Date: November 6, 2011
Medium: Airbrushed dyes, color pencil, acrylic
Size: 17" x 20"
Price $1500.00

Portrait of John J. Kelley,1957 Boston Marathon Champion who passed away August 21, 2011

The last time I spoke with Johnny, I joked about one of my drawings of him, "It's my job to glorify royalty, you know."  For all his achievements Johnny was as modest and unpretentious as could be and I welcomed the chance to do a tribute portrait.

I based this painting on a photo I took of John at the 100th Boston Marathon, chosen because it reflects his self-effacing nature, along with a vintage shot of him at his competitive best. Johnny was a link to different time and I hope my painting is a strong reminder of Kel' and his classic era.