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.
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DarthKitsune
I think Luke’s still a big ol Queen, and his PR firm has convinced him that being out is hurting his career. Now it’s too late to come back out. Anyway, I’d paint that hot bod of his any day, or night. . .