Curio: Billy Zane, Killing with Love

Alexa here. I've always had a soft spot for Billy Zane. I'm still blown away by his breakout performance in Dead Calm; he was all mad energy, like Brando without the digression. Since then his career seems to have had a few too many arch roles and unfortunate hairpieces. It was while he filmed Titanic, playing his most celebrated toupeed villain, that Billy took up painting. He is now quite an accomplished artist.

Billy is currently showing a series of his paintings, titled "Killing with Love", at the Frank Pictures gallery in Los Angeles. He describes his work as being influenced by the found materials he gathers on location and the Japanese martial art of Kendo. I think I see a little of Paul Klee's influence, too. Here is a sampling. The show is up until September 1st.

Madonnarama, oil on canvas, 39" x 60.5", 1997

Despotiko, 20" x 20", 2010

Gettysburger, oil on canvas, 21" x 19", 2010

Bucephalus, 21" x 17", 2010