Tribute to Chadwick Boseman

A quick look through the layers I used while painting Chadwick Boseman in Photoshop. I see Chadwick Boseman as a role model. It's not for me to list his many accomplishments, accolades, and awards. Or to retell any of the countless anecdotes of coworkers, friends, fans, and acquaintances who were privileged enough to have known him. His on-screen performances speak for him. By every account, he was in real life, just as incredible as he was in movies. The moment I found out he had passed away, I could not process it. Like the rest of the world, I was in shock and disbelief. With all the losses and hardships 2020 has brought so far, this new loss was no less painful. I knew I needed to honor Chadwick the best way I knew how; my art. The painting took a day to finish to my usual standards, but something did not feel right. As I neared completion of this piece, I felt that I could do more. Holding the extended gaze of a person who has achieved greatness, and feeling as though he was gazing right back, made me think that my current standard was not good enough. So I continued painting until I got to the limit of my current skill. Through painting his portrait, I felt a sense of closure, and I was able to process some of the initial heartbreak and shock I had felt. I wish he could have seen it. I wonder what he would think. Farewell Chadwick, and thank you.