Scots icon Billy Connolly releases new artwork inspired by Elton John

The Scottish comedy icon has released four new limited edition pieces which reflect on his time touring with Elton John and his memories of growing up.

Scottish comedy star Billy Connolly has released four new limited-edition artworks recalling some of the fondest memories from his personal and professional past.

Released exclusively through Castle Fine Art, the collection, part of his unmistakable Born on a Rainy Day series, sees Billy reminisce about memorable outings with his young children, performances supporting Elton John, and fond memories of Scotland.

“It’s taken me years to call my art beautiful,” says Billy. “I would never dream of saying it before for the chance that somebody would say ‘it’s crap, you’re no good.’ But I’m quite good. I can make people smile and feel happy. It’s great.”

Using colour, intricate line-work and his signature wit, Billy creates four figures and scenes that are undeniably ‘him’. The works are hand signed by Billy and are available individually or as a set.

‘Saturday Night’ shows a piano rocker in vibrant technicolour. The character is not meant to be anyone in particular, although as Billy says, “he does that leg thing which is pure Elton.” Billy fondly recalls the time he supported Elton John on his 1976 US tour. “It was that point of the show where he back-heeled the stool and it tumbled off the stage. The roadies all dived so that it didn’t break,” says Billy. “I saw Elton lately and he was better than I’ve ever seen him. He’s an amazing performer.”

From one life on the road to another, ‘Sausage Tree’ explores how the curious mind of a child understands the world as Billy reminisces about a joyful day out driving through the Scottish countryside with his children when they were young.

The name for this work was coined by his young daughter, when Billy and his family stumbled upon a plant with seed pods that looked distinctly like sausages.

Despite his adoration for his mother country, Billy is adamant that Scotland is not a place for sunbathing. ‘Sunburned’, a piece depicting a sunburned Scotsman with a fried egg belt buckle, is inspired by one of his most memorable stand-up moments where he famously told the audience “I’m actually pale blue, it takes me a week of sunbathing to turn white”.

We see the Scotsman in Billy’s very own tartan design. He says: “I like tartan when it’s properly made and properly worn, it’s something to be proud of. His tartan is great.”

Known for injecting his love of colour and crazy patterns into all aspects of his life, from his iconic outfits to his eye-catching artworks, ‘Fly Away Peter’ depicts a multicoloured figure surrounded by untethered birds that hint at Billy’s unique sense of humour that defies words.

Throughout his prolific career in music, comedy and art, one thing has remained with Billy Connolly – his profound ability as a storyteller. Whether he is sharing his tales through song, on stage or in his artwork, he has a unique talent for keeping his audience enthralled in the worlds and characters he creates.

Forging a deep, long-lasting connection with his fans and collectors, Billy’s stories are what has earned him status as a national treasure.

The new Born on a Rainy Day collection will be available from 8am BST on Friday, August 22 exclusively at castlefineart.com and in their nationwide UK galleries.

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