I used myself as the model for this painting, but it was never intended to be a self-portrait, not in the conventional sense of capturing a likeness. It is a painting of a man who is curious about life, perhaps confused, perhaps angry, always searching. The man in this painting is alert and clear eyed, but the gently furrowed brow suggests there is something more going on behind those kind eyes. There may or may not be a slight smile under that playful mustache. The shirt collar is loose and free, allowing the man to be nimble in thought and action. The head is solidly painted, the brushwork quick and lively, he is listening to his own thoughts but could respond to you in an instant. He sits in a half light, there is a lightness of being in one half of the painting, and a rich depth of life experiences in the other. The light is the natural light from the window in my studio, it has sparkle and energy. The shadows are mysterious, there is energy there too. In fact, the entire painting is imbued with a quiet liveliness...
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