Thanks Elizabeth. I'm so sorry to hear of your friend's tragic loss. It goes to show how interconnected we all are, and just how devastating it is for
so many people, when a loved one is taken away by this mindless violence.
Elizabeth, I really do feel blessed. Those two weeks in December are two weeks I shall never forget. Standing in the middle of Independance Square in Kiev, New Years eve, shoulder to shoulder with half a million people in the freezing cold, listening to (now President) Yuschenko addressing the crowd, congratulating them on their victory, praising them for their courage and determination in standing up for their democratic rights.....at that moment there was no place on earth I'd rather be. At midnight, we all watched the most spectacular fireworks display, and at that moment - 30 seconds after midnight - it started to snow. Perfect.
Jimmie, thanks for your encouraging words. I think what saved this drawing was the man's face and his expression. Up until the day I took this picture (two days before I was to leave) I was hesitant to ask people for a photo - I didn't want to offend or be rude. But that day I found out that they enjoy having their picture taken. I think they feel honored somehow. And they loved it when I showed them the pic on my camera's little LCD. I can't wait to go back.
Linda, Pazhalooysta!! Or, I guess I should say: Budlaska!! (Ukrainian) Do you speak Russian?
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Allan Rahbek
David,
Every painting is a self portrait. Allan
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Allan, that is so true, and sometimes, literally. When my students (high school) do portraits of each other, it's amazing how, in many instances, it looks more like themselves than their subject....but I guess in this case, I hope it's not true literally!
Marvin, thank you so much for your kind feedback. You know, I'm already dreaming and scheming of building a summer home/studio (dacha!) in the Carpathian mountains. I'll never run out of inspiration there. The great thing about what we do is we can do it anywhere!