Paul Zepeda
Impasto Watercolor on Canvas
24″x24″
Sold at Auction
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My first night in Vegas I had the pleasure of painting live at Planet Hollywood as part of Barelesque: Broadway Bares Las Vegas 2012 to benefit BCEFA.
After a day of Singapore Slings with mescal on the side, Borbay, Ari Lankin and I made our way to this storied beacon on the famed Las Vegas Strip. As were were to paint in the same theater later that night, after a few games in the casino and some vital nourishment from Earl of Sandwich we caught Peepshow and I found it to be quite amusing as it was my first in fabulous Las Vegas. There is nothing quite like a live performance during which the performers give it their all.
Afterward it was time for several more rounds and easel setup in the theater.
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The DJ spun hot licks center-stage as the crowd of beautiful people took their seats, filling the entire theater.
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Special host The Gazillionaire of Absinthe and his lovely assistant Penny got the show off to a hilarious start, and we painters set out on a race against the clock to each finish a piece in time for the live auction while attempting to not be distracted by the bevy of nubile, siren-like beauties on the stage before us. Nobody raises money quite like The Gazillionaire.
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This is the only photo I could find that didn’t require gratuitous editing…
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I came out of my haze just in time to scoop up the wet canvas and take my place on the triple-catwalk stage so that the live auction could begin…
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Presentation is key. The audience had already been well-warmed by the performances.
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After a lively round of bidding and some colorful commentary by the auctioneers, the lovely Tia Carrere emerges the winner of a one of a kind piece. I discovered that she is quite active with many charitable organizations through out the world, and that she may look great in pictures, but she looks AMAZING in person. Thrilled to have her as a new collector.
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See the Live Auction Video Below
Barelesque! Vegas! The Gazillionaire! BCEFA! by Borbay
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After the show it was off to the after party (of course) at Gallery Nightclub.
After helping to incite an intense and star studded dance circle, someone was not thrilled when the harsh “get the heck out of here” house lights came on, spoiling the late-night magic.
The nice thing is that you can take your drinks with you when you leave.
After the After Party is the After After Party. (This may have been at The Heart Bar – I’m not sure – but I do know my seat was comfy.)
As the sun came up we made our way to the legendary Peppermill for breakfast and a bit of fireside action in order to re-charge for painting the Welcome to Las Vegas sign on location just a couple of short hours later.
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