Linda (the model’s spouse) phoned me last summer to say that she and her husband LOVED my drawing of “Arthur” which they’d first seen at the Kemper Museum’s Backstage Pass show, and again later at Arthur’s home. She wanted to give her husband, Topper, a portrait (of him) for his birthday. I thought Christmas might be more realistic and eventually, Topper came to my studio and modeled for me. It was VERY fun — what an interesting man, and so pleasant! Excellent model, too!
It seemed to take forever to narrow the photos down to a handful — some of them full figure and some just of the head. Topper and Linda and I consulted and, based on Toppers dislike of my favorite head, I decided to use the standing portrait he liked best. It turned out to be VERY difficult to get an image I liked and which I thought wnted to become ‘art’. After MUCH adjustment back and forth, an image eventually developed which I thought worthy. However, that image was a BEAR to complete. For some reason, I could NOT keep my pens working and went thorough over 150 of them before I called it ‘done’!! But the drawing turned out very well, I think!
"Topper" 2009, 79x38 inches, pen and ink on Rives BFK paper
detail
detail
I received a very sweet note from Topper after I delivered the framed drawing:
November 2, 2009
Dear Mike,
Your artwork is absolutely captivating.
Seen from afar or near – from a “micro” aspect, or a “macro” aspect – it simply soars. The overall composition is commanding and, at the same time, any square centimeter of that overall composition is utterly fascinating in its intricacy and rhythm
Mike, you are a truly grand visual artist.
And, I must add, a very smart human being. You continuously demonstrate intellectual prowess as well as psychological observations of considerable perspicacity.
And add this to your “human package”: you are just a prince of a guy.
Congratulations my friend, on your marvelous accomplishments, but also simply on the qualiry of the life you have led.
Sincerely,
Topper