My portrait paintings included in this application are all painted in oil with a background layer of gesso or acrylic. They are all of people that I have developed a relationship with. I strive to represent the beauty, culture and power they each show. I want them to become iconic and synonymous with everyday life just as Norman Rockwell was with his portrait themes. Strong, beautiful and capable. As a self taught artist I am constantly expanding my techniques which is why sometimes I paint on old maps and other times on canvas or board. These three examples are ones I painted on board. The painting “Revelation” is an expansion into color and form used to compliment the portrait process. I plan to keep doing more of these in the future.