Oct 3, 2008 4:48 pm US/Eastern
Artist Captures Phelps In Oil Painting
Reporting
Ron Matz
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
As you know Saturday is a big day for Michael Phelps. It's also an important one for a Baltimore artist.
Ron Matz has more on a man who draws his inspiration from the Olympic champion.
Kirk Nowlin's portrait of Michael Phelps captures an iconic image: the greatest swimmer of them all in the water in Beijing. As an artist, Nowlin says Phelps is an inspiration.
"You can see all the hard work he puts in and that's inspirational. When I'm sitting down working on something and I see this guy swimming I want to get up and start painting. He brings that kind of energy to you," said Nowlin.
The oil painting's energy tells the story of the Olympic champion's life, with special tributes to Michael's sisters and his mom Debbie.
"There's a collage in the background. It tells the story of his life. Pictures with his coach, his sisters and his mother who I think is his greatest inspiration," said Nowlin.
Old Glory is flying along York Road where Saturday's Parade of Gold will honor Michael, Katie Hoff and other Maryland Olympians.
Four years ago Kirk painted a piece, which is now for sale and autographed by the greatest swimmer of them all.
Kirk Nowlin hopes to present his latest work to the Olympic champion at Fort McHenry on Saturday night.
Nowlin has been painting since he was five-years-old. He lives in Severn, Anne Arundel County.
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