Artist creates portrait of Kobe Bryant, releases painting to public domain

"Mamba Forever" spontaneous realism painting by Celeste Lecaroz

An artist created a painting of Kobe Bryant after the basketball legend died on a helicopter crash on Monday morning (Manila time).

The portrait of the five-time NBA champion, which measures five feet wide and five feet tall and done in the style of spontaneous realism, was dubbed as "Mamba Forever" after Bryant's on-court persona.

The artist, Celeste Lecaroz, let go of the copyright and released the painting to the public domain.

"Bryant’s fans, as well as enthusiasts of the visual arts and sports are welcome to use the painting created by Lecaroz for purposes of propagating the values, ideals and legacy of the late Black Mamba — as long as the artist is given credit for the image," said a statement sent to the media.

Lecaroz read Bryant's book, "The Mamba Mentality," and was inspired by his "singular pursuit and unwavering dedication to complete a life-defining basketball career."

"Engaging in the game, as in art, can be likened to a spiritual pursuit of excellence and then something else, something that no financial reward can match in terms of satisfaction," she said.

Bryant, 41, died with his daughter Gianna, 13, along with seven others when their helicopter crashed on the hills of Calabasas, California on Monday morning (Manila time).

They were on their way to a basketball game when tragedy struck amid low visibility due to foggy weather.

Several Filipino artists similarly paid tribute to the basketball legend, including comedian Michael V who drew a sketch. A mural of Bryant and his daughter was also painted by artists in a tenement housing in Taguig City.

Bryant is survived by his wife  Vanessa and daughters Natalia, Bianka, and Capri, who is only seven months old. —MGP, GMA News