P O R T R A I T S I N S E P I A
B Y K E V I N G E A R Y
Kevin Geary's work is in many major museum and private collections, including the Primary Collection of the National Portrait Gallery in London, and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Some of the world's most prominent people have sat for him, including: Henry Kissinger, Sen. John McCain, two British prime ministers (Harold Wilson and Edward Heath), Princess Michael of Kent, Leonard Bernstein, Placido Domingo, Frederica von Stade, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Oscar Peterson and Sir Stephen Spender, to name just a few.
Geary's portraits I find riveting. In picture after picture he shows his understanding of the human psyche and how it is subtly betrayed in a person's face and body. Whether it is portraits of masters of the halls of power like Henry Kissinger and Golda Meir or religious figures like Pope John Paul II or a family of children in casual poses, Geary's true artistry is evident in the way he brings his subjects to life. He captures souls on paper.
Mary Guaraldi, from "Flagstaff Live,"May 11-17, 2000
Henry Kissinger
I found Geary's portraits utterly impressive. His ability to catch the likeness, character and personality of each person ..... is extraordinary. His pieces are deeply personal. I felt as though I was looking into the soul of each subject I viewed. Their mannerism, shyness, exuberance, inner and outer beauty are portrayed beautifully.
Karen Reider, from "The Red Rock Review," June 15th, 2001
Leonard Bernstein
In my wide experience, I have met few artists who produce portraits as telling and as full of character as those of Mr. Geary. I have seen over 30 of these and in every case there is quite an exceptional revelation of personality which most artists seem unable to capture. He is in my opinion an outstanding artist.
Jack Brymer, OBE, Solo clarinettist, writer, broadcaster. (Portrait purchased by the National Portrait Gallery for the permanent collection)
Placido Domingo
He delves deeply into the character of his sitters. These are not just studies of heads and hands, but each is a unique design which contributes to the artist's personal summing up. In this he shows considerable inventive ability.
Carel Weight, CBE, RA (Royal Academician, professor at the Royal College of Art) from the introduction to Kevin Geary's fifth one-man exhibition, 1974.
Frederica Von Stade
Sir Stephen Spender
Alexandra Ruddy
John Ruddy
Charles de Cabrol
Marcus
My Mother
Jane Baker
Riccardo Muti
Frances King
Diana Lee Knoerle & "Weston"
All work is Copyright of Kevin Geary, 2005-2007.