Dam Tailor

[Bongo]

"Dam Tailor" oil on 11"x14" very cheap stretched canvas

A little back story.

This painting is based on a photo I took 20 years ago. I was walking down an alley with my camera when this guy comes out the backdoor of his shop into the alley to have a smoke. As I walked past and facing away from him I used my "patented" technique to take the snap.

He was a very sophisticated guy, and whenever I'd show a bunch of photos this was the one that people would always comment on. I later learned that his tailoring expertise was in high demand. He was well respected in the Vietnamese community and had quite a backstory (which I forget) that was told in his obituary. . The sign above his head read "Adam Tailor" but the photo I took cropped out the "A" so it read "dam Tailor". This painting was done on cheap canvas that I didn't bother to prep and is an exercise not meant to be a portrait, and bears only a casual resemblance.

 

[Artyczar]

I love this Bongo! The painting on its own is sophisticated. I love how your style rings through in making portraiture. EXCELLENT composition, too!

 

[Donna T]

That's a wonderful unguarded pose and expression, Bongo. Great painting and thanks for describing how it came about! Your photography technique is sneaky but very effective.

 

[Bongo]

Ayin, Donna' thank you so much!

 

[Jo Castillo]

This is great. Love it and the design.

 

[Bongo]

thank you Jo!

 

[Terri]

Wonderful work. His relaxed expression and posture tells you that he had no idea he had been photographed. Good job on the street, Bongo! This is how you do it!

 

[Bongo]

Thanks Terri. I have a whole rap about candid vs posed portraits.