This painting has been on my mind lately. I've been applying to art instructor positions, and this portrait in oils is a good example of my skills with a brush. I’m a 2D artist with mastery over a variety of technical skills, and occasionally I need to prove that for a job posting. This painting was one that I made during my undergraduate education. It was the culmination of hundreds of hours of study in the painting discipline. A benchmark piece that fortified my academic skills as a traditional painter. It features the distinguished mug of a good friend of mine. My best and oldest, Aaron. Aaron and I grew up together in the same small town, but at the time this was painted we were attending separate universities. Now, we live on different continents. We do our best to keep in contact, but it has been years since we occupied the same space. Seeing this piece makes me yearn for a time when we were together. I miss my friend, but I am happy knowing that he is living well. Prost, mein Freund!

above, left: The underpainting process.

above, right: Portrait of a Friend, Oil on Canvas Board, 9”x12”, 2016