Mark McClain Wilson – Analog Artist Digital World

I was excited to sketch a performance of Henry VI: The Rise of Richard at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater (812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL). I sat in row Z. Ushers were confused, they didn’t realize there was a row Z. I found a spot in the back and scooted to a ¾ view of the stage just before the show opened when I was sure that there was an open spot for me. Where I was seated was perfect because there was no one behind me who might be distracted as I threw lines o the page.

The sketch is a composite rather than a specific moment in the play. I sketched Richard Duke of York (Timothy Williams) when he claimed his seat at the throne. Beside him is The Earl of Warwick Richard Nevelle “the King Maker”, (Benjamin Reigel). Standing in front of them both is the twisted and hunched Richard III, Duke of Gloucester (Mark McClain Wilson).

The drama unfolded between the House of York (White Rose) and the House of Lancaster (Red Rose). The crown changed hands multiple times. Ascending to claim the crown was often a murderous affair. King Henry VI of the House of Lancaster (Trevor Spence) was a rather weak and pious ruler. He rose to power as a child. He was ultimately captured imprisoned and then murdered. Murder seems to be a sure way to rise to the claim the crown and sit on the throne.

The hunchback Richard III played supporting roles when his brothers rose in power to claim the crown. However he despised the happiness of his brother Edward (Walter Kmiec) who married the beautiful Lady Grey (Rachel Comeau). The couple had a child and that child would have a claim to the throne someday. If Richard could not experience happiness and romance, then he would instead scheme and find a murderous way to rise to claim the throne. When Edward died, Richard realized the infant would have to be murdered. That would open his path to claiming the crown. As a king in 1450s England you would always have to watch your back.

There are only 2 more performances of Henry VI The Rise of Richard! Be sure to get your tickets to see who claims the throne.

With the Henry VI Part 3: The Rise of Richard poster I did for the Orlando Shakes, I had an advantage in that the actor for Richard, Mark McClain Wilson, would likely reprise the roll in the next season. For once I knew who to paint for the poster. The Shakes was kind enough to supply reference of Mark from a previous production.

The main thing I knew was that there would be multiple battles for the crown. I researched battle uniforms of the 1450’s period and chose these thick tan tunics with the crosses on them. Well the crosses were really off mark. This was not a show about a holy war. The costume would have to change.

The Bare Bard Series which started in 2019 with Richard II and continued through Henry IV Part 1, Henry VI Part 2, and Henry V as well as Henry IV Part 1, Henry IV Part 2 and Herny V in 2003. Then the pandemic slowed down the series for a bit. The War of the Roses revived the series followed by Henry VI Part 1; Joan of Arc, Henry VI Part 2: She Wolf of France and now Henry VI Part 3: The Rise of Richard. Next season Richard III: The Bottled Spider completes the series.

An usher in the theater was saying she was surprised that there were so many shows in the War of The Roses series. She thought there was only 1. She asked if I had seen any of the other shows, and I have been along for the whole Fire and Reign series illustrating and learning new history of royal conquests.

What is unique about these shows is that there is no director, the actors block out the scenes themselves as they rehearse much as they did back in Shakespeare’s day. They also go into the costume shop to pick out their own costume for the show. Some costumes feel like they are from the 1450’s period, but others might be more modern in flavor. It all depends on how the actor decides they should look on stage. In a past show, Mark McClain Wilson had chosen a hip leather jacket to wear. Since that reflected his taste, it was suggested that I should depict him in leather.

The crown changed hands many times in this show. A complicated family tree in the program was the best way to figure out who was part of the house of York and who was part of the House of Lancaster. The House of York was represented by a white rose and house of Lancaster was represented by a red rose. I have painted many roses over that past several years.

Audience members were given a passport book in which they could paste the stickers that are handed out for each show. I don’t use the passport book. Instead, I place the stickers on my sketchbook cover which makes finding a particular show sketch very easy when I go through the sketchbook archives.

For this show I was given a red rose sticker, but secretly I was rooting for the despotic and twisted Richard who wears the white rose.

Henry VI Part 3: The Rise of Richard is now playing at the Shakes through April 19, 2026. I had a great time. Grab your tickets today!