Sam, Today

Sam's is the final portrait I'll be doing here in Portland.  He's a good friend and original member of the "Old Guy Gab Fest", held Friday afternoons at my studio in the old Board of Trade building in downtown Portland for most of the past two years.

Now...let me say--no--scream...WORK-IN-PROGRESS!  Lots of work to be done here, but I'm not too proud to let you have a look.  Suffice to say, the next time you see this painting, you probably won't recognize it.
Sam Sadler, oil on canvas, 20 x 16-inches

On many a Friday, several highly intelligent, politically astute members of what I consider to be the city's elite, would congregate in my small studio space to discuss the issues of the day and enjoy a glass or two of delightful Italian wine, good cheese and excellent bread from the bakery of "Pazzo", a fine Italian restaurant located nearby.

Sam is a veteran, not only of our navy, but also of the battle to forge the future of green energy policy here in the great state of Oregon.  He continues to fight the good fight in our building, serving on the Rules Committee at The Portland Plaza.  He's forgotten more than most of us will ever know about most everything, including all things French.  He loves Paris (but who doesn't) most of all and visits the City of Light on an annual basis.

Sam beat me up pretty badly about three weeks ago when he first say the painting.  He said it made him look drained of blood and deceased for at least two months.  What could I say to that?  He was correct, of course, so I tried to explain that gray was an artist's most important color.  He gave me a highly skeptical look, so I asked him, "What color are the shadows on my face right now?"  He had to admit that the shadows he saw were, in fact, gray. 

His admission did little to change his attitude about the painting.  So, fast forward to today.  Our weather was nice--in the low-50's--so I went on a personal best, nearly seven mile jog.  Afterward, I decided to phone Sam and invite him to see the painting and join me for an "at home" version of the Old Guy Gab Fest.

Sam called me back and agreed to come over following his own workout in our fitness center.  So, late this afternoon, we drank a lot of wine, enjoyed cheese and he got to see the latest version of his portrait.  He was pleased with what he saw and acknowledged it's a work-in-progress.  We then moved on to a discussion of the issues of the day.  Soon, Michele arrived.  She was pleasant, but knows better than to pay any attention to our semi-ubriaco blather and proceeded to prepare a most  delicious tortilla soup.  So, a wonderful dinner capped our day and Sam departed with a full belly and feeling pretty good about his portrait.  I hope your day was half as good.