Painting Portraits. A Universe in Each Person. What speaks to you?

Have you ever tried to draw someone you know? or even a movie star? We all see differently.. and focus on different parts of what we see.

The better you know someone, the more you see the Universe within them. By watching how people move through the world and what they write or say… by observing you can get a 3-dimensional view of folks.

What do you see in your imagination when you think of someone you love, know, or admire? What do you hear? What colors and textures? What are the minimum skills required to express what you imagine? Where do you begin?

Each portrait I attempt sucks me into the time-space continuum and my own imagination. Marlon S. Hayes is a poet, writer, essayist, sports fan, and author from Chicago. He started writing poetry before grade school and his first book of poetry and short stories–The Colors of My Mind–was published in 2013. In 2016 writing became his bread and butter… and starting in 2022 he will be releasing a book every quarter for the next three years.

Success comes with focus and work. Marlon admitted that he submitted his work to 120 publishers and publications in 2018. And he had 27 acceptances. How many of us would give up before contacting 120 potential “yeas or nays?”

So what marks and colors could I put on two dimensions to conjure up a recognizable piece of the whole Marlon?

I’ve used mixed media to try to capture Marlon and his wife, Traci. They radiate a love of life and each other. I see and feel joy looking at them. So I’ve boldly declared that I’m Auntie Crow to Marlon S. Hayes, and he’s approved. Hooray. Connect with Marlon at https://www.facebook.com/marlon.hayes.5

Here are other portraits I’ve done of dearly departed friends from my music world and dearly alive folks from my current world. Each portrait is differently imagined and painted. Does one style speak to you more than another? I’d love to know.