24x36 inches . . . . . acrylic on canvas on panel, 1990

This painting was done in a limited time from a live model and was an important step in letting go of photographic realism. I liked painting this because the limited time and a live model meant I had to simplify and get rid of what isn’t necessary. Even now, more than 35 years later, I like the strong lighting, the uncluttered composition, the simple colors, the mere suggestion of the ruffle on the tuxedo shirt.

What makes a painting great is not the amount of time it took the artist to paint it, but the time it took for the artist to be ready to paint it.