Lulu joins Paignton artist’s growing line-up of music legends

Paignton artist Roger P. Thomas has more Stars in his eyes - Lulu to be precise.

Roger started what has now become his ‘Portrait-Charity’ initiative 20 years ago when he had to drive his wife and sister-in-law up to Manchester to see a Russell Watson concert.

During the singer’s show Russell brought onto the stage Kirstie, a local lady who was raising funds for her charity.

Roger had a brainwave and a ‘triangle’ formed in his mind. He could paint a portrait of Russell who would be given the painting as a thank you and Kirstie and her charity would benefit from the sales of prints.

Roger recalls: "They loved it and many emails passed between us.”

Following that Aled Jones, Katherine Jenkins, Placido Domingo and Emma Bunton got on board. 

The BBC then agreed to Roger painting Sir Terry Wogan to raise funds for Children in Need. The late ‘Tel’ even plugged it on his popular morning Radio Two show.

Roger moved to Paignton in 1981, and has worked for newspapers and magazines all over the UK.

One of his solo portrait exhibitions was at the Royal Commonwealth Centre, opposite Downing Street in London.

Lulu and her Manager Mark were also thrilled and excited with the concept.

Roger recently met superstar Lulu, who has acted with Sidney Poitier, and performed with the likes of Neil Sedaka, Labi Siffre, Neil Sedaka, the Bee Gees and the Beatles.

Roger says: “Her presence and impact has stood the test of time.”

The exact image of Lulu which Roger is to paint has yet to be decided upon by Mark and Lulu, including which era.

As an introduction and thank you for her mental health initiative charity work, Roger presented her with two limited edition prints of her first husband - Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees.

She has also worked with the Osmonds, Tippi Hedren, Dale Robertson of Iron Horse fame.

He has recently been creating a series of ‘legends’ portraits for Torquay United, with stars Lee Sharpe and Justin Fashanu already on display at the Club. 

When his portrait of Lulu is completed it will be added to his gallery on Facebook initially.

He is also considering his next project with the Torbay Weekly. Watch this space.