Last evening I settled in to watch an incredible documentary on the late great King of Blues.
It’s riveting watching artists in their element, witnessing
that blend of passion, drive, sweat and sacrifice.

B.B King’s inspiring story of overcoming injustices & racism, while developing his musical style, is incredibly moving.
It took years to create his unique sound, influenced by Blind Lemon Jefferson, T-Bone Walker and others.
“King introduced a sophisticated style of soloing based on fluid string bending and shimmering vibrato that influenced many later electric blues guitarists.”
Listen to B.B speaking with Bono here while rehearsing.
“Gentlemen, I don’t play chords. I do this.” displaying his unique artistry on guitar.
Musicians interviewed on the program (like Johnny Lang, Robert Cray, Eric Clapton) confess they can identify B.B’s playing hearing one note.

One single note.

Artists in all genres who have developed personal style are recognizable in different ways.
Painter’s signature may be a specific colour palette, recognizable brushstroke, lack of brushstroke, composition, size of work, or body of collections.

Artists may explore genres/ mediums and style while seeking one that speaks to the heart the most.
For B.B. it was the blues.
It was there where he developed his legendary sound.
Which, did I mention, took years?
“It seems like I always had to work harder than other people. Those nights when everybody else is asleep, and you sit in your room trying to play scales.” B. B. King

~Studio prep for large canvas commission 8 foot x 6 foot.

Robert Bateman speaks about coming full circle in his career, painting wildlife realism before exploring impressionism and abstraction, returning ‘home’ once again to realism.
Surprisingly, he says each painting is a ‘labour’ and a ‘struggle’.
“Everyone has his/her own muse. That is the fabulous thing about human creativity; each person’s is as unique as fingerprints or zebra stripes. The muse must be cultivated and she will come to you in unexpected ways.”

Landscape painting is my ‘house of blues’.
Art of the natural world is where my heart sings.

For any artist, evolving the work within one genre alone requires a lifetime of learning. *Learn how to play like BB King and other great guitarists, article by Jen Reviews. click link  here or below.

https://beginnerguitarhq.com/famous-guitarists/

“The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you.”
~ B. B. King

Bono states in the documentary ~ the commitment to one path brings excellence.
“He is a lesson in grace”.