Inspiration for Gloaming Guitarist

During college when I painted Gloaming Guitarist, I was exploring the theme of the solitary male and his emotions. The series was definitely autobiographical, and featured a lot of my own thoughts amidst that season of life. The college years seem to be both formative and transformative in the lives of many people. While conversing with friends on how we became who we currently are, the college timeframe usually plays a significant role. During my freshman and sophomore years (my last years as a teenager), music was important; it helped articulate my feelings and emotions. (I suppose this is pretty standard, and the reason why music is such a universal language. Unfortunately, at that time, this meant I listened to a lot of negative, angry music.)

Influenced by Family and Friends

Inspired by some close friends, I was learning to play chords on the guitar. While looking for painting inspiration during my senior year, the quiet introspection of playing the guitar in peaceful surrounds stirred my imagination. The model is my young cousin, always at the top of my list because of his youthful features and flaxen hair. He has grown a lot since he modeled for Gloaming Guitarist! And he also plays several more instruments (bass, drums, some piano…). A talented fellow indeed!