These are some of the special people and places that I have had the pleasure to paint. I will rotate the selection periodically. Please contact me for availability of the paintings or to schedule a portrait sitting.
Portfolio
Portrait of Robert Olmos. Oil on canvas. 26" x 38". Painted from life on location in Phoenix Arizona, at 11th and Van Buren streets.. Painted in approximately 40 minutes.
Portrait of Alfredo: size 28"x32" Oil on canvas
After a meal at a local restaurant, I purchased a rose from what my wife and I dubbed the "flower lady". She sold flowers in front of the restaurant. We both decided that she and her roses would make a great portrait.
After a few weeks and some serious contemplation, I finally worked up enough courage to go to the restaurant and ask her to come back to the studio for a portrait sitting.
I went to the restaurant and approached the front of the building where the "flower lady" usually set up. To my surprise Alfredo was offering flowers for sale.
With some communication help from restaurant employees and with my offer to buy his flowers, Alfredo agreed to come and sit for this portrait. I believe the contrasting elements work together to create a strong portrait.
Scott Chamberlain
Norvel Johnson (size 16x20)
Norvel stopped and leaned on his walker or "camel" as he calls it. He was studying a large portrait that I had displayed in the storefront windows of the gallery. I was studying him from my viewpoint inside.
I went outside and asked him if he would allow me to paint his portrait. He agreed and we commenced to paint and talk.
I learned that Norvel was in transition at the time, in need of a better place to live. I also became aware that Norvel holds four degrees. One is in geology from Northern Arizona University and the other three are ministry / theology related.
Norvel has recently procured a better abode and we have stayed in contact over the months. I appreciate his insight and enjoy his sense of humor and I sense he holds a genuine interest in my plight.
Norvel's statement: To whom it may concern: I met a stranger on the street who gave me a job- This painting is the result.
Norvel R. Johnson
9/5/07
Featured Portrait: "Wyatt" 24x30 "
I sat at the desk in the gallery. I had spent a long day catching up on the bookkeeping end of this business and contemplating the worthiness of this endeavor. Admittedly self doubt had crept in. I looked up and saw a figure pass by the window.
Instinct took over. I left the paperwork and went out to the sidewalk. I approached Wyatt and I told him that I was an artist and would like to paint his portrait. He agreed. I also ask Wyatt to be thinking of a statement, something that he would want the viewer of this painting to know.
As this painting progressed I felt my spirit being renewed and once again realized that this was a noble endeavor.
Wyatt's statement:
My name is Wyatt. I am homeless, but a very peaceful man. Like the song goes, what a long strange trip its been.
Featured portrait: Robert Hackney Oil on Canvas size 22 x 28"
I saw Robert sitting on a Main street bench. It was November of 2006. I asked him if he would sit for me. Since that time I have painted his portrait many times. I have portrayed him as the Prophet Elijah wearing a tunic that he made from 4 yards of material and safety pins. I have also portrayed him as Peter taking a piece of money from the fishes mouth. In his own words he said; "I rarely have to ask for anything. There are a lot of Gods' children out there."
We have developed a good friendship. His words have helped me to see and understand the true nature of many of the adversities that we all face.
On one occasion I had scheduled Robert for a portrait sitting. I asked him to write a statement that I could exhibit next to the portrait. He showed up a bit early only to find the gallery/studio flooded. Copper thieves had broken a water line and water had run into the building for hours. He and I swept water out of the building for two hours. We then spent another hour making a great portrait (if I do say so myself.)
Roberts' statement: Where I am living is where I came from. There is a path that will lead me there. That path is an Easter egg hunt. Only the best find it. I am trying to find my way home. All that matters is where I came from. Whatever I do, I can't be myself. Self is what I lost.
Robert Hackney
Portrait of Jimmy Robinson: size 24"x30" Oil on Canvas
Jimmy's statement:
I am Jimmy "the Rat" Robinson. I came to Arizona in 1988, so I was here over 20 years.
I enjoy baseball, such as the Twins and D'backs.
I took trips all over the western U.S. in 15 years, like in Texas, Oregon, New Mexico, California, Colorado and Virginia.
I thought that I would do that before I croak.
Love
Jimmy "the Rat"
Robinson
Title: Procession of Souls: size 36"x72" Oil on Canvas
Portrait of Ron Fischel size 30"x36" Oil on canvas
Ron's statement: My name is Ron Fischel. The used to call me "Baron". Which stands for Ron's bar backwards. I ran a bar and grill called "Barons".
I spent time in Europe during the Korean war. I didn't know why the Jewish soldiers would invite me to their celebrations until after the war when my mother and father told me that I was Jewish.
My father bought a grocery store to get us kids through high school. I cut and stacked hay as a teenager. My two twin brothers died in a snow storm. Sandy, our dog led us home through the storm. We didn't know the twins were trying to follow us.
I have traveled a lot, basically running from myself. But, I always had to take me with me. You have to do what you think is right. I've never really had any hardships. I've always done what I wanted to do.
Ron Fischel
Portrait of Jeffery Hinman: size 36"x72" Oil On Canvas
Jeff's statement: My name is Jeff Hinman. I'm 20 and I guess you could say I'm a musician of sorts.
I believe self expression is the most important thing we have. Wether it be through music, art or any means of expanding ones mind. It's important to get to know one another through the sharing of ideas!
Jeffery Hinman
Portrait of Bill Elmer: 36"x48" Oil on Canvas
Looking through the studio window, I spotted a figure across the street. He was dressed all in white, including a white fur coat.
I approached him and ask if he would sit for a portrait and that I would pay him for his time. He replied that he could tomorrow, but that he didn't want any money.
The next day a black Corvette stopped in front of the studio. Bill stepped out and came inside.
We painted and talked for about three hours. I learned that his great Aunt (Bessie) was my Sunday School teacher when I was very young.
Upon finishing, just as he said, Bill wouldn't accept any money.
Scott Chamberlain
Portrait of Alan Washington: size 16"x 20" Oil on Canvas
I'm not sure when Alan first started to roam this Arizona valley. One day in the mid 70's, he made his way up to my front porch and asked if I had any work for him to do.
I asked him if he would "sit for me". He looked at me funny and said "ok". When I finally got him posed and ready to paint he confided that he thought that I wanted him to baby sit my kids.
He also said that he was related to Geronimo and to make him look good. He then passed out.
I painted beyond my means somehow and the portrait was a great one. He later wanted it and many consequent portraits to show his relatives and friends who he really was.
One of the paintings was as big as the wall of the reservation home that it adorned. Had I known that this portrait from the early 80's would be the last that I would paint of Alan, I would have tried harder to do him justice.
I had not come up with the concept of a sitters statement at the time of this portrait sitting. But Alan and I talked about many things and I still remember him looking out across the reservation at sunset and saying.. "I'm the baddest dude ever!"
Title: Portrait of Ed World
size: 24"x30" O/C
Ed is a fifth generation Salvationist. Ed has spent his life in the Salvation Army, including thirty years as a Salvation Army officer (Minister). He has played in and lead Salvation Army bands.
He is recovering from a stroke which affected his right side.
Ed chose the Salvation Army Chorus as his statement...
Keep your eyes upon Jesus Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
