A Challenging Commissioned Double Portrait
Last Saturday, October 10 was George's birthday, I brought this double portrait on a wet canvas finished only the night before to his booth at the local Farmer's Market. A big surprise for him! Everyone was happy, his two sons and a lady named Nami worked there, and some people who happened to be at the market at that time. George gave me a big beautiful bouquet of flowers. I felt satisfied by my effort. George and his wife were immigrants from Japan, raised their granddaughter Aika like their own daughter. Aika wanted me to paint a portrait for George's birthday. She told me that she loved both of them deeply. I was very grateful to get both Aika and Nami's trust, no matter what obstacles I would face, I must finish a decent portrait for them. It was only a one-week deadline for the commissioned work. Aika's grandparents were busy working, barely had decent photos together. I found that out after our agreement to paint an 11 inch by 14 inches oil painting, but actu...