I posted this portrait of this man, Luis, the other day and today was the day I got the honor to give it to him. I just had to share my experience with you all. Sorry if it ends up being kind of sappy, and over sensitive, but that is who I am.
I introduced myself and I explained my personal project, "Unforgettable Faces Project." I said that often I pass through the park and see him working away in front of the church cleaning peoples shoes and chatting with them. He always seems to give his clients his all and says things that make them happy.
He was nervous to shake my hand as it was covered in shoe polish, I grabbed his hand and shook it with both of mine. I told that kind of thing is nothing to worry about, I have messy hands too.
He is a very happy, proud and spiritual man. He was gentle kind and said some very wonderful things to me and about my project to where he brought tears to my eyes. Finally, Luis said that he was going to give it to his mom because she loves him and he wanted to show he loves her. I told him that I was happy to help bring his mom joy when she has such a wonderful son.
When I do a painting, I often think about what that person is like in reality and start to think about their life. It brings me closer emotionally to the painting and the person to help me bring the painting to life. He is absolutely everything his face tells you. Such a lovely kind person.
This painting was created on A4 Canson 300 gpm/140lb multi paper, slathering of gesso, collage papers and Reeves Acrylic matte medium, Dr. P H Martin bombay ink, Winsor and Newton watercolor markers, signo white gel pen, black rotring ink in Rotring fountain pen.