Dave at the Board
Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at 9:54AM In August of 1981, I embarked on a new career as a hard line artist for the Stonebrook Advertising Agency in Orlando, Florida. No more slinging hot dogs and hamburgers! By hard line, it meant that I drew items like shoes, appliances and furniture. That sort of stuff. I also designed ad layouts for newspapers throughout the state, but I was never a fashion artist. No flare for that.
Artist renderings eventually went by the wayside. By 1990, I was sitting in front of a new Mac computer, still designing ads, but also directing photo shoots that included live models.
This is a portrait of me done by fellow artist, Mary McNamara. She sat directly across from me when we still worked at our art boards. To say this was a surprise was an understatement. I had no idea until she presented it to me one afternoon, and it was quite a gift! I believe Mary is gone now, but the picture will forever be a fond memory of her — and how I looked at the time.
The medium was watercolor and it was painted on January 25, 1985. I’ve kept it protected all these years, but it has yellowed with age.
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Reader Comments (9)
Dave, you are so loved by so many people. Just wanted you to know that.
Thank you very much, Cindy. Your comment means an awful, awful lot to me - more than you think.
Dave~~I echo Cindy's comment. I didn't know you had a full beard back then. Nice!!
I didn't have that beard for long, Snoopy, but I think I grew one on more than one occasion. Years ago. Who knows? I may grow another one in protest.
Thanks.
Miss MacNamara did a lovely portrait of you Dave...I'm sure that seeing it gives you fond memories...Thank you sooo much for sharing it with us...I hope you have it displayed in a prominent place in your abode...
I do have very fond memories of those years, Estee. I was young and full of zest. And I had a beautiful blonde girlfriend then, too.
I was only happy to share it for old times sake, but it was put back into the closet. I want to keep it out of the light. Even in the dark, it's yellowed with age and it was painted on art-grade paper.
Thank you.
Nice portrait Dave. I hope you are feeling better. :)
Thank you very much, Joanna. I feel better, but I also have a cold now. Dang!
Dave, I really really like this a "lot" and appreciate that you would share.
And I'm very happy you like the picture a lot, New Puppy. Thank you so much. I like to share, especially something like this because it showcases the artistic talents of the painter and how she managed to capture me during one brief moment in time.
Thats a very nice portrait Dave. and what a beautiful gift from a friend. Be sure to keep it framed under glass to preserve it. Also away from sunlight. I've heard there are varnishes out there that help but I don't know I think they tend to yellow as well.
oh and the beard is cool too!
Yes, it is, Mystical Pippin. It's a wonderful portrait and a gift I will appreciate forever. It is, however, out of the light. Every few years, I bring it out and, this time, I was cleaning some things out of the closet when I saw it. AHA! I snapped a picture and here it is, although I did remove some of the yellow in Photoshop.
Yeah, I kinda liked the beard, too. Today, it would have a lot of gray in it, but I may grow one again. Thank you, my friend.
I did respond to the comments inside each comment. Sorry for the delay. I've been in a funk that's slowly going away.
Please don't grow a full beard. You wouldn't have far to go, but please don't!