Oxford Internet Institute Talk
Portrait of Ted Nelson

Internet pioneer Ted Nelson, who coined the term hypertext, was my portrait subject for this talk / art demonstration at the Oxford Internet Institute (OII), August 2007, shared here in three parts.

I start with a traditional analog pencil sketch The traditional media sketch of Ted Nelson is completed with acrylic paint.

I dive into a digital painting of Ted, comparing the process to the traditional portrait just completed. The highlight of this session was at 23 minutes into this video when Ted performs a fabulous rendition of the song “Mack the Knife” in German followed by a song I am not familiar with Russian!!

Completion of the digital portrait plus a spontaneous singing contribution at the beginning of this video from audience member (and my first boss) Tim Cook!

If you want to learn more about Ted Nelson this video tribute by computer pioneer Alan Kay is worth watching.

August 2007