Bis Später (Kessler)

by Godfrey J. Ellis — 12×12 Acrylic Nov 2020

This young boy is the grandson of one of our good friends. If you look at the dates, you will quickly realize that he died at age 20, not at age 10, as pictured. Still, this is the photo used on the memorial program and the one she wanted me to paint, probably because he died in poor health. His death was a result of a bad fall, from which he never recovered. He was in a wheelchair for years.

I involved my friend in the painting as it developed. She was the one who suggested my painting some of his drawings, which are typical of a 10 year old. She also wanted the German phrase, Bis Später, included in tiny writing. Loosely translated, it means, “Until later” or “Until we meet again.” Below is the reference photo:

Below is grandma picking up the painting. She wanted me to subdue some highlights I had in the face and I did that while she waited. She said that she is going to give the painting to the child’s parents for Christmas.