Introducing — my first signed painting of 2019 — a collage-painting portrait of my friend, Rayes Lemmens. I met Rayes last year, during my European adventure…

And now… let’s jump into the painting process, and discover how this came to be.

Kicking things off with a series of carefully curated headlines and images.

Here comes the under-painting, and the all important shadows… you’d be amazed how important the location of the mouth, eyes and nostrils are to the overall likeness.

Working tonally outward from the center, getting progressively lighter.

As I was hammering away in greytones, I decided to jump a set of colors, and paint the highlights… this way, I could work in reverse from pure titanium white, to the greyscale previously established.

Now, getting that second-to-last set of tones identified.

A grey wash in the background, along with a careful analysis… I had to rework some midtones to create greater depth in the face.

And, with details in the hair, eyes and midtones… the painting is complete! And, fittingly, let’s take a look at my recent European adventure…

It’s not every day you are invited for a personal tour, and meeting, at Belgian Parliament. Here I am with my friends Helene and Rayes. Thank you for an amazing afternoon Patricia!

With his mind on diplomacy, and diplomacy on his mind.

The trip wasn’t a bust, but this sculpture most certainly was. Can you guess who this is?

You may recognize this long, luxurious room from a television show…

Former Prime Minister of Belgium and first President of the European Council — Herman Van Rompuy. I dig the style of this portrait…

The tapestry of life…

The world is yours, the world is yours… ala Brussels.

It’s actually a spaceship.

I followed Tim Van Laere on Insta, and it paid off — found out about a major event at the HKA Antwerp. It was jammed…

Was particularly fond of this piece by Kati Heck.

Decided to get a massive tattoo while in town… of course, it’s well concealed, so you probably won’t see it…

Ah, the lights.

Toneelhuis… met a very cool woman who is married to the director… so we had to check it out.

What color is this fountain?

Old meets new.

A rainy day… perfect for meat sauce, a glass of red and a fine book… incidentally, The Sopranos Sessions.

Let, let me ride…

You have a good time in Antwerp? Church.

Orange you glad I took this photo?

All along the watchtower…

Follow the beam of light my child.

Unfortunately, they misspelled Borbay.

Pho-got the name of this joint, but it was delicious.

Ironically, it was a Bud Light.

Discovered Dogma… amazing cocktail bar in Antwerp. If you go, ask for Didier… tell him Borbay sent you.

And, I had the great fortune of seeing my good friend and collector Owen… he made the trip from Amsterdam for some good ol’ fun.