BERNIE TAUPIN EXHIBIT AT HAMILTON-SELWAY GALLERY

Although I don’t usually have time to attend all the wonderful gallery openings here in L.A., I always try to make time for an exhibition at the lovely Hamilton-Selway on Melrose.

A sampling of Bernie Taupin's paintings. Photo by Karen Salkin.

So, when I received the invitation to their recent exhibit of paintings by Bernie Taupin, Elton John’s long-time lyricist (among many other facets of his heralded career,) which had the added bonus of meeting the music legend, I knew I knew I had to fit this one into my crazy pre-NY-trip schedule.

The paintings were interesting–they reminded me of my early works, but mine were in acrylics, while Bernie’s appeared to be oils. (I’m not much of a medium expert these days–my artistic tendencies are in the rear-view mirror.)

Karen Salkin perusing some of Bernie Taupin's artwork with the artist himself. Photo by Israel Granados.

The best part of the evening was chatting-up the man himself. That was really special to me. He and I have a mutual acquaintance, whom I haven’t seen in a long while, so hearing about his life now was fun. (When I was really young, and living in another country–long story–my friends and I vied for time with English percussionist, Ray Cooper, with whom we all wanted to be best friends. I won, although I was a tad roly-poly at the time and didn’t wear make-up. He was very fatherly to me, and made me feel special. And speaking with Bernie brought it all back to me.)

I also enjoyed viewing the tangible product that an artist in an auditory medium can come up with. Always inspirational.

Hamilton-Selway Fine Art  8678 Melrose Ave.  310-657-1711  www.hamiltonselway.com