My latest painting, Peck (2019), pays tribute to acting legend, Gregory Peck. Although he had aspirations to become a doctor, he found his true calling as an actor.
Peck’s first name was Eldred. As such, in stage and film productions, he went by his middle name, Gregory.
Although he performed moderately well, his real success came during the Second World War. Due to a back injury sustained in a dance class, Peck was exempted from military service.
Consequently, he was cast as the lead in a number of high profile films. He starred opposite actresses including Audrey Hepburn, who inspired my painting, Audrey (2018).
Classic aesthetic
During his career, he was nominated for five Academy Awards for Best Actor. Finally, in 1963, he won for his portrayal of Atticus Finch in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’.
Additionally, in 1945 Peck played the lead opposite Ingrid Bergman in Hitchcock’s film, ‘Spellbound’.
It was my deep admiration for this performance, which inspired Peck (2019).
Although it was released in 1945, this film remains a favourite of mine. It features many surrealist sets designed by Dali.
Initially, I was drawn to Peck because he looked good in a suit. Yet it was his charismatic brown eyes that drew me in.
His classic style and aesthetic were reminiscent of my pieces, Bogart (2017) and Cary (2018). As such, I wanted to create a distinctly masculine painting.
For this reason, I avoided warm colours and chose a more muted palette. I used shades of dark blue on the suit and tie and avoided warm colours. Similarly, I favoured the colour blue to communicate masculinity in Brando (2018).
The result is a painting that pays tribute to a screen legend, known for his commanding presence and good looks. Peck (2019) casts a light on Gregory Peck’s timeless appeal and reinforces that old world charm never goes out of fashion.