Brused Arms

Portraiture is the most difficult thing to paint. Watercolor is the most difficult medium to paint with. “I dunno dude, what if we combine the two?” This is why people hate Boyd.

I have painted Little Bird more than any other living creature. King Kong doesn’t count, being imaginary. I painted her with her mother and grandmother. It was cathartic. For one thing, once I knew her mom had a beautiful little baby, I figured it was time for Boyd to let go and forget his vows. It was not.

I’m trying to finish a painting of Little Bird and her grandfather. It’s taking longer than I expected. I combined a few photographs to lay out my painting. I’m liking the progress, but it’s emotional. I really liked Big John. He had the coolest shop in town. He was something of a mystery, though. His eyes always seemed a million miles away.

My connection to Little Bird’s family is ancient. In the old country, the McIntyres use their longbows and daggars to protect the forests and the fields. The bloody, murderous Campbells used their great swords and war horses to protect the McIntyres. And so it was.

In the old country, nobody wanted to be in the room with Campbells because we were known to murder and maim. With the McIntyres, though, we were gentle and protective. Not much has changed.