Paul Karslake - Somebody to Love (Freddie Mercury)

Since his passing in 2020, interest in Paul Karslake’s work has soared and this is one of only 12 prints from an intended edition of 95 that were actually signed by the artist. Karslake often chose pop icons as the subject of his work and this depiction of Freddie Mercury is an impressive example.

Painted in 2019 to coincide with the release of the biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, the work captures the frontman in one of his most iconic outfits - the black & white harlequin catsuit worn for several 1970s concerts.

Karslake admits: ‘I never really got Queen - but you can’t argue with the fact that Freddie will always be the greatest rocknroll showman ever’.

Originally created using Karslake’s airbrush technique, this fine giclée print on Hahnemuhle 310gsm paper is hand-signed and numbered by the artist.

Presented in a stylish, quality black wood box frame, ready to hang, this collectable piece comes with a signed Certificate of Authenticity from the artist’s studio.

Even before he won his first County Art Prize at the age of eight, Paul was immersed into the Art World. Paul’s father, Mike, was a renowned architectural model maker.  From Mike, Paul was taught business ethics, form and perspective – attributes so lacking in many of today’s working artists.

After College, Paul joined his father in his business and assisted on many famous architectural projects such as the Grade 2 building Centre Point, on London’s Oxford Street, the Thames Flood Barrier and working models for the Concorde Pilot seat.

Paul travelled to the States for what he imagined would be a three-week holiday – and stayed four years!  Soon after arriving in America Paul was working for Los Angeles Art Studios, CBS Television and Disney with whom, years later, he was to work on the EuroDisney Project.

Early in the 1980’s Paul was back in England and formed a company, The Art House, to control his expanding art business.

In 1990 Paul was commissioned by the Wiggins Group Plc., to produce a 650 ft long artwork hoarding for their South Quay site in London Docklands for which he was awarded The Evening Standard Environmental Award.  In the same year Paul was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Under the guidance of Derek Johns, ex Director of Sotheby’s and Old Master dealer in St. James’s, Paul decided to further strengthen his ties with the Fine Art market.  In 1995 he undertook a commission for some very large Still Life paintings for the restaurant that became Gordon Ramsay’s Petrus, in St James’s, London.  He followed up in 1998 with a solo exhibition at Derek Johns Ltd., in Duke Street, SW1.

Amongst other projects there have been commissions for the Turf Club, NABIM, Geronimo Inns, Mohamed Al Fayed, Keith Richards, Brian May and Yeardley Smith (the Voice of Lisa Simpson). Paul’s depth of talent is further exemplified when viewing his work on other mediums, including design and artwork for the Virgin F1 racing cars and monumental scale commissions on commercial aircraft, coaches and even the Radio 1 Roadshow trucks.

In 2001, the Paul Karslake Fine Art Gallery and studio was opened in Leigh-on-Sea from where Paul’s artistic talents have further brought him worldwide recognition.  His paintings of iconic and popular figures, from the likes of The Rolling Stones, Johnny Depp, Sir Michael Caine and Grace Kelly are hanging in the homes of the famous and infamous and form part of many corporate and private collections in the UK and around the world.

Paul was passionate about sharing and explaining his skills. He took an active part in supporting children wishing to do work experience, tutored at schools, and demonstrated at Art Groups.  In 2005 The Karslake Centre for Art opened at The Cornelius Vermuyden School and Arts College, Essex.

Paul sadly passed away on 23 March 2020 of sudden onset pneumonia, which was caused by COVID-19.

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