On painting Al

 I've tried to the best of my ability to avoid the cliche when painting the homeless . Somehow these down and out children of God seem so cast off and wayward that they make easy marks for the artist. They can be invisible to the busy person trying to get to the next appointment and yet for the artist they are a symbol of the fallen fruit that is going to waste in front of our eyes.

 Al is not homeless but he sure comes off pretty ragged. He is on social security and actually lives near the Gallery. I see him every day and I have become quite fond of Al. He usually asks me for money so  that he can go across the street to the mexican restaurant and buy a beer. He is an alcoholic. So I had a thought the other day as he sat in his usual spot on a bench right by my door.

 I asked him if he could pose for me for 1 hour the following day at 10. I told him I would pay him $10 . That way , instead of always begging for money , he could earn it from me. He agreed. In about 15 minutes time , he walked back into the Gallery and asked me for an advance . I told him I would pay him tomorrow after he posed. He said " Okay ... Be that way! " .

Sure enough , he was ready to pose at 10. So before you judge how rough this painting looks , I just had an hour to pull it off. He was a good model! He stood still and besides smoking occasionally  he was a joy to paint.

 So Al , I says .... how bout we do this again ... I mean ... you are a great poser . He said " Okay .... anytime Frank!" and he and I laughed.

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