ART BEAT

PHOTOS: Ian McKellen, Sam Sparro, Luke Evans At Ross Watson Exhibit In London

Noted Australian painter Ross Watson welcomed Ian McKellen, Luke Evans and Sam Sparro to his latest gallery show, featuring portraits of Evans, Sparro, Stephen Fry, Stevie Webb and Jake Shears.

A portion of proceeds from the show, which runs September 25 to October 7 at London’s Gallery In Redchurch Street, benefit the Terrence Higgins Trust, a British HIV charity.

“Ross Watson’s paintings are obviously the work of a master of technique. The conjunction of modern naturalism and classic works makes it hard to believe one’s eyes,” said McKellen. “His newest work is irresistible because it has been inspired by the generous nature of a concerned citizen. We admire him and wonder.”

We’re a little perplexed though: Most of Watson’s better-known works are portraits of gay celebrities like McKellen, Fry and Australian Olympian Matthew Mitcham. So what’s Hobbit star Luke Evans doing in such company? He did discuss being gay in interviews from the early 2000s, but Evans’ management has since disavowed those statements, and tabloids even linked him to fashion PR maven Holly Goodchild.

 

Sam Sparro with Ross Watson

 

Watson with Ian McKellen, Luke Evans and Stephen Morgan

 

Luke Evans

 

Don't forget to share:

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated