This portrait came about because Reese came home from work early enough to pose for me while the light was still good in the studio. The easel
and palette were ready because I had already started another painting. It was in early enough stages that it didn't really matter if work continued on it that day. I sure didn't want to pass up the opportunity to
paint a live model and especially Reese - I've been thinking about it for quite a while, but we
seem to always have other priorities when it comes down to finding the
time.
Reese was uncomfortable in the chair in the studio, so he brought in a chair from our bedroom and got nice and comfy. Sitting in a chair for a couple of hours without falling asleep was a real challenge for him, especially since he had had such a big night at work the day before. His face is normally very expressive which isn't conducive for live model sittings -- he did wiggle a bit and change his position slightly throughout the process -- but that's to be expected with any live model and all in all, he was awesome. We entertained ourselves by listening to a few podcasts of This American Life.
This painting is a 16" x 20" oil on canvas.
