This picture is called Levitating Oranges of Borneo, and is a portrait of one of my best friends Debra. She not knowing I’d immortalized her in crayon, came to visit one day and recognized herself on our wall.

I’ve been wondering for years, “What makes a successful portrait?” I could draw John’s face animated in a goofy grin, but that’s not always him. Picture him with a frown or with his mouth open crunching potato chips. Perhaps I should compromise, as many artists do, and show him sedentary but then I haven’t shown his noisy mind. Do I express the “real” John by depicting his possessions, interests, or past activities?

Perhaps I should draw him at age eight. He’s been eight much longer than he was fifty- two as far as I can see. He’s been eight every year I’ve known him as well as all his bearded years.

Here I’ve tried to show the Real Debra and she seems to think I was successful.  nancymauerman.com

Levitating Oranges Of Borneo In Mink – Framed