Welcome to the website for Look Closer Illustrations.

These pieces are original works of art, they may be controversial or just art-thought. Some have derivative elements. Part of the content or composition is derived from a photograph or another painting. In those instances effort is made to give credit. All of my art is intended to inspire how we can better encourage and challenge each other.

The most popular pieces available here are the Musician Portraits. The series are limited edition prints, signed and numbered along with an Authenticity Sheet for future posterity. Also popular, and a great gift for your favorite music fan’s birthday, or anyone on your Christmas list, are the musician calendars.

I have been a music fan all my life. I have also been an artist all my life, enjoying a forty-year career in commercial art. Starting in 2015, I was able to combine my love of music with visual artistic talent. Since 2015, I have produced some 85 pop art images of musicians. 

First Janis, then Bonnie Raitt, and Dave Grohl were gifts for family members. Then I drew Mick Jagger’s illustration as a gift for a co-worker. The images were so popular, folks insisted I get prints done so they could have copies. 

As it so happens, some of the musicians have been interested in owning the artwork. George Strait, Ray Benson, Lyle Lovett, and the comedian, Dave Chappell among others, have their original illustrations.

While illustrating these pop art images, I purchase and listen exclusively to the tunes produced by the musician I am drawing. After researching their life and career, and after listening to only their music, I know what lyrics and/or song titles are appropriate to hide in the drawing. I am especially enchanted with each musician’s ability to make deeper meanings than just words and notes in a song. If the viewer is familiar with the music, the hidden text will cause that favorite music to play in their mind.

This research and drawing promotes increased music appreciation.

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The following retailers offer these prints over the counter:
Wild About Music – 615 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701
Waterloo Records – 600A N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78703
Vibe Tribe, Family of Artists – 1022 Main Street, Bastrop, TX 78602
Blake’s Music – 93 Loop 150 West, Bastrop, TX 78602
Lost Pines Art Center – 1204 Chestnut Street, Bastrop, TX 78602
Coffee Dog – 49 Loop 150 W, Bastrop, TX 78602
Texas Grill – 101 Highway 71 W, Bastrop, TX 78602
Silver Creek Collections – 1022 Main Street, Suite F, Bastrop, TX 78602
Mosaic Art & Home – 218 Main St, Smithville, TX 78957

All types of Commission work, including hand lettered sign painting is available.

There is also an archive of abstract work and other illustrations.

To contact, email: tobincbort@yahoo.com

Instagram @tobincbort

ENJOY!