Musical Elder (Long)

by Godfrey J. Ellis – Acrylic 14/18 April 2024

We told this happy and enthusiastic missionary to bring something to the photoshoot that was special to him, meaning a button or a tie clip – something like that. Imagine our surprise when he arrived with a ukulele, an embroider sign, a special pencil behind his ear, and a tie with tiny musical notes on it! All that and his strong facial characteristics made for an interesting painting challenge.

Here is the original reference photo. He preferred an abstract musical background instead of the plum blossoms on the tree.

Here are a couple of fun photos of him holding his portrait.

Below are four photos of the portrait as it began to take shape.