Nice try as he lives in the area, but I can't think of a reason why he might stop people in the street. He is not a painter, but it could be said that what he does is an art.
Nope, if it were me trying to guess I think I might be a little more direct with the questions rather than offering names...or look for some clues in what has been said!
No, he doesn't have a beard and if it had been David Belotti I might have stopped to engage him in conversation...rather than politely declining the opportunity and going on my way.