I have always been fascinated by the art of portraiture, captivated by its remarkable ability to encapsulate the essence of a person's character and spirit. In 2008, I was privileged to create a portrait of my dear friend and esteemed collector, Wycliffe Gordon. This experience was not just an artistic pursuit; it was an intimate journey into the nuances of his personality. Through this work, I aimed to convey the depth of his individuality and musicality, while also reflecting the profound bond we share.
Incorporating my unique musical notes into the painting added an additional layer of meaning, allowing the art to resonate even more with Wycliffe's identity as a musician. At that time, I was also exploring the rich possibilities of India ink in my artwork, which served as a striking outline for this piece.
Titled "Creating Jazz, Wycliffe Gordon," the finished work measures 36 inches by 48 inches. I used a combination of acrylic paint and India ink to bring the portrait to life, blending the vibrant colors and intricate details to create a dynamic representation of Wycliffe that captures the very spirit of jazz itself.
