The Unveiling

We returned yesterday to James Brandess' studio for PH's final sitting for his portrait.  James is an artist we have admired since we saw his work well over twenty years ago. One day, eighteen years ago, doing the most daring thing we could imagine, we asked him, hat in hand, if he would consider painting the doors of our armoire.  We knew we were crazy to ask and even more, when he came to the house to see what we wanted painted and look over the setting, we were giddy surprised when he took the doors and drawers with him.  Now, 18 years later we no longer live in that house but  the armoire is something we wake up to every day, in its new home in a sunny room.  I remember when we were going to move from the area I went in to see him and tell him we were leaving.  "Are you taking the armoire with you?" he asked.  I told him it goes where we go, we treasure it.

One day last fall we were visiting his studio with friends and I was really paying attention to the portraits hung around the whole building of residents of Saugatuck, sometimes even their dogs.  I got the same crazy idea we had when we asked him to paint a piece of furniture.  I thought this could be a good way to wrap up PH's big year.  He had a big birthday, he retired and this could be a nice way to commemorate his big-year-Christmas.  He would certainly never forget it. Something once-in-a-lifetime.  Something from an artist he loves.  I knew it was something he would never guess, something one of a kind, something he would L  O  V  E. 

So. For two Sunday afternoons, tools in hand, James recreated PH as he sees him. 

James' style is very textural.  Much of these strokes are made with a knife, the paint is thick, peaked, wavy and that gives his work a depth that you just want to get your nose up to to examine but as with any painting, you have to step back.

Here he is!  The great unveiling. Finished!  PH immortalized! Several times James said he really likes this one.  PH was over the top happy.

The portrait is in drying mode for four weeks while it dries enough for framing, then we can bring it home.
    We love it!  Thank you James!