NEW...Ronald McKernan Painting...PIGPEN

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Here's a painting that art fans and Dead Heads alike have been asking for over the years. I'm excited to have created this portrait, and excited that fan's can add it to their Grateful Dead collections.

I've added photos of the painting's progress along the way. You can follow it from start to finish as Pigpen came to life.

Ronald McKernan (September 8, 1945 – March 8, 1973), known by fans as Pigpen, was an American musician. He was a founding member of the San Francisco band the Grateful Dead and played in the group from 1965 to 1972.

Pigpen grew up heavily influenced by African-American music, particularly the blues, and taught himself how to play harmonica and piano. He began socializing around the San Francisco Bay Area, and became friends with Jerry Garcia. After the pair had played in various folk and jug bands, Pigpen suggested they form an electric group, which became the Grateful Dead. He was the band's original frontman and played harmonica and electric organ. With the Grateful Dead’s music changing as they embraced psychedelic rock, Pigpen’s contributions essentially became limited to vocals, harmonica, and percussion from November 1968 to January 1970. He continued to be a frontman in concert for many Dead numbers, including his interpretations of "Turn On Your Love Light" and "Good Lovin'".

Unlike the other members of the Grateful Dead, Pigpen avoided psychedelic drugs, preferring to drink alcohol. By 1971, his health had been affected by alcoholism and liver damage and doctors advised him to stop touring. Following a hiatus, he resumed touring with the group in December 1971 but was forced to retire from touring altogether in June 1972. McKernan was found dead of a gastrointestinal hemorrhage on March 8, 1973, aged 27.

So I held a contest for a title for this painting, and...

It’s official “Grateful Muse” is the name selected for the pigpen painting.
Thanks to all who pre-purchased your Pigpen prints, and participated by submitting great title ideas for this piece. 
Congrats to the Blues Ranger in San Francisco, CA, USA for that great name which gives homage to the inspiration and sound that Pigpen brought to the Grateful Dead.
The runner up is Mike from Western Springs, IL, USA for “Easy Wind”,  an early anthem that portrays Robert Hunter’s blues, which was written for Pigpen, and who delivers it with classic Dead style.

Thanks again!!

Prints will be available mid August. There will be a limited edition of only 150 created. 

Prints are shipped rolled in sturdy tubes for safe travels.

Order NOW to get your Pigpen "Grateful Muse" low numbered prints!!