Bostin’ idea ter paint Doreen Tipton’s fizzog
Queen of the Black Country Doreen Tipton is hoping to be immortalised in art – and is looking for budding portrait artists to take on the challenge.
The self-styled Lazy Cow has even arranged a sitting – though it will probably be more of a ‘lying’ – for those who would like to draw hertheir subject from life.
The shortlisted entries, to be decided by a panel of judges, will be featured in the Express & Star and go on display at Wolverhampton Art Gallery.
And the winning entry, which will be unveiled in a Doreen video, will later be auctioned off by Antiques Roadshow expert Will Farmer – if the artist agrees as they get to keep the proceeds.
Professionals, students and amateur artists can enter. Age is no barrier as the competition even has a children’s section for under-15s. The winning entry in this category will also be auctioned off by Mr Farmer if the young painter agrees.
“How do you see Doreen? We are on the lookout for an iconic work of art that captures your unique interpretation of the subject. You create it, we’ll do our bit to make it one of the most famous portraits in the area then we’ll help you sell it in a special filmed auction,” says the rallying call for artists.
The judging panel will include Mr Farmer, who will auction off the winner at his auction rooms in Stourbridge, Tess Radcliffe, curatorial and learning manager at the art gallery, Doreen and writer David Tristram.
Doreen has already been painted by Derek Powell-Jones of Rugeley.
It is now hanging up on the wall in The Rugeley Rose Theatre alongside some of his other paintings of famous faces.
The still-life sitting at the art gallery is planned for November 25. Spaces are limited to around 15 people but a second sitting may be organised if there is enough interest.
To register interest and get more details about the competition budding artists should email lazycow@doreen.tv
Doreen is among the stars in this year’s pantomime – Jack and the Beanstalk – at Wolverhampton Grand from December 9 until January 14. She will appear as herself, saying it’s a lot of effort playing a different character.
Her original million hit YouTube viral success has now blossomed into a series of theatre tours, a full-length feature film featuring Robert Plant and Steve Bull, an autobiography, BBC radio show and online comedy sketch channel called Doreen TV.
