Michael Jackson's death: Artist inspired by pop idol
Nathan Holsey was up all night.
In a fit of creativity, the artist painted a 24-by-48 acrylic portrait of Jackson, singing with a microphone in his hand. The paint is so fresh, you can still smell it.
Holsey, of Studio City, said he's been painting important figures, such as Richard Pryor and Oprah Winfrey, since 2005 but has never completed a piece in its entirety in eight hours before.
"He's an icon," said Holsey. "This is my tribute to Michael Jackson and the Jackson family."
Holsey used a black-and-white photo from Jackson's website as a starting ground, but added color and the years "1958 to 2009" to Jackson's red jacket. He also added a crown and the word "pop" on the bottom of it. He said he heard of Jackson's death Thursday on his drive home.
"My first thought was, 'Please don't let this be No. 3.' " Jackson was the third celebrity to die in recent days after Ed McMahon and Farrah Fawcett.
-- Nicole Santa Cruz in Encino
Photo: Artist rendition of Michael Jackson. Credit: Nicole Santa Cruz / Los Angeles Times
When I found out Michael Jackson died I was so sad and in shock. Later that evening I went in my room and was listening to 104.7 Kiss FM and Paula Abdual called in and requested man in the mirror, I sat there listening to the lyrics of this song and I started to sobb in my room. Yes people are right that this should also be a celebration of his music and his legacy but it is also very very Tragic. I love Michael Jackson and I will always remember him. Long live the King Of POP!!!!!!!!!
Love,
Lilly
Posted by: lilly Collins | June 27, 2009 at 04:50 PM
Micheal jackson was tha man nd he will 4eva be in my heart i miss him alot
Posted by: Charmaine | June 29, 2009 at 05:32 AM
MICHAEL JACKSON WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST SINGERS SONGWRITTERS AND AN AWSOME DANCER(ONE OF THE GREATEST DANCERS AND ALL ROUND ENTERTAINERS I'VE PERSONNALLY SEEN IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS TO DATE 2009).
MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO ALL HIS FAMILY.
A MASSIVELY TALLENTED INDIVIDUAL, VERY LOVING CARING PERSON AND A MASSIVELY INFLLUENTIAL PERSON IN THE MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS
MICHEAL WILL BE TRUELY MISSED FOREVER MORE
ANN MUIRHEAD
LEVEN, FIFE SCOTLAND
Posted by: ANN MUIRHEAD LEVEN FIFE SCOTLAND | June 30, 2009 at 09:18 AM
Michael has always been there, his music has drawn me to optimism when I´ve been low, to highs I never knew existed when I´ve been down, and truly shown there is love in all existing. Michael Jackson has been a demonstration of God on earth, what good we have not in store...!
SM
born on 4th july, 1984
Posted by: Sverre Magnus Hagen | June 30, 2009 at 04:17 PM