Rick the Model

Rick

graphite on paper

The other day I ran down to the art supply store to get a tube of paint and a few canvases (I have my first official commission for 3 - 7x7 paintings!). Depending where I park I have to walk past one of our city's commercial galleries, Rouge Gallery, to get to the store and on this day that is exactly what happened. I decided to stop in really quick even though I was dressed in my painting clothes and definitely not looking like I had money to spend on any of the art in the place. As it turned out I am so glad I did because the featured show was by an artist named Rick Pilling. Eleven years ago when I began taking the odd drawing class he was one of our models! At the time he was a Fine Art student and began to pose for studio classes, likely to make a bit of extra income, but also to understand what it required to be a model... and yes, he was nude which made this all very admirable in my eyes. He did a great job for us and really seemed like a great guy. Since then he has obtained both a Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts and his work has taken off. I am thrilled for him and the success he has found. Please click on his name above to see his work at the Rouge Gallery. Take note that in his portfolio there is a beautiful portrait of Degen Lindner who is also represented by Rouge Gallery and who has been a mentor to me. 

I found this unfinished sketch of him from a night class when he was our model... a decade ago!

As a side note, my dear Sammy turned eight today! I can't believe it. In another eight years he will be driving!