Mercutio

One of my earliest works based on Shakespeare portrays probably my favorite young character. I have always envisioned Mercutio as being relatively plain but with obvious character in his visage. He is clever, politically neutral (most of the time) but not above choosing sides when the moment demands (hence the broken nose). He is the friend all men, when young, hope for. Unfortunately he is also the first friend we usually leave behind.

"Falstaff Asleep"

One of the more colorful characters utilized by Shakespeare, Falstaff provided much in the way of comedic relief and sincere but (usually) self interested wisdom. Described as a man of great appetites for wine, women, and song, I wished to display him in his later years having contentedly dozed off a the table following a large and happy meal.

"Flies to Wanton Boys"

In this work I wanted to explore a moment that many men have experienced, or live in fear of experiencing. This is the epiphany of despair so fiercely portrayed by the character of King Lear on the blasted heath. At this point he is still not certain of the cause of his losses, but recognizes that they are complete and seemingly irreversible. It is a moment when even insanity brings no relief.

"Do We Not Bleed?"

Though considered one of Shakespeare's great 'villains', I have always found Shylock to be the most truly sympathetic of characters. His personality and actions are predictable given a strong and prideful nature that has be ground down and reviled throughout his life. With the loss of his daughter to one of those have spat upon him, his lust for violent justice is understandable.
This work is an attempt to portray that sense of pride, self, and hurt.

"And of All Christians' Souls"

Few of Shakespeare's female characters are as forlodrnly tragic as Hamlet's love, Ophelia. Trapped in a world of intrigue, murder, and seeming madness among those she loves and depends upon, she (probably the only true innocent) wraps herself in the cloak of insanity and ultimately drowns herself when that provides no relief from the cruelty of her world.
I have tried to evoke the sad peace she finds among the lily pads.
Originally done in a varied patina (left) my wife convinced me to go with the monotone treatment seen on the right.

"Open Locks, Whoever Knocks"

Shakespeare was a master when it came to the use of the supernatural and forces beyond the philosophies of men. One of the most chilling lines delivered in his many plays is the title of this piece wherein the three witches, at the end of their incantations invite evil (regardless of its form) to come into the world and have its way with the lives of all

"All the Perfumes of Arabia"

Guilt is one of the primary forces driving the tragic events of 'Macbeth' This is particularly evident in the mental decline of the ambitious and forceful wife who recklessly seizes the moment to wrest power for her husband. Subsequently she is unable to wash the stain from her mind and her hand, even during her sleep. A self induced tragedy of personal consequences.