Celebrities
This is my latest artwork titled Separate Ways. It is a painting of Elvis Presley during his Las Vegas years, performing the song of the same name. The piece captures Elvis in a moment of raw emotion and power, reflecting both his stage presence and the personal depth behind the music. His expression, posture, and the play of light all aim to convey the duality of a performer who could command a room while carrying the weight of his own story. The colors and brushwork are layered to mirror the intensity of the era and the energy of a man who was larger than life, yet profoundly human in his moments of vulnerability.
Richard Mainegra once shared his reflections on co-writing Separate Ways with Red West, a member of Elvis' close circle known as the Memphis Mafia. Mainegra described the experience as the defining moment of his early career, full of disbelief and wonder as he heard Elvis bring his song to life. The song itself was inspired by the heartbreak surrounding Elvis’ separation from Priscilla and the impact on their daughter. When Mainegra first heard the rough recording of Elvis singing their creation, he said he had never been higher in his life. The track later became the flip side of Always on My Mind and eventually a single in its own right. That song, and the story behind it, stand as a reminder of how deeply art can connect to truth, pain, and legacy.
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IG: @elvissantanaart