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Mike,
Since the archbishop was too busy to sit for me several days in a row, I suggested painting from a photograph. Since I know him personally, I had no problem getting a likeness using a photo, which was taken in my presence, following my instructions. I didn't want to have him in front of a dark background.
I am not particulary fond of those life-sized portrait where light hits only part of the sitter's face and the rest of the picture is totally obscured in a dark haze. It can be very effective, as Rembrandt and some other Masters proved, but I like where I can discern some other part of the painting as well (I am talking large painting here).
Regarding your second question, I am teaching art history in a private high school where I'm also giving a drawing class to the students.
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