PORTRAIT SERIES, 2010 began as an exercise to develop and quicken my rendering skills of a face. My hope was to later transfer my canvas painting skills onto the street where I could implant faces on walls, sidewalks, alleys, window panes -  where ever I saw a frozen face. In its core, the project was an exploration of perception. Walking the city streets everyday, one is bombarded with thousands of strangers' faces. questions that arose for me - what is the difference in how i perceive a stranger versus someone i know? Between acquaintance and friend? Furthermore, what perceptions do we place upon someone solely because of their face, and how does that differ as a photograph?
The series thus grew into an in-depth exploration of the transfer of photographic image onto canvas. rather than painting a perfect rendition of the subject, my painting practice explores the intensity of the moment, the dance between colors, and balance of light and dark, creating a portrait that is completely strange and familiar. Subjects included international prime ministers, philosophers, victims of war, environmental writers, & musicians.
Oil on canvas. 8" x 11" - 36" x 48".