David was one of the first people I met and became friends with when I moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was the first person to commission a painting from me and for that he will always be special for his encouragement and patronage. He posed for me in my crappy apartment at the base of the Sandia mountains, while I awkwardly painted his portrait. I was more than a little intimidated to paint a paying client on the spot who had a high expectation for the outcome, but it was a good experience and I’m still pleased with the result.

 

What I really like about this picture is its departure from reality in form and color combined with an actual resemblance. Even though the proportions and anatomy are more expressionistic than realistic, David is still present in the painting. The dichotomy of David was that part of his personality was introspective, but the other part was fully aware of the world in front of him and ready to take it on. His star of David necklace is a small yet significant detail because of his heritage and his name.

 

To see another portrait in this style click here.