KISStory Kollection

Year: 2012 - 2014
Client: Artist
Usage: Band Presentation & Artist

Notes: In 2012 I was given the opportunity to fulfill a childhood dream and meet KISS. The images of the four current members (Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer) were created as gifts which were presented to them on Sept 19, 2012. After the event, I wanted to pay the same artistic respect to all the other members who wore makeup throughout KISStory.

You can read more about my experience and Gene's amazing reaction to my work in my blog post Kiss and Tell.

Availability: Prints Currently Available

©2014 The Wilkinson Gallery,LLC

Vintage Paul Stanley Art

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Komplete_KISStory

Mark_St.-John_Art

Mark_St_John_TN

Bruce_Kulick_Art

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Gene_Simmons_2014

Gene_Simmons_2014_TN1 KISS Ace Frehley Art by David E. Wilkinson

KISS Ace Frehley Art [detail] by David E. WilkinsonKISS Paul Stanley Art by David E. WilkinsonKISS Paul Stanley Art [detail] by David E. WilkinsonKISS Peter Criss Art by David E. WilkinsonPeter_Criss_tKISS Peter Criss Art [detail] by David E. WilkinsonnKISS Eric Carr Art by David E. WilkinsonKISS Eric Carr Art [detail] by David E. WilkinsonKISS Vinnie Vincent Art by David E. WilkinsonKISS Vinnie Vincent Art [detail] by David E. WilkinsonKISS Eric Singer Art by David E. WilkinsonKISS Eric Singer Art [detail] by David E. WilkinsonKISS Tommy Thayer Art by David E. WilkinsonTommy_ThayKISS Tommy Thayer Art by David E. Wilkinsoner_tnKISS Gene Simmons Art by David E. Wilkinson

Gene SimGene Simmons [Detail] by David E. Wilkinsonmons by David E. Wilkinson

KISS Monster

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39 Comments

  1. David Mayberry
    March 22, 2014

    Received my six prints of gene paul peter ace and eric carr and vinnie vincent.They are all ready hanging on my wall.I love these prints goes great with me and my wife kiss collection thank you very much.
    David Mayberry.

    Reply
    • davide
      March 23, 2014

      David,
      Thank you so much for commenting and letting me know. Very glad to hear that you are happy with them. Please spread the good word!

      Take care!
      Dave

      Reply
  2. Daniel
    March 26, 2014

    Love the pictures of Kiss rock group, there was one question on Gene why side view of his face? just asking… Are u going to make one of him facing forward with his tongue out anytime soon… Well you have a great day… Keep up the great drawing… Keep on Rockin’…

    Reply
    • davide
      March 26, 2014

      Thank you for your comment.

      Ya know. You are not the first person to mention that. To tell you the truth I chose that view for no other reason than that was where I started experimenting. When I did I had no plans on doing an entire series so having it match something else was not really even a consideration. It just kind of evolved from there. Having them look like the ’78 solo albums was not something I had planned either. I just filled my creative intuition.

      I think I may have to do another view but let me ask you this. Does having two different Gene’s muddy the collection / message? For instance right now it is a defined collection which people seem to like. By adding another view to the mix does it confuse the issue?

      Dave

      Reply
      • Julian Bernal
        April 12, 2014

        I think there are several ways to look at it from a collector’s point of view and a seller’s point of view.
        The collector wants more of everything.
        The seller wants to sell and having a different option for Gene Simmons may hurt the original side view.
        I personally would love to see what comes out of a front view using your talents.
        I hope I’m wrong and all goes well because I would buy the front view…

        J

        Reply
        • David
          April 12, 2014

          Thank you very much for the input. I think I will definitely have to do one. What I was thinking of possibly doing is once finished, pull the original from availability and only offer the new one.

          Another thought I thought about was doing Paul in the “bandit” makeup. Create a true history of the makeup designs.

          Reply
      • Tim
        March 4, 2016

        Hi, I am an artist also and love KISS. Just wanted to know if you were ever going to do a portrait of Anton Fig seeing as how he played drums on Dynasty and Unmasked? Plus what about doing the Solo Records with Ace from Frehley’s Comet? Just askin. . .Great work by the way.I really love the way you did Peter Criss alternative solo cover.
        From one artist to another, have a great year. . .

        Reply
        • David
          March 5, 2016

          Hello Tim. Thanks for the comment. Always nice to meet a fellow artist. To answer your question. No that is not something I have considered. I really need to draw the line somewhere and while it has indeed moved from members in makeup to members who never wore makeup to include folks like Bruce Kulick and Mark St. John. It really opens up a can of worms when I start doing people who were never officially in the band or on stage. Who knows how many studio musicians they brought in over the years?

          Also have not thought much about going that deep into doing every stage from each member’s career. I do think Ace looks much better with the Makeup on. ; P

          Thanks for the compliments.

          Dave

          Reply
  3. Rex
    June 27, 2014

    I love these images. I’m trying to decide which and which sizes to order.

    Are there any plans to do something for Bruce and Mark?

    Reply
    • David
      June 28, 2014

      I have been asked by a number of people to do Mark and Bruce. It really was not something I had planned on as my focus was really about the makeup. Just seemed a member without makeup and all the drippiness would not be nearly as cool. That said I may have to reconsider. Sadly it will probably take me more time to do Mark’s than he actually spent in the band. ; P Stay Tuned.

      Reply
  4. Alexandre
    July 13, 2014

    Greetings David,

    I just found out about your KISS KOLLECTION artwork prints through Google while doing a search for some Vinnie Vincent pictures in his Ankh Warrior KISS make-up.

    Your KISS portraits are absolutely beautiful and they look amazing, especially the Eric Carr and Vinnie Vincent pieces, and i intend to purchase them all pretty soon…

    After reading some previous commentaries from some posters above suggesting a request or two, i for one, would like to submit a request of my own. :o)

    Would it be possible for you in the foreseeable future, to paint in the same style as the other KISS KOLLECTION pieces, a portrait of Paul Stanley in his early ’70’s KISS Bandit make-up ?

    I personally think it would complement and complete the KISS KOLLECTION Series very well and it would show all the “official” KISS make-up character designs worn by all the make-up wearing members.

    Congratulations for your KISS KOLLECTION art pieces and thank you for making them available for collecting and for purchase !!

    Rock On !!

    KISSfully Yours,
    Alexandre

    Reply
    • David
      July 13, 2014

      Alexandre,
      Thank you very much for the note and the kind words.

      I appreciate the suggestion. I actually already had that same idea and planned on doing a “bandit” Paul and perhaps even one of Eric Carr in his original makeup design if I am able to find decent enough reference. I will probably eventually do a set based on their designs on the first album as well. All ideas I have floating around in my head. Can’t guarantee when I will be able to get to all of this but in due time. I may have to do a “Love Gun” era Paul first however. His being the only modern version in the collection seems to now stand out a bit after I replaced Gene.

      Stay Tuned. If you have not done so, please “like” my official Facebook page “The Wilkinson Gallery”. Probably the best way to stay informed.

      Thanks again!
      DW

      Reply
  5. Gabriel
    August 6, 2014

    Amazing, excellent of one of my favorite bands work: KISS, I feel it is a very creative way to capture what the side, missing 2 members Bruce Kulick and Mark St. John

    Reply
    • David
      August 7, 2014

      Gabriel,
      Thank you very much for visiting my site and for your comment. My initial intent was not as much creating a history of band members but more a history of makeup. That said, you are not the first to suggest that and in hindsight it does feel like an omission so I will probably eventually get around to doing Bruce and Mark.

      Stay Tuned.
      DW

      Reply
  6. B57
    August 31, 2014

    great collection LIKE

    Reply
  7. Benny Alvarez
    October 23, 2014

    David,

    I saw on Facebook a pic that had all members of KISS in a circle. I was wondering if that was a print that was available for purchase or if it was just a rendering to show you made all the Solo pics for all members? If so, I would be very interested in purchasing.

    bennyalvarez70@gmail.com

    Reply
    • David
      October 24, 2014

      Benny,
      Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately due to legal / licensing restrictions that one is not currently available. It was created just as a promotional thing. I would have to take the 40th and other logos off to sell it.

      Reply
      • Benny Alvarez
        October 27, 2014

        Well I would say take off the 40th and logos off of it. How much would it run? Would it at least still have KISS in the center or somewhere on the top or bottom?

        Reply
        • David
          October 28, 2014

          Benny,
          Have to give it some thought and figure it out. Seems to me it needs something in the center.

          DW

          Reply
  8. Benny Alvarez
    November 5, 2014

    Well when you get it figured out, that would make it complete. I would be all over it. Maybe make it like the Rock-N-Roll Over album cover…???

    Reply
  9. John Lightbody
    December 26, 2014

    Hello David, I came across this wonderful artwork while searching for Vinnie Make-up photos. I was wondering, have you ever thought about branching out and adding a range of t-shirts featuring these images? Obviously I’m asking this with no knowledge of the licensing etc., but there are a lot of people out there who would love to buy a Vinnie make-up shirt.

    Reply
  10. Jon
    May 31, 2015

    David, these paintings are wonderful art. Would it be possible to buy a custom set of prints WITHOUT the KISS logo & name?

    Regarding your last commented inquiry, about t-shirts etc, I’ve seen shirts with solo-album style images of Vinnie and Eric in Asia, not sure of they are bootlegs of your paintings, I’ll see if they’re still for sale/available next time I hit Bangkok…

    Reply
    • David
      June 4, 2015

      Jon,
      My apologies for the delay in responding to your comment. Were you looking for all 10 without the logo and name?

      Thanks for the heads up about he products in Asia. Yes, please let me know. Not sure how much I can do about it but it would be good to know as upsetting as it is to hear. Much easier to shut down people online but very difficult for me to stop people who are selling directly half way around the world. I hereby grant you the authority to confiscate any products you find on my behalf. ; )

      Dave

      Reply
  11. Chris Drew
    August 23, 2015

    David,

    In a nutshell – I love your artwork! In my opinion, these paintings capture KISS much better than their original solo albums.

    I have 3 questions for you:

    1. Any chance you’ll be working on a younger 1970’s Paul painting, to accompany the younger Gene portrait? Seeing a younger Gene, Ace and Peter along with an older Paul just doesn’t seem right to me.

    2. What is your take on a Paul painting in the Bandit makeup? That would be very cool to see too!

    3. Any plans to recreate an Eric Carr with his bushier hair style? I’m certainly not being critical of the Elder haircut style painting you’ve created. I just remember Eric better with the fuller hairdo.

    Again, you’ve created some very amazing stuff! There is a multitude of territories you can always delve into (Ace & Peter without makeup, Eric Carr and Vinnie without makeup, Eric Carr in the Hawk makeup, early original makeup designs, etc.). I look forward to hopefully seeing more of your talents very soon!!

    -Chris

    Reply
    • David
      August 24, 2015

      Chris,
      Thank you so much for the comment and compliments. I hold those ’78 solo cover portraits in pretty high regard. Not sure mine compare but it means a lot to hear that some people feel they do. Definitely a compliment. I was just trying to do something different. As a fan myself I tried to create something I had not seen before and would want myself.

      To your questions:

      1. Yes. One of these days I will probably do one. Do you think one of “chubby” Paul from the original album cover is too early?

      2. Yes. I also plan on doing a Paul in the “bandit” makeup. When? Who knows? When inspiration strikes I suppose. Have to fit them in-between paying work.

      3. Have not ever considered doing a different Eric Carr for the hair style. To me the makeup is what is most important. Might eventually do one of his original makeup design but wasn’t as concerned about the hair.

      Dave

      Reply
      • Chris Drew
        October 4, 2015

        Dave,

        Thank you for your reply!

        Here is a link to a photo of what I would envision your younger Paul portrait to resemble:

        http://www.gasolinealleyantiques.com/celebrity/images/Rock/stanley-grooves.JPG

        Paul was a bit chubbier during this time, and I think it would be a perfect look for rounding out the original band portraits. Whatever you decide, however, I’m certain that I will love it! I’m very anxious to see what you ultimately decide to do!

        Thank you for allowing me to share my input with you, Dave!

        -Chris

        Reply
      • Tim
        March 4, 2016

        Have you ever did the Creatures cover in your own way?

        Reply
        • David
          March 5, 2016

          No I haven’t. While I am not completely opposed to it, I like to try to do things that are a little more unique. That image is out there and is well known. If I was going to paint it I would probably try to do something different with it anyway so it wouldn’t be the same.

          What I would like to do if I can ever get to it is a series of portraits called “The Originals” and do each founding member in their original makeup designs including Paul as “The Bandit”. Just have to fit it in-between my paying work.

          Dave

          Reply
  12. Marcelo
    September 30, 2015

    Hello,
    My name is Marcelo and I’m 21 years old, and I’m from Brazil.
    I’ve been a KISS fan since I was 4, probably. My father used to show me all the LPs and KISS stuff ( I’ve been always crazy about the action figures) when I was very young and of course this made me enjoy and love this band very much!

    My first KISS concert was during ALIVE 35 Tour back in 2009, I wish one day I could meet them and make a dream become a reality! I really loved your paintings! You are very talented and I would like to thank you for sharing them with us. Unfortunately, I am not able to buy them, but I saved the images on my computer.

    If you want, you can also check my band on our website and facebook pages, its name is Silver Mammoth and we’re bringin’ up a new album very soon, classic rock with influences of hard, heavy and psychodelia.

    Once again, Thanks for your ART!
    Congratulations,

    Marcelo

    Reply
  13. Michiel
    June 2, 2016

    Gene is looking for you on Twitter. No idea what he wants.

    Reply
    • David
      June 2, 2016

      Thank you for the heads up. Had no idea before you mentioned it.

      Reply
  14. Matt V7
    June 9, 2016

    That side-on shot of Gene is the nuts

    Reply
    • David
      June 10, 2016

      Thank you Matt. That was where it all started. Did that one and the fan in me said “that is really cool”. Everything else kind of grew from there.

      Dave

      Reply
  15. Joseph
    August 23, 2016

    Dave,

    You’re the best! You’ve done a terrific job on these portraits. Saw that Gene’s been looking for you on Twitter. It could be because he wants a cut 😉 but I think he has other plans! I do have a pretty cool idea myself which involves your art and might become a real collectable. Anyway, keep up the great work!

    Best regards,

    Joseph

    Reply
  16. Lara
    January 15, 2019

    David,
    Always amazed! Finding you was the greatest thing that has happened to me, artistically. So inspired!
    Always,

    Lara :)))

    Reply
    • David
      January 16, 2019

      Thank you SO much Lara. That really means a lot. The greatest gift any artist can ask for is to know that his or her work has somehow touched and better yet inspired others. I am very grateful for your kind words.

      Reply
  17. Mario Anguiano
    February 15, 2019

    I was just curious, have you ever thought printing some of your protraits on to T-shirts? All of them are awesome!

    Reply
    • David
      February 23, 2019

      Mario,
      Thank you very much for the kind words. I really would love to but unfortunately I cannot legally sell those images on apparel or other products without proper licensing from KISS which I cannot afford. I have had plenty of other people stealing them and doing it themselves but that is another frustrating story.

      Reply

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