Today, we bring you a portrait of Greensboro's world famous writer, O. Henry- born William Sydney Porter- who lived from 1862-1910. This painting was commissioned for the opening of the new O. Henry Hotel in 1998. The original O. Henry Hotel was built in 1919 and torn down in 1979. The current property evokes the old-world charm of the original hotel and gives a nod to O. Henry himself.
Local artist Frank P. "Chip" Holton, III did a great job of making the painting look like it was painted during O. Henry's lifetime. Also, he situated the painting in Greensboro as O. Henry is reading a Greensboro newspaper. Holton has made over 500 pieces of original art for the Quaintance-Weaver group. In the Quaintance-Weaver properties alone, Holton has quite a reperitore; with his art ranging from modern to traditional to a 17th-century inspired mural- a still-life. If you have a little time one afternoon, stop by for tea at the hotel and have a closer look at the above photo. As for us, we hope to interview Holton this summer so we can find out how he decided to paint O. Henry in this pose. Happy Tuesday, folks!
I have long admired this portrait of O. Henry. I always point it out to visitors who come to Greensboro.
Posted by: Jane Mitchell | Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 08:34 PM