A painting for my friend Wes

In an effort to give JBF a unique return in the World Cup of Trading, I decided to make him a painting of his favorite player.

There were a few reasons I chose this route.

1. Wes has been very generous to me over the years, so I wanted to provide him with something a little more personal.
2. I am out of Willingham cards. They are going to become harder and harder to find as Wes gobbles them all up.
3. I haven’t done a painting in a few years, and had been itching to jump back in.

I was definitely quite rusty, but overall think it came out pretty good. Here’s a few photos of the process.

I started by painting the background and then drew the image on the canvas. Usually I draw the image (using grid boxes) and then paint the background around it. I’m not sure why I chose to paint the whole canvas first this time. I also drew freehand looking at a picture on my phone. I actually combined two images, using the legs of one photo and the upper half of another.

I then started painting the legs and pants. I think the right leg is the best element of the painting, as it came together nicely.

Then I did the shoes, skin, blue jersey, in that order.

And once again, the final piece. The last stages included helmet, bat, ball, and a few touch-ups elsewhere.

I enjoyed doing this, and glad it turned out well for my friend. I’m not sure what’s on tap for my next painting, but hopefully it won’t be a few years before I churn out another one.