MORTIMER, Alexander (Artist). The Windmill. An Original Portrait of Pete Townshend. 2004. Acrylic paint and ink on canvas, 30 x 20 inches (762 x 508 mm).
 

Townshend - #50 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time - was, along with his bandmates in The Who, inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. His penchant for showmanship led him to the Windmill - a sweeping movement of his right arm and hand in a power circle across the guitar strings that became his live performance signature.

Briefly, in late 1972/early 1973 and during the first UK Quadrophenia shows in October though November 1973, Townshend played the guitar seen here, a Polaris White pre-1965 Gibson SG Special.

Los Angeles-based artist Alexander Mortimer took his degree in Fine/Graphic Arts at College of Marin in Northern California. Over the last twenty years his distinct style, flair, feel for his subjects and the rock n' roll vibe have attracted the eyes of people all across the state and earned him a dedicated fanbase.