Old Speckled Hen: Cheers!
 

Like all of you, my real goal in life was to be a spokes-model.

In late 2007 I was commissioned by Fallon, a London based advertising agency, to paint a series of portraits for an Old Speckled Hen advertising campaign portraying their targeted constituency. Up to this point I've completed four paintings, with the likelihood of more to follow.

Although I told them I was no longer interested in doing Illustration work, they persisted and convinced me that they didn't want typical illustrations done in a very limited time frame. They said they would give me the time I needed to do my best work, so I relented.

They said they chose me because they felt my portraits best exemplified the use of the time honored methods they utilize in creating their product. The portraits have appeared in both print and outdoor venues.

The client and agency were so excited by the paintings that they decided to feature me on their website as well. Very cheeky!

http://www.oldspeckledhen.co.uk/ You need to type in your day of birth to access the site. Please be advised, they place the day before the month.

Wow Marvin, this is really a fun site, and I am oddly compelled to try this beer! Much fun and congrats on this fun and different project! :)

I stumbled upon this wonderful and exciting news back in March and wrote about it on my blog. This is awesome news and I find it wonderful that you decided to go for it. The exposure is incredible and well deserved! Congratulations!

Marvin, will you share more about how you have chosen the themes? I visited the above link to the promo and enjoyed it immensely!!! What a hoot!

Michael, I'm not a big drinker but this is a very tasty beer. Real premium stuff. People who are beer affectionados are always impressed that I'm associated with Old Speckled Hen.

Enzie, I don't choose the themes or anything else. This is advertising, so every last aspect of the images are mulled over and debated in great detail by the agency and the client. To them, I'm just a pair of hands. (And a spokes model!)

Hi Marvin!

I stumbled across this campaign last week--fantastic! I'm thrilled that not only is your work featured, but you're featured as well. The hand-held speech balloons add a quirky touch and are just too cute! Would you post your paintings here? I would love to see them!

take care,

Renee

Marvin, I'm not a big drinker either but now I'm curious to try Old Speckled Hen. It looks like you are having a lot of fun doing those paintings. Now I want to try illustration, too. . . Hmm, the power of suggestion!

Marvin:
You know that one of the earliest cartoons is "the Yellow Kid", ...cartoon is one of the original art of America. Chinese artists followed well. I drew some for newspapers.One of my cartoons caused a sensation in the campus of Beijing University. Students were wild to find a opening to view my satire, that was risky, I could be jailed had I done this a decade ago.

This site is fancyful and they picked an ace.

Years ago, I received a bottle of wine from "Choice USA Co.", Gastonia, NC, maker of "Sundrop", for the official portrait of the C.E.O. I painted. So, let's us raise glass and "cheerio"!

Hi Renee. Unfortunately the deadlines have been very tight and I'm literally running out the door with brush in hand chasing down the courier as he takes the painting to his truck. The agency is supposed to send me proofs and digital files one of these days. I'll post as soon as I get them.

Alex, it's a very tasty beer but be aware, the alcohol content is above average, so watch your step. You may need to arrange for a designated painter to work on your canvas the following day.

Thanks SB, here's to you too!

Wow, Marvin, I love it! This is terrific exposure. I am so happy for you!

Though... if you are writing love notes to old speckled hens... I guess this makes you a fowl old rooster.... ?
(Sorry, that was pretty bad, I'll try to come up with something better.)

Seriously, I think the way they have chosen to put you in your studio with your work behind you is wonderful. I love the word balloons.

(Say, is that drugstore in Port Washington? I think I recognize it.)

I love it! What a fun campaign and it is virtually unheard of for a manufacturer to spotlight the artist like this. Such a great opportunity for you. ;)