Mary Jane Watson by Arthur Adams

It's been a couple of years that I have been trying for an Arthur Adams piece. A while ago, he came to the Netherlands, but I had no luck at that show. Then he was announced for my home show in Belgium, but that was during COVID times, so it didn't happen. At Lake Como last year, his list was full & it didn't work out there either. Then more recently, he was supposed to come to a show in Paris, but couldn't make it in the end.

Fast forward to Fan Expo San Francisco in November 2023. Arthur was at the top of my list for Artist Alley, but my main goal was meeting Luke Skywalker. I was there for Mark Hamill & anything extra would be exactly that: extra. Or that's what I told myself.

On Friday during the preview evening, I managed to get to his table before queueing for Mark. I was second on Art's list for his commissions - for which he had two options. You could buy a thirty minute or fifteen minute slot. However, Art typically takes his time. Even when you're on his list, there's no guarantee that he'll get to it. That's why you pay when you pick it up.

During the show I checked in with him & in the end, I got to pick up my Mary Jane on Sunday morning. Knowing Art's perfectionism, he spent quite a bit more than just half an hour on this. I mean, the piece speaks for itself on that level.

I'll be honest: this is even better than I imagined. Especially for the price I paid. She has a great typical Art look. I love the hair lines, encapsulating MJ's face, and that bit of cross-hatching to balance everything out. The cherry here are the earrings, of course.

Finally, I have to say that I enjoyed the long chat I had with Art, Joyce & his daughter (who is an amazing entertainer!). This show commission was done in pencils & inks, on 9x12 art board, and was the "30 minute" option.

Incredibly grateful that this finally happened!