* GRAHAM H D MCKEAN
THE PAINTER

oil on canvas, signed, titled verso
framed

image size 50cm x 40cm, overall size 68cm x 58cm

Note: In 1996, after 17 years as a graphic designer, Graham McKean decided to commit himself totally to producing his oil paintings. Graham McKean’s paintings have featured in numerous exhibitions and are increasingly appearing at the U.K.’s leading auction houses. His work has now become highly collectible and is held in prestigious private and public collections worldwide. Graham also supports a number of charities through events and auctions. A review by the late W. Gordon Smith (Art Critic, The Scotsman), described the work of Graham McKean as a cross between the painters John Byrne and Stanley Spencer, but with an “interesting bite”. Graham McKean needs little introduction to our buyer audience having been consistently one of our most popular and best selling artists since the inaugural Scottish Contemporary Art Auction in November 2008. Known commissions & collections include: Aberdeen Asset Management 2017, to produce a series of original paintings inspired by the whisky making process; Buzzworks Holdings Ltd 2017, Commissioned to produce a large scale oil of the ancient "King Malcolm of Scotland"; Commissioned by William Grant & Sons Ltd to produce a painting and statement to be incorporated onto their bottles of Glenfiddich single malt whisky.; Commissioned by Bayard Partners Ltd, Investment Fund Managers, London to produce a large scale painting for their company reception.; Commissioned by "Scottish Opera" to produce five large paintings depicting all aspects of Opera and Theatre. Images were used as boardings on the exterior of The Theatre Royal, Glasgow.; Commissioned by Celtic FC to produce a painting to mark the 40th anniversary of their 1967 European Cup winning team known as "The Lisbon Lions". A limited edition print of the painting was published each with a certificate signed by Graham McKean along with signatures from all the surviving team members. The finished painting was presented to Billy McNeill MBE, Captain of the cup winning team.; 2009, Portrait to celebrate the life of Michael Jackson received worldwide press coverage. Uri Geller, close friend of Michael Jackson, commented "McKean's painting of Michael is a truly fantastic piece and is amazingly powerful."; 2011, A new oil painting of the Scottish cartoon character "Oor Wullie" was unveiled at McTear's (Glasgow) receiving wide acclaim and coverage on national television and news media.; 2013, Commissioned by North Ayrshire Council to produce a painting to mark the 50th anniversary of Irvine being officially designated as a Scottish New Town and the regeneration and redevelopment of much of the old town. The painting was also produced to portray the influx during this period of many families from Glasgow and the surrounding areas who resettled in Irvine.; 2013, Commissioned by Bentley Motors, Glasgow to stage a major exhibition of new work for display at their main Scottish dealership in Hamilton. A number of new "automobile inspired" paintings were produced for this show.; Commissioned by Scottish Art Direct to produce a large scale painting inspired by Scotland's so called "tartan army". The finished work, titled "Flower of Scotland" was unveiled at The Scottish Football Museum in Hampden Park Stadium attracting national TV, press and radio coverage.; 2015, The Danforth Art Museum, Framington, Massachusetts, USA acquired a large scale painting titled "Desperados" which is now part of their permanent collection.; Standard Life, Baillie Gifford, Black Appointments, The Scottish Arts Council, Roycec, William Grant & Sons Ltd, The Ralli Museum (Switzerland and Israel), Glasgow Celtic Football Club, Daniel Stewart & Company, North Ayrshire Heritage Centre, Aberdeen Asset Management, Sir Tom Hunter, Demontfort Fine Art and private and public collections worldwide.