Illustration: 85 Clinton Street

 

The family house, now sold. I wanted to honour the place in some way I could. So many memories there with my parents I will miss. Drawn in procreate. 

Portraits: Mom and Dad

 I was inspired after talking to my friend Mike after he did a portrait of his father a while back. Both my parents are in poor health and I decided that if I didn't do portraits of them now I likely never would. 

My mom's portrait was the most difficult. Her poor health has changed her dramatically. I took some reference photos while visiting her last but I changed a lot for the portrait. I wanted to draw her recently but not emphasize her current state so much. It isn't who she is so I took some liberties and came through with something those who know her would recognize as her. 

My father's portrait was easier, I took his photos the same day and while I did concentrate on his smile over his wrinkles, it's very much him all the way. I used a multi toned technique for his hair which I think worked out well.

I won't lie, these were emotionally hard to make and in a way that is why I did them. It hard to see them age and change and doing a portrait means looking at every detail and facing it. I got some really needed advice from (now New Mexico artist) Tobias Blaine Allen who really pointed me in the right direction with the shading in particular.  I drew these in a way that they could be put together as one image if I decide to print them like that. 

While I did most of the work in Procreate on the iPad, I did the shading and finish work in Affinity photo to take advantage of my 27 inch 5k screen.