Elder Black Eye (Chandler)

by Godfrey J. Ellis – 14×18 Acrylic Jan 2021

This is another souvenir portrait painted for missionaries serving in our area. This was a wonderful young man who served faithfully. The red above the eye (on the viewer’s right) is a black eye or abrasion that Elder Chandler got playing basketball with other missionaries. I told him not to worry, I would take that out, but for some reason that totally escapes me, he definitely wanted that included! “Will you want that in 50 years?” I asked him. “Oh, yesI It’s part of the memory,” he replied. Oh, Okay….

Below is the reference photo:

Here is Elder Chandler holding his photo:

Below are four versions of the painting as it developed. Some stages show marks highlighting areas that needed more attention.