My first portrait in color!!
OK, I guess I should explain. In December I had the great honor of serving as one of the many international election observers in Ukraine for the historic presidential election "revote" (the original election on Nov. 21 was, after massive street protests, declared invalid by Ukraine's Supreme Court because of fraud). When I arrived in Kiev the city was awash in orange - it was the height of the "Orange Revolution." Orange scarves, orange hats, coats...it seemed every car had something orange attached to it, ribbons, bumper stickers, etc. It is still amazing to me how a simple color (a
secondary color no less!) can come to represent the aspirations of a whole people; that it can be invested with such meaning - political, moral, even spiritual.
After a few days of orientation in Kiev, I was sent west to the Carpathian mountain region to observe at 4 or 5 local precincts. The people there are incredible. Especially the older people. They have suffered so much in their lives, but they are survivors and it shows on their faces. They are also extremely kind, generous and hospitable. Many of the people in this region are of the Hutsul ethnic minority. They are basically a poor, but proud mountain people with their own distinct culture, traditions, dress, etc. And they have a wicked sense of humor. I came to love these people.
I took a quick photo of this man the day after the election at a local market. He has an incredible face but, unfortunately, it wasn't a great reference - shot at noon on an overcast day. I tried to make the most of it. The idea to add the orange scarf (which
was orange) came about halfway through the drawing. I'm not sure what I'll do with this drawing - I guess it really only has resonance if you're Ukrainian. Otherwise it's probably like: Huh?
At any rate, when I get my new Nikon D-70, I can't wait to go back there and get tons of better reference material, with proper lighting.
Threaded Mode
