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By Karrie Gillett
AN EXHIBITION of 45 original paintings from Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood has gone on display.
The show features a new set of sketches of band mate Keith Richards dressed in his pirate outfit for his cameo appearance in Pirates of the Caribbean.
And the Edinburgh exhibition also includes paintings from 30 years of Rolling Stones tours and portraits of his famous friends such as Rod Stewart and drummer Keith Moon.
Jonathan Poole, the exhibition organiser, said the 61-year-old rocker’s love of art is an important part of his life.
He said: “Ronnie is constantly painting and it’s a perfect opportunity for everybody to see what he has been doing.
“A lot of people might not realise that he does paint but when he’s not on tour he’s painting avidly and he’s very enthusiastic about his art projects.”
Wood was brought up in an artistic family with his father and two brothers were artists and he even attended art school in London before starting his music career.
His latest works, which went on display yesterday at The Dome on George Street until Saturday, carry price tags from £800 for prints.
But the most expensive work on display is a £26,000 original painting of singer and actress Grace Jones.
Mr Poole said the exhibition, which runs for free, wasn’t just for Rolling Stones fans but for people who have a general interest in art.
He said: “Obviously he is part of one of the most famous bands in the world and you can’t get away from that fact.
“But people who want to see a more personal insight into the world of music will be interested as will those who appreciate art.
“It’s an opportunity to see a trained artist who just happens to be a musician as well.”