the father figure

Some portraits are more than just artwork—they’re acts of remembrance, of love, and of healing.

Recently, I had the honor of creating a deeply meaningful family portrait, commissioned as a gift for a very special mother. The painting was meant to pay tribute to a loving father who had passed away, bringing together the entire extended family for one last moment—captured on paper, forever.

The heart of the portrait was about presence. The family wanted their father, a Kyokushin referee, to be remembered not just as part of their past but as still very much with them. We included a subtle but symbolic reference to his Kyokushin background, integrated with care and respect into the composition. It was important for them to see him doing what he loved, standing proudly among those he cherished most.

We also wove in other quiet nods to his personality and to the bonds he shared with each family member. Nothing loud, nothing flashy—just small, heartfelt details that only they would notice. The kind of details that make someone say, “That’s so him.” Alongside the family, their four beloved cats found their way onto the scene too—each with its own personality, as all cats do. They brought a sense of warmth and lightness to the portrait, a reminder of the everyday joys that continue.

For the color palette, we intentionally kept things soft and understated. Muted tones allowed the focus to stay on the people—their faces, their expressions, and their togetherness. In a way, the painting became less about visual impact and more about emotional resonance. It wasn’t about making a scene—it was about making a memory.

This project was incredibly special to me, not only because of the love and trust the family placed in my hands but because it reminded me of the power art has to connect, to comfort, and to celebrate those who have shaped our lives.

To the family: thank you for letting me be a small part of your story. And to their father—may this portrait stand as a quiet tribute to a life well-lived and a legacy deeply loved.