First portrait

I was looking again at that powerful and hauntingly beautiful unfinished portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart that I posted on Presidents Day. We all project our own thoughts and feelings on what we are viewing, and I couldn't help but feel his strength, determination and maybe even his fatigue after his war time experiences helping birth our nation, and his terms as president.  I look at those eyes and he seems to be saying across the decades, Yeh, I'm watching you Donald. On a lighter note, I thought I would post the first paid portrait that I ever did. This was after I had returned from Boston where I studied classical realism and was working at Wild Oats, which has now been absorbed by Whole Foods. (Interestingly, that little store at East Colfax and York in Denver is now Abend Gallery). The young woman pictured was a cashier there and mentioned she was looking for a gift for her mom. I offered my services, showed her my portfolio, and I'm grateful she took me up on my offer.