Yesterday December 14 at the New York IMS show, rock ‘n’ roll icon Steven Tyler was a featured guest during David Uhl’s unveiling of “The Reckoning”, a stunning oil on canvas to benefit arts and education in public schools. David created a monumental painting of Steven Tyler on a motorcycle riding through a crowd of paparazzi. This 6-foot tall original oil painting, titled “The Reckoning” is the largest effort by David Uhl to date and is now offered as limited edition fine art prints signed by both David and Steven. All profits from fine art print sales will be donated to Donor Choose, an innovative online charity connecting classroom requests from teachers in high-need communities with donors who want to help.
The idea behind this project has its roots in Steven’s active fight for privacy rights that resulted in submitting the entitled Steven Tyler Act into the State of Hawaii legislature. This legislation was intended to give more privacy to public figures, such as government officials and celebrities on vacation, raise awareness of these intrusions and afford public figures the right to sue aggressive paparazzi for trespassing and taking unwanted photographs.
Sales of the canvas Fine Art prints will continue through the end of the 43rd Annual Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, January 19th 2014. The total number of prints sold at that point will be tallied and the edition will be closed forever. Each print will be hand-signed by David and Steven Tyler and will come numbered with a Certificate of Authenticity. Print Specifics: Image size 18×24, $1,295 framed. Image size 24×32, $1,895 framed. Image size 30×40, $2,895 framed.
Edition numbers will be assigned as orders are taken. At the time of order, a $400 deposit is required. On January 19, 2014, when the final edition size is determined, shipping of the prints will begin. At that time, final payment will be required. Contact Greg Rhodes. 303-913-4840
I enjoy the irony of a painting of a person riding over a crowd of photographers, defying their attempts to capture his image on film.
Sorry. David Uhl. What you represent is wrong. Steven Tyler hurting photographers with a motorcycle because they want to take his picture? He is taking a physical revenge using a motorcycle as a weapon? Tyler must be happy to be represented as a god hero doing a motorcycle jump that he could not do. It seems to me that the front awning has the wrong lines perspective. David Uhl, you are selling out. You should come back to what made you famous. Painting motorcycles from old b & w photography.
David Uhl is star struck, reason of this painting. What is the relation between this scene and the charity?
Wrong message. All these photographers would sue Tyler. Exactly the opposite of what this painting was supposed to communicate. What a miss!
Ditto all the comments above.
I see 5 persons hurt on purpose by S. Tyler. It’s a big, big, big, big, big lawsuit.
Privacy rights for one such as Tyler who has made his living directly from the efforts of gossip and rock photographers? Give me a break.Support the freedom of the press and not the “right” to hide behind gated mansions and the wag of a lawyers finger.
The composition of the painting is entirely inappropriate advocating brutal violence towards people earning an honest living and exercising their first amendment rights.This is to benefit a cause assisting education?
Back to the daubing board Dave.
If Steven Tyler rides a motorcycle on a public street, anyone can take his picture. Another reason why this depiction is absurd. The original painting should be auctioned and it should stop there. No dissemination of prints should be done in the bikers community because it’s a message of violence without justification.
Explanation. Uhl was so obsessed with pleasing/flattering Tyler ,painting him as a (biker) superman, that he forgot the message and communicated the exact opposite of what Tyler is preaching for.
In addition, professional photographers don’t use this type of cameras.
Have you seen a recent picture of Steven Tyler lately ? He looks like an old woman …………….Painting is lame .
Embarrassing.
Tyler asks for the right to sue or the right to kill those who take his picture? I am confused. We all seem to be very disturbed by this painting. The painting is called “The Reckoning”? Ironic.
Why does it feel like all of the detracting comments here are from members of the paparazzi?
If you have seen the aggressive behavior of these so called photographers, and their efforts to provoke and and trample on the rights of not only the public figures but the innocent bystanders that have the misfortune of being nearby or living next door to these public figures, you would not be so quick to criticize the symbolism of this art. The modern day paparazzi is the scourge of humanity and really need to be reined in.
And let us not forget, without the papparazzi the Kardashians, Beibers, and Lohans would have dropped from our consciousnesses years ago.
I think the legislative effort is needed and I happen to agree with Steven Tyler’s efforts.
Motorcycle mayhem?!?!
I got enough problems already…
Domino
W:”The modern day paparazzi is the scourge of humanity and really need to be reined in.” OR they may well just be strong supporters of a free press.If you are a public figure,well you are a person in the public domain.Can’t have it both ways.They choose to have a public.They could have always lived a different life in a log cabin in Hickashinicktity unspotted by the world.If you put your big head out there,there is a fair chance you will get flashbulbs and tomatoes.
what if you don’t care about either steven tyler or the photographers
Get a grip people it is only a painting, it is fiction, not a picture. Nice painting Uhl always does great work.
it’s a freaking painting, and a good one at that….
What are you guys talking about? Law Suits, injuring people….?
Are you kidding me?
As usual, Team Negative shows up in force, and as usual, has nothing of value to add to this post or blog in any way, shape, form or fashion.
Steve Carr
Back before Tyler took the swan dive off the stage at the Chip I was at a press conference with him and after the press deal he comes off the stage and up to me and says”we gotta take a picture together” which we did.
Guess i expect David Uh paintings to be inspirational.
Sorry. Can’t connect with this one… on any level.
-nicker-
Love to inspire a debate!!! but this piece is simply not tailored to please this eager cast of commentators. I have not received this much response from a post on your blog in years, however I find it somewhat irrelevant given the intended audience.
To clarify: The painting is a fantasy , not to be taken so literally , a visual metaphor for how the man feels when he catches sneaky paparazzi on his property trying to snatch pics of his daughter undressing (would twist me up too). He took it to court, tried to pass some legislation and do something about it. Clearly, this is Not meant for the motorcycle enthusiasts here, only HIS ABUNDANT and RABID FANS, and they are responding as expected!
At the risk of changing the current of this blog to something positive, We will take no profits, and we have already generated a significant sum for http://www.donorschoose.org an award winning online system for getting projects funded for high need school districts.
Subject matter aside, Perhaps someone would like generate a constructive critique on whether the composition is sound, or the color theory is harmonious , or maybe if I used my edges effectively. I would find that outstandingly helpful.
Or simply donate something yourself.
I did not know he was famous…just thought he was someone’s father……
The Uhl is cool, but not so much this time.
No one is that good all the time
And he still has Black Axe, one of my favourite motorcycles of all time.
There is a painting he did of a flatty Bobber outside a store or billiard hall it is just so Bloody good I would love to own one
Merry Xmas
Geesh. Makes you wonder if the “bikers” on this blog know what fictional art is.
David, you’re an outstanding artist and I for one like Steven Tyler (and his music) and like your paintings and can appreciate them for what they are (practically the only “art” I can appreciate). Just wish I could afford one. But, even I can afford to donate to causes I support and hope that you continue to support those causes you like through your talents.
First of all hats off for helping education of children (I thought thats what parents were for,silly me) but good for the giving. The TV has a saying for this I think they call it “jumping the shark”. Just what everyone wants a painting of a selfcentered, egomaniac, who has a talent for singing. I can’t wait for the next one, BIll Clinton sucking on a cigar on a Moped in a StripClub? Dave you can keep the royalties
To David Uhl. I understand your justification, but you should know that what is important is not what you want to say but what people understand. You have to respect the fact that a majority of bikers consider that your depiction is opposite to the objective. If your painting doesn’t target bikers, why put a motorcycle in this painting? Steven Tyler is not perceived as a biker by a majority of us.
Always an Eye-opener! Cyril. If I had known about his intentions, about this image in progress AND his wishes for privacy, I would not have wasted my time at EICMA Custom to take a as-good-as-possible image in the media-mayhem that surrounded Tyler, the “Godfahther” of EICMA CUSTOM 2013!?! Was a mission impossible anyway.
I Like his music, but I can grant him that I will never ever again point my lens in his direction. Great work of David again, if Jeff Decker is gong to make a Bronce out of it I pose volontary for one of the Motorazzi jumpers 🙂 Would be a definite 3:1 scale piece of Art in front of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, not just for Tyler.
I haven almost been run over one or twice (and I can see those guys & gals smiling now as they read this) when photographing my favourite subject: The “(extra) ordinary and undervalued Custombike builder”. That is a more satisfying subject that hunting down VIP’s…
But if it’s for Charity and the kids & education, who can put blame on it? Maybe somebody will learn from the picture – the discussion is “alive” already…
Dear Mr. Uhl,
Fred Allen once said: If criticism had any power to harm the skunk would be extinct by now.
Great piece – the composition is sound, the colour theory is harmonious, you used the edges effectively, PLUS the rule of thirds for a perspective focal point is great, the attention to accuracy in detail is worth noting and a six foot piece must be quite a sight – if Rembrandt was a biker, this is all he would have done all day, every day.
I have to note though, there is only one thing wrong with the original, it is not hanging on my wall…
Great painting!…..as always David
Are u guys for real? It’s a painting ……wish we could go back to the 70 seventies
And 80s Long before political correctness …..long live power rock…. Aerosmith kicked ass
And that’s what I see in the painting
Lawsuits r u kidding me?I guess the meatloaf album cover broke all PC rules
It’s funny stick a crucifix in a jar of piss and all applaud
Paint a legendary rock star jumping a motorcycle into the air
And you all cry about who’s going to get hurt in the picture …
Reel it in guys it’s FICTITIOUS
What a great image David! I’ve seen Steven do this at least a hundred times, lol! The rebel in us old farts loves the bad boy doin’ bad things, unlike the hoity, toity folks who, gasp at the thought of some crazy biker doin’ (dare I say it?) a (gulp) wheelie! (Oh the shame…) Don’t let them watch “Rebel Wihout A Cause”, it might give’em nightmares! It’s a painting folks, (not actually a real event), and a good one! Steven wouldn’t actually do this, he’s so patient and kind to people, even when they’re stalking him. He’s not your typical biker, but he does ride, and enjoys the sport like the rest of us. He and David are trying to do something good for our children’s education, and both should be commended. I’m gonna go out and ride my Glide, (I hope the paparazzi will leave me alone!), and think about where I want to hang this print in my shop.
I really like Mr Uhl’s art
But this one is a little over the top for me
Doesn’t mean someboby else won;t like it
Very polarizing as seen by the comments
Steven is a very nice man. (And so is David)
I love the fact that these two guys came together to do something for charity. That’s what is most important. It’s called giving back and I thank them both for this.
Don’t understand the backlash, it’s a painting of a fictional scene. Reminds me of Boris Vallejo fantasy art.
Where was the hate mail against Uhl’s picture of Bean’re riding away on a vintage bike, wildly firing a rifle at his pursuing antagonists? That’s attempted murder!
And I think Bean’re s was done from a black and white photo ha!
Kroeter,if Bean’re was firing back at pursuing antagonists it would be likely self defence.
By the responses to Ulh’s art,quite a few people posting here consider Keane’s big eyes,C.M.Coolidge’s poker smoker dogs,Boris Vallejo and Dave Mann to be “Art”.
Art is all about a human response to it.Dave got one here.
I’m a little shocked at all the negative comments, it’s art, relax. It’s meant to be fun….
Incredible, you are all incredible !!!!
Why don’t you only see the talent, the irony and more important the reality?
How can you defend / protect paparazzi?
If you were a star, or your son / daughter, you could appreciate the pressure these fuck..g guys are able to put on you, on your family.
it’s not a question of freedom of the press it’s only a question of respect.
Of course journalist are important but we’re not talking here about journalists we’re talking about vampires.
How can you see violence in this painting? The violence is not from David or Steven … it’s the opposite. But many of you are unable to have a minimum of contextual analysis … (may be these words are too complicated for you?).
You absolutely understand nothing … real rednecks!
I personally know David, he’s a wonderful man, a good husband / father, a funny guy and a great artist.
Ciao stupids!
Hervé “How can you defend / protect paparazzi? Can’t you see your irony? Without the paparazzi stars would be “who”? They want to shoot the messenger that shot them to stardom in the first place.
They see violence because the scene is a rip off from our childhood comic books. Uno, where the hero violently takes out the bad guys in one swift hit. Only the lady on the bike is no Batman, and our photographers are no bad guys, but perhaps it strikes that nerve in us boys. We all know now that Uhl loves to borrow, copy, flip, rotate and blend in images that are created by others. Here again we feel something that is from something else, something he did not create.
@ James crazy Kiwi… You stated: “There is a painting he did of a flatty Bobber outside a store or billiard hall it is just so Bloody good I would love to own one ” You described a Tom Fritz painting which i have hanging beside me at the desk. I believe you have the artist Fritz mixed-up with Uhl’s work.
Batman does it so much better. Do you agree?
http://www.fanboy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/ku-xlarge.jpg
mr DIrtk
“We all know now that Uhl loves to borrow, copy, flip, rotate and blend in images that are created by others. Here again we feel something that is from something else, something he did not create. ”
Don’t much care about the other hits on this thread but this take offense to , feels like your calling me out on this.
So to make perfectly clear:
I composed this entire composition from posing my friends as paparazzi , shooting pics of the Sunset Marquis in Hollywood , And a 2 hour photo shoot at a studio in LA with Steven. Please elaborate (or show) how I did not create every inch of this painting. And who I borrowed, stole, copied then flipped it from. I anticipate your response.
Oh thanks for the batman ref, I will certainly be flipping that one for my next piece
Happy holidays T bone
David we need to get you back on the show soon!
As for the art, it reminds me of the Ted Nugent album cover with his guitar looking like a blazing gun what a hoot. If album covers were still in, this would make for a great one on Steven’s next record!
Best your way
I dig it great color and action
it would have been cooler with a big titty bimbo on the p pad
swiggin from a bottle of jack
“it would have been cooler with a big titty bimbo on the p pad swiggin from a bottle of jack” This is your market and admirers it seems Dave.
David,
Sorry you too my comment the wrong way.
I was simply conveying how is saw the image.
All your art that i’ve seen really strike a cord with my personal MC experience.
I guess looking at vintage scenes and machines reminds me of a simpler time.
A time i can connect with and memories that always puts a smile on my face.
I wasn’t making any value judgement, technically i’m sure the picture looks fine.
Not knowing much about rock-stars-life, i wasn’t able to connect with this one at all.
-nicker-
An artist should already know once you release something to the world, how it’s interpreted will vary the world over. And no matter how an artist describes the intentions of the art, the world still interprets it they way they want.
In other words, with art it’s all subjective no matter the intentions. This is the way of things. An artist, or people, can either accept that or keep fighting to futility for their interpretation.