Artist wins a licence to paint Sir Roger Moore
02-Oct-2003 • Actor News
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It is the first major commission for Gary Morgan who only turned professional as an artist 18 months ago after taking voluntary redundancy from West Bromwich-based Copal Castings.
Sir Roger asked for his portrait to be painted after Gary sent a letter and portfolio of his work to the former 007 star earlier this year.
Gary said he was delighted to be asked to paint the recently knighted actor, who he admires most for his role as Simon Templar in the TV series The Saint.
He said: "I`m very pleased with the finished version and with any luck he will be too. I don`t know which of his houses he will put it, or even his boat."
The 75-year-old star, who is a goodwill ambassador for Unicef, didn`t have time to sit for the portrait so Gary was sent three photographs to work from instead.
Gary, aged 41, said: "I took his hands off one, his facial features off another and changed the colour of his suit and the background to show his face off better."
The oil painting will remain with Gary for another six months to allow time for a protective varnish to be applied.
Roger Moore originally wanted to be an artist himself but got into acting after working as a film extra in the 1940s.
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