Richard Branson painted live by artist Peter Engels
In a remarkable blend of art and business, renowned Belgian artist Peter Engels painted a live portrait of Sir Richard Branson before an audience of 1,600 businessmen, students, and press. This extraordinary event took place during a two-and-a-half-hour interview with Branson, providing a unique setting where the worlds of art and entrepreneurship collide.
Peter Engels, known for his distinctive sparse colour style and use of the palette knife instead of traditional brushes, captured Branson’s essence with broad, sweeping strokes and intricate details. The technique allows Peter Engels to infuse the painting with a dynamic texture, bringing Branson’s charismatic personality to life on the canvas. The background of the painting features the skyline of diamond city Antwerp, adding a touch of local flair and grounding the portrait in a specific place and time. This detail not only enhances the visual appeal but also connects the portrait to the city that hosted this extraordinary event.
As the painting neared completion, the audience watched in awe as Peter Engels transformed a blank canvas into a lifelike portrayal of one of the world’s most influential entrepreneurs. Richard Branson, known for his adventurous spirit and business acumen, was visibly impressed by the finished portrait. His admiration for the artwork culminated in a moment that elevated the painting’s significance and value immensely. Branson put his signature on the canvas.
This spontaneous act of co-signing the portrait augments the value of the masterpiece several times over, making it a prized possession for art collectors and Branson enthusiasts alike. The painting is estimated to be worth between 30,000 and 50,000 euros, but could fetch a much higher price from the right buyer, given its unique, one-off authentic nature and the additional value of Branson’s signature.
The live painting session was more than just an artistic endeavour; it was a testament to Engels’ ability to work under pressure and capture the true spirit of his subject in real-time. The audience witnessed the transformation of a large blank canvas into a vibrant, lifelike portrait, providing a memorable experience for all in attendance.
For those who appreciate the intersection of art and business, Peter Engels’ live painting of Richard Branson stands as a captivating example of how creativity and commerce can come together to produce something truly extraordinary. This portrait is a celebration of Branson’s influence and Engels’ artistic courage, immortalizing a moment that highlights the synergy between two remarkable individuals, the artist and the businessman.
