Remembering the Mayor

"Remembering the Mayor"- 36in. X 36in. acrylic on 

gallery wrapped canvas.

Raymond Wilson was my brother in law. He passed of a rare gene disease called Alpha 1 antitrypsin. He was a kind soul, his community dubbed him their unofficial Mayor. He was loved be anyone who spent time with him. Mayor is the theme of the paper on the table behind him announcing his passing. The cars on the hutch are about his love of cars and the date on the calendar stuck on his last day . The Global represent his travels and Adventures. Including a trip to Ferrari museum and factory.

Being by his bed side as he took his last breath will remain an honor but deeply painful experience. Leaning on my art to cope i sketched and planned a portrait with him in his final days. The gazebo in the painting was the view from his final window. I sketched for hours that day just trying to process it all.

The decor and clock was vintage friendly's for his over 10+ of service. He severed ice cream to his community most of his adult life. His friendly's family was so important to him. He worked through his final months and they came together to organize a beautiful farewell. He will always be our Friendly's Mayor in his polo uniforms.