Big Yin brushes up nicely as fans take on challenge
IT’S Billy Connolly – as you’ve never seen him before!
Fans of the Big Yin from across the UK have been using their artistic skills to depict the legendary Glasgow comedian.
The Evening Times today takes the wraps off some of the best of the entries received so far – on the night that BBC One Scotland screens a special programme on Connolly.
Billy Connolly: Portrait of a Lifetime looks at what happened when three leading Scottish artists – John Byrne, Jack Vettriano and Rachael Maclean - were commissioned by BBC Scotland to portray Billy in outsize street murals to mark his 75th birthday later this year.
The murals are now on public show across the city. And, as the documentary reveals, Connolly was blown away by them.
The originals of the murals are to go on show at the People’s Palace – alongside the best of the many entries submitted to the challenge by ordinary fans. The best ones will also be showcased in an online gallery.
The challenge has been launched by BBC Arts Digital. The People’s Palace will display entries on a rolling basis until November 20, just four days before Connolly turns 75.
Among the people who have already taken up the challenge is Mark Gordon.
He says he has twice seen Connolly perform live and adds: “I can really identify with his observations and his take on the world – he is a very funny guy.”
For his striking portrait Mark used printing and acrylic “because it was quick and I wanted it started and finished today”. It took him just three hours to complete.
Anne Michael submitted the Big Yin in an exceptionally relaxed pose, smoking a cigar, while. Neil Roberts went back in time to capture Billy in the 1970s.
Deborah Sherwood, another of the entrants, says of Billy: “I have always found his way of looking at the world hilarious, and his determination to carry on making people laugh is inspirational.”
And Paul Miller, a lawyer, who rendered Billy in soft pastels on paper, describes himself as a “huge fan of Billy’s … Billy is hilarious and I love his astute observations”.
There is still plenty of time for you to submit your own portrait of Billy.
Duncan Dornan, head of Glasgow Museums, said: “Art is part of what it is to be human and I believe everyone is capable of creating something wonderful when the inspiration is right. We look forward to seeing what Glaswegians and people across the country who’ve been inspired by Billy Connolly share as part of the Bin Yin Portrait challenge.
“There is plenty of scope for passion and a sense of fun as well as raw talent.
“We’re delighted to be able to showcase them alongside three striking works of the artist himself.”
l Billy Connolly: Portrait of a Lifetime is on BBC One Scotland tonight at 9pm.
l Portraits of Connolly can be submitted via social media using the hashtag #BigYinPortrait by Facebook, Twitter or Instagram or by e-mailing bbcarts@bbc.co.uk
l Details and terms and conditions are available at http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3QfyFlsqlgybxmCP3pmynZw/ portrait-of-a-comedian-billy-connolly-becomes-high-art