have painted, please visit : www.stephenbwhatley.com/a-tribute-to-my-mother

Oil on canvas
20 x 16in/51 x 40cm
Collection of the artist.
www.stephenbwhatley.com

Artist Stephen B. Whatley with his portrait tribute:
HM King Charles III & HM Queen Camilla - Coronation Tribute. 2023. Pictured on October 19, 2023.

Today the original painting was collected from the artist for shipping; acquired by collectors in Miami, Florida, USA.

Stephen wrote a personal signed card of the painting to The King and Queen and was very touched to receive a personal letter from Queen Camilla expressing her liking of the painting.

She wrote: " Dear Stephen, So many thanks for your kind card and exquisite portrait inspired by our Coronation. It is absolutely stunning. I was most assured by your prayers. With best wishes, Camilla R " You can see a photograph of the letter two posts back in this photostream.

The painting was inspired predominantly by screen shots the expressionist painter took from the BBC television broadcast of this year's Coronation and drawing upon studies he personally made in front of the Crown Jewels in the Jewel House in the Tower of London, in 2000; whilst undertaking his Tower of London commission of 30 works.

The artist's vibrant oils are known from his Royal commissions - two paintings of Buckingham Palace for The Royal Collection Trust, painted on location and reproduced in the 1999 and 2000 advertising campaigns for the Summer Opening of The Palace; and a series of 30 paintings for the Tower of London, commissioned in 2000, colourfully charting its Royal history.

The 30 oil paintings are reproduced throughout the pedestrian walkway that leads from Tower Hill Station to Her Majesty's Tower of London - as a permanent art exhibit open daily since March 2001.

HM King Charles III & HM Queen Camilla - Coronation Tribute. 2023.
Oil on canvas, 40 x 30in/102 x 76cm
Private collection, Miami, FL, USA
www.stephenbwhatley.com

Coverage of the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II to the new reign of King Charles III is featured in the latest issue of MAJESTY (September 2023) - Out now in bookstores & newsagents such as WH Smith in the UK & Europe/ soon in the USA and Canada ; in such stores as Barnes & Noble and Hudson News.

The back cover is devoted to the Coronation portrait of HM King Charles and HM Queen Camilla by British expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley.

MAJESTY magazine , established in 1980 is the world's longest running Royal magazine, devoting features to the British and monarchies worldwide. You can see the large oil painting close up 2 posts back here on Flickr and on the artist's website, in the Portraits section.

The artist's vibrant oils are known from his Royal commissions - two paintings of Buckingham Palace for The Royal Collection Trust, painted on location and reproduced in the 1999 and 2000 advertising campaigns for the Summer Opening of The Palace; and a series of 30 paintings for the Tower of London, commissioned in 2000, colourfully charting its Royal history.

The 30 oil paintings are reproduced throughout the pedestrian walkway that leads from Tower Hill Station to Her Majesty's Tower of London - as a permanent art exhibit open daily since March 2001.

In 2004 Stephen was presented to HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in recognition of his work.

www.stephenbwhatley.com

Subscribe to MAJESTY : majestymagazine.com

A charcoal tribute of Tudor icon John Blanke commissioned from expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley has been featured on the Sky Arts television series, Stories From The National Portrait Gallery - broadcast last night, from which this screenshot was taken.

John Blanke was a 16th century African musician, depicted as one of the trumpeters at the Westminster Tournament of 1511 featured in The Great Tournament Roll of Westminster, now preserved at The Royal College of Arms, London UK., a manuscript created to commemorate the tournament held to celebrate the birth of a prince to Katharine of Aragon and Henry VIII.

The Westminster Tournament was one of the historic images that artist Stephen B Whatley was commissioned to interpret in his series of 30 oil paintings for the Tower of London in 2000 - now permanently reproduced throughout Tower Hill Underpass. At that time, the artist noticed and included the black trumpeter in his new painting of the Westminster Tournament; but knew little of his history.

Attending an inspiring lecture given by historians Miranda Kauffman & Michael Ohajuru in 2013 about Africans in Tudor Britain he was interested to learn more of his significance.

In 2016 he was most inspired to study the Tudor image of John Blanke in more detail, for this recent commission for Mr Ohajuru - for The John Blanke Project - which forms an installation at the newly opened National Portrait Gallery in London.

You can see the segment about the history of John Blanke which features Whatley's drawing including a closeup via the newly released clip from the Sky Arts TV programme on Youtube via this link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiEdChBXxcw

You can view the drawing of John Blanke here on Flickr up close and in the Drawings section of the artist's website at :
www.stephenbwhatley.com

A new work by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley, inspired by New York and created yesterday on ‘America’s Birthday’, July 4th : “Park Avenue, NYC”.

The charcoal drawing was inspired by a study in graphite that the artist made in the drawing book he carries on travels, on location in New York, absorbing the view, during his recent visit to the USA.

The artist has an abiding affection and fascination with the USA & his press includes the New York Times & TIME magazine; which published his portrait tribute of Barack Obama in 2008.

Many Americans, who make up the majority of Whatley's collectors, discover his work from the permanent art exhibit of the series of 30 paintings he was commissioned to paint for Her Majesty's Tower of London in 2000; reproduced just outside Tower Hill Station as a vibrant walkway of art to the Tower.

See more of Whatley's tributes to New York City in his NYC Art Album here on Flickr and on his website.

Park Avenue, NYC. July 4, 2023
Charcoal on paper ; 23.4 x 16.5 in/ 59 x 42cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

Artist Stephen B. Whatley presenting his painting ‘A Parish On A Hilltop’ commissioned for Holy Innocents’ Catholic Church, Orpington, Kent (UK) to Parish priest Fr Victor Vella (left) & devout parishioner and football choreographer Mike Delaney (right)- who was so instrumental in bringing the project to fruition.

The striking contemporary church - where they are pictured- was designed by award-winning architect Michael Blee (1931-1996) and opened in 1981.

The painting takes its title from Fr Victor Vella's vision of ' A Parish On A Hilltop' - to depict his wish. for the parish to be a beacon love and light for the church and wider community.

The expressionist artist - who covered to Catholicism in 2011 - made drawings on location earlier this year capturing his feelings and sensations to be able to capture an essence that combined with the prayers that he depends upon for his art, inspired the emergence of the Holy Spirit, Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary - as Blessings upon the church and the parish.

The work of British artist Stephen B. Whatley ( 1965-) is in collections worldwide & other public collections which own his work include the BBC, London Transport Museum, The Royal Collection of King Charles III and Westminster Cathedral, London - which staged his 2013 exhibition, 'Paintings From Prayer'.

The artist's series of 30 paintings, commissioned by the Tower of London in 2000, is a permanent exhibit outside Tower Hill Station, London ; reproduced throughout Tower Hill Underpass (outside Tower Hill Station) - the main portal entrance to Her Majesty's Tower of London.

In 2004 the artist was presented to HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in recognition of his work.

You can see the painting close-up in the previous posting on this photostream; and on the artist's website - link below.

A Parish On A Hilltop : Holy Innocents’ Catholic Church, Orpington, Kent. 2023
Oil on canvas , 30 x 40 in/ 76 x 102 cm
Collection of Holy Innocents’ Catholic Church, Orpington, Kent.
www.stephenbwhatley.com

Artist Stephen B. Whatley ( London, 1965- ) photographed in London UK on July 6, 2022.

Whatley who specialises in expressionist oil paintings and charcoal and pastel works has undertaken several commissions for the BBC, and Buckingham Palace for the Royal Collection of Queen Elizabeth II.

His series of 30 works commissioned by the Tower of London in 2000 are all permanently reproduced throughout Tower Hill Underpass, at Tower Hill Station, London.

In June 2004 Whatley was presented to HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in recognition of his work.

To see the eclectic range of the artist's work and view available original works or to order signed prints, please visit his website:

www.stephenbwhatley.com

A charcoal tribute of John Blanke - the 16th century black trumpeter, featured in the Westminster Tournament Roll of 1511 - by artist Stephen B. Whatley, has been published in a new book, 'The Tudors: Passion, Power and Politics' edited by Charlotte Bolland ( National Portrait Gallery 2022).

The drawing was originally commissioned in 2015 by art and culture historian Michael Ohajuru as part of the research body, The John Blanke Project created with academic Dr Miranda Kaufmann .

They research the Image and Reality: Black Africans in Renaissance England and share a common passion in the study of people of African descent in Britain during the 15th and 16th centuries. They studied the Image and Reality: Black Africans in Renaissance England and share a common passion in the study of people of African descent in Britain during the 15th and 16th centuries.

The book is being published in conjunction with an exhibition in May 2022 at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Stephen B. Whatley first learnt of John Blanke and painted him in 2000, when he painted the Westminster Tournament ; one of the 30 paintings he was commissioned to paint charting the history of the Tower of London.

They studied the Image and Reality: Black Africans in Renaissance England and share a common passion in the study of people of African descent in Britain during the 15th and 16th centuries.

More about The John Blanke Project :
www.johnblanke.com/about.html

John Blanke - Tribute. 2015
Charcoal on paper / Private collection, London, UK
www.stephenbwhatley.com

A display of prints of the Catholic tribute paintings of British expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley now on display at The Catholic Health Association of the USA in Washington DC.

Sarah Martin, Special Projects Curator , of Artists Circle Fine Art |fine art solutions, of North Potomac, MD, USA discovered the art's work online and emailed him to commission these works for the medical organisation.

Showing are (from left) Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Providence, The Passion of Christ and The Glory of Christ.

Other Catholic education establishments which own the artist's paintings include The Carrollton School of The Sacred Heart, Miami, USA, The Institute of Marist Brothers, Canada and Newman University, Birmingham (UK).

The work of Stephen B. Whatley is in collections worldwide & other public collections which own his work include the BBC, London Transport Museum, The Royal Collection of Queen Elizabeth II and Westminster Cathedral - which staged his 2013 exhibition, Paintings From Prayer.

The artist's series of 30 paintings, commissioned by the Tower of London in 2000, is a permanent exhibit outside Tower Hill Station, London ; reproduced throughout Tower Hill Underpass (outside Tower Hill Station) - the main portal entrance to Her Majesty's Tower of London.

Further details about ordering prints and original works of art can be found by contacting the artist via his website: www.stephenbwhatley.com

British expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley pictured in London recently with his painting, Saint Joseph The Worker, before delivering the work of art to a collector in London.

The painting was completed on the Feast of Saint Joseph The Worker, May 1st, in this Year of Saint Joseph; as proclaimed by Pope Francis on December 8, 2020.

Stephen B. Whatley is a devout Catholic and considers his Christian tributes 'painted prayers' - and indeed his 2013 exhibition at Westminster Cathedral in London UK was entitled 'Paintings From Prayer'.

The artist's work is in collections worldwide - including many US States; & public collections including BBC Heritage & The Royal Collection of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Many discover Whatley's work, from his commission of 30 paintings, created in 2000 - permanently reproduced throughout Tower Hill Underpass, outside Tower Hill Station; just outside the Tower of London. the permanent public art exhibit opened 20 years ago.

Saint Joseph The Worker. 2021
Oil on canvas / 30 x 24in /76 x 61cm
Private collection, London UK
www.stephenbwhatley.com

'Detail' from The Baptism of Christ, by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley - that has shipped to collectors in the USA.

You can see the full painting and a film clip a few posts back in this photostream.

Stephen B. Whatley is a Catholic convert, a calling he felt through his spiritual search to survive early tragedy in his life; and his exhibition, "Paintings From Prayer" was staged at London's Westminster Cathedral in 2013.

The British London-based artist gets what he humbly feels a 'Divine Push' to paint tributes of faith, alongside his other work - a large body of which is on public display every day in the City of London, just outside the Tower of London - where his series of 30 paintings commissioned by Historic Royal Palaces, 20 years ago, vibrantly chart the history of The Tower.

As a permanent art exhibit reproduced throughout the walkway leading from Tower Hill Station they form a bright and colourful entrance to the Tower of London.

To see more of the artist's eclectic work and read more of his journey, visit: www.stephenbwhatley.com

The Baptism of Christ. 2020
Oil on canvas
35.5 x 23.5in/90 x 60cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

Artist Stephen B. Whatley recently pictured with American friend Rachel Cahill, on her first visit to London, in Tower Hill Underpass - the main pedestrian entrance, leading from Tower Hill Station to the Tower of London.

Since 2001 the walkway has been vibrantly transformed by this permanent art of reproductions of the series of 30 oil paintings that the expressionist painter was commissioned to create, detailing the history and iconic symbols of the historic Tower of London, one of London's top tourist attractions.

The artist delighted in giving Rachel and her mother Mary a guided tour, telling them the historic details and unique stories behind the creation of the works.

Many of the 30 works - created between January and August 2000 - were painted on location around and even within the walls of the Tower of London - including 'The Chapel Royal of St Peter Ad Vincular & Scaffold Site', shown here on the left. To the right can be seen Whatley's tribute to Elizabeth I.

After completion of the original works of art, Stephen B. Whatley then regularly oversaw the delicate process of reproducing the vibrance of his paintings onto steel vitreous enamel panels, at Escol Panels in Wellingborough - which was reported in 2001 as an Apple Colorsync Success story; achieved by the expertise of Typemaker Ltd.

In March 2001 the installation of the panels was unveiled; and a private viewing of the original paintings was given at the Vaults, in the Tower; in celebration.

In June 2004, Stephen B. Whatley was presented to HM Queen Elizabeth II & HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, in recognition of this major series of work, at a reception in the Banqueting Hall of the Tower of London - where the original paintings were exhibited - to celebrate 4 years of completion of refurbishment of the Tower & its environs.

The work of Stephen B Whatley is in collections worldwide; & in public collections including the London Transport Museum, the BBC & the Royal Collection of HM Queen Elizabeth II. His press includes The London Times, The Guardian, the New York Times, HELLO & TIME and magazines.

This public art exhibit outside Tower Hill Station is open every day - and there is the Tower of London Commission Gallery to be viewed on the artist's website.

www.stephenbwhatley.com