Whit Clifton

Alexander - a commissioned scratchboard portrait. --------------------------------- Scratchboard has a chalk covered surface on which a layer of india ink or black wax has been adhered. When scratched with a fine point(s) or special tool, the black is removed to reveal the white underneath. Creates a nice dramatic effect. I generally use a cross-hatching technique; repairs can be made with a grease based china marker.

Bill Graham - this stipple drawing was commissioned to promoting a special event on the internet.

Chet Helms (2005) - this pencil portrait was commissioned for use on a poster for Chet's memorial concert. ------------------------- courtesy Steve Greenberg

colorized - I colorized Chet's portrait in PhotoShop before working in into Randy Tuten's poster.

Head of Christ (after Rembrandt) - this scratchboard (11x14) was inspired by one of my favorite Rembrandt's; he used the same model for several Christ paintings. - - - - - - - - - - - courtesy the DeFabio Family, El Sobrante, CA

The Doors - this stipple portrait was commissioned by Phil Cushway, owner & founder of Artrock in San Francisco (posters and collectables), for use in Randy Tuten's The Doors poster. I colorized it with ink die washes before Randy glued it to the original art board. --------------- courtesy Chris & Joyce Clifton

Jerry Garcia - this scratchboard was done shortly after Garcia's death in 1995, from a familiar photo. ------------ courtesy Bob Cook, Pacifica, CA

Cindy - another scratchboard, this one for Cindy's 40th birthday. It was colorized and used on the invitations to her gala party at The Fillmore in SF. -------------------- courtesy Cindy Cook

John Chippolina - this drawing was isolated and colorized with air brush by Randy Tuten for use in his 'Feed You Head' poster promoting the Ravin Films documentary.

John Mac Sweeney - scratchboard portrait commissioned by FIona Mac Sweeney for presentation to her father in Dublin, Ireland. --------------- courtesy the Mac Sweeney Family.

Pete Townshend - detail from a full body portrait commissioned by Randy Tuten for inclusion in his Fillmore poster. -------------- courtesy Phil Clifton

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - pencil sketch of the two singers for colorization in a Randy Tuten poster for a performance at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley. ------------- courtesy Adam Malone, Dublin, Ireland.

Rod Stewart - commissioned by Randy Tuten use in poster of the singer. I thought this one turned out pretty well, and didn't look to bad when colorized in PhotoShop. ---------------- courtesy Denise Mac Sweeney

Dear Scott - conte crayon drawing of my college friend Scott Stapleton (artist, carpenter, and sculptor extraordinaire) shortly after his death.

Syd - drawn for my mother after the death of her husband (of five months) Syd Levine. -------------- courtesy Pat Clifton

Willie Nelson - commissioned by Randy Tuten for his poster. I never quite captured the likeness on this one. Very frustrating because I had planned to present the drawing to Mr Nelson but backed off when it didn't turn out up to standard. I colorized it in PhotoShop and tweaked it a bit for the poster; the poster's strong design partially masks the portraits shortcomings.

Willie Nelson (colorized) - this is how it looked after scanning and importing into PhotoShop for colorizing; once completed, it was 'dropped' into the Randy's poster.