Born in 1924, Ellis Eringer was a jazz drummer, acted on Broadway, and drew animation for Walt Disney. In 1969 Papa Duke moved to London to focus on fine art. He discovered Padre Pio, the intercessionist. It is believed portraits Papa Duke painted of Padre Pio helped heal the illnesses of those to whom he gifted those icons. One of his large portraits of Padre Pio graces a wall inside St. Nicholas Cathedral in Monaco. Papa Duke died in 2008. This blog reveres his memory.
Monday, February 21, 2011
TWO PRESIDENTS
While at art college in New York City, Papa Duke sketched pen & inks of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
He sold copies for 25 cents apiece to keep himself in pocket money.
