Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
David strikes gold
Artist wows music and wrestling icons
A friend-to-the-stars Airdrie artist wasn’t left standing alone as he struck gold by winning the seal of approval from one of Britain’s best rockers and a larger-than-life wrestling icon.
David McDonagh is no stranger to hobnobbing with celebrities as his outstanding work has caught the eye of actors, footballers and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) stars, including the likes of Robert Carlyle, Liam Gallagher, Bryan Cranston and grappler Sting, over the last few years.
But even by his standards, coming face-to-face with Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown and former WWE Champion Goldberg in the space of a few days sets a high bar to conquer.
David caught up with King Monkey himself when the colourful musician jetted into Scotland for the Stone Roses’ gig at Hampden Park – and it was fair to say the Manchester singer adored David’s ace art.
Gartlea man David, 32, told the Advertiser: “Ian Brown was really nice to talk to and when he saw the portrait painting of him I had with me he asked if it was me who painted it.
“I said it was and he replied, ‘that’s cool’, and I told him that if he wanted a painting I could do one up for him.
“He then took my contact details and said he would look me up and get everything sorted from there.
“I was a big fan of the Stone Roses growing up and really got into Ian’s solo material as well, so it was a real treat meeting him in person; he is a true British musical legend.”
Speaking of legends, but moving from the music world to the squared circle, David’s talents then led him into a face-off with former WCW and WWE superstar Goldberg.
Wrestling fan David stayed clear of taking a Spear or Jackhammer from the powerhouse – who made a hugely successful, title-winning return to a WWE ring late last year – and instead showed him his stunningly accurate portrait of the 50-year-old.
David said: “Goldberg is one of the biggest names in wrestling over the past few decades and a genuine legend in the sport.
“I’ve met a few wrestlers over the years but I still get a little starstruck when I come face-to-face with them, and it was no different with Goldberg.
“He has just come off the back of a hugely successful in- ring comeback but was extremely humble to chat with.
“He was a big fan of my portrait and told me he wanted one to give to his son.
“I told him no problem and will be sending a painting over to America for him in the near future.”
David runs his own business, Lewy L. Paintings, and works on comic book art, portraits and pop art with his company going from strength to strength.
He said: “These are very exciting times for Lewy L. Paintings and hopefully the company has a bright future ahead.
“Working as an artist is my dream job; that’s what I wanted to be when I was at school but got it knocked out of me when I was told it wasn’t a ‘real job’.
“But I’ve proved that it is a real job and I’ve had great support from fellow artists and positive feedback from my painting subjects.”
To view David’s work, visit http:// lewylpaintings.bigcartel.com/