Allow me to introduce my latest — a commissioned portrait of Jay Aydinalp-Mathews. Father, husband, brother, son, musician, writer, Donkey-league’r, world traveler, survivor, warrior — and a man committed to L-I-V-I-N.

https://www.facebook.com/borbay/videos/624092324704579/

Here is how this painting came to be in a time lapse video, featuring the man himself, in his band — Twin Star Rocket. Now, let’s take an in-depth look at the process and meaning behind this work-of-art…

Last year, I became the Teton Springs Artist-in-Residence. Over rounds of golf, cocktails and world-class cuisine — I met some amazing folks. Among this legion of awesome? Carrie and Jason Shiver. At first, we bonded over a mutual friend — Josh Wand, the man who sponsored my first artist residency in TriBeCa back in 2009. Josh, incidentally, recruited Jason to join the team at Waterloo. Over time, the three of us became friends — and they introduced the idea of painting Jay’s portrait.

Here is Jay with his beloved wife and soulmate — Dilek — as photographed by the incredibly talented Austi V. Campbell. Jay is a 48-year-old cancer survivor, facing round two, in a bare-knuckle brawl for his life. He is documenting his journey through CaringBridge — the writing speaks for itself, and is worth every second of your time.

Taking Austi’s photograph, we decided to crop-in on Jay… and use this as the source image. In preparation for this portrait, I spent a great deal of time speaking with not only Jason and Carrie, but Jay’s Mother, Brother — and Jay himself. Our objective? Capture this loving, passionate, caring, fun, and electric man… in images, words and paint…

Here, you can get see the headlines and images we used (click here for a closer look). Many are obvious, some less so. Jay was kind enough to share the meaning behind each collage element (thank you Jay!)

• Music: Music has played such an important role in my life – playing, listening, and sharing.
• REV105: Revolutionary privately owned radio station in the Twin Cities. An Internship led to a job, led to wife, led to a life.
• Jayhawks: As a ’92 graduate of the University of Kansas, I bleed crimson and blue. Rock Chalk Jayhawk, KU!
• First Avenue: Where I grew up and eventually met my lovely wife.
• UX: My profession – user experience design. Making digital experiences better for people through listening, designing, and measuring results.
• L-I-V-I-N: These wise words from David Wooderson (Matthew McConaughey) of Dazed and Confused have become a rallying cry.
• Family: Where would I be without family? I am blessed.
• Donkey: Proud member of the recreational Donkey Soccer League
• The Replacements: The band that sealed our fate as Dilek and I compared desert island albums on our initial meeting.
• Coach: Win or lose, I’ve loved coaching my boys.
• Montana: Minnesota’s my home, but Montana will always have a piece of my heart.
• Twin Star Rocket: My current band of brothers and a sister.
• Rummage Kinsmen: My high school band. Without it, there would be no future bands.
• Istanbul: Home to my lovely Turkish relatives who always welcome me with open arms.

• Family with Coach Bill Self: A trip of a lifetime to the Jayhawks’ Allen Fieldhouse to meet the team and watch a game court side.
• College graduation party: The Mathews’ Brothers celebrate graduating from KU by hosting A&M recording artists Paw in the basement. The police thought it was a terrible idea.
• Rockin’ cancer: Taking the stage with Twin Star Rocket during early diagnosis.
• The Donkeys: A steamy group of scallywags, bastids, and assorted nitwits that meets Sunday mornings from April to November for a friendly kick about.
• Wooderson & Darla: We’ve done many Halloween couples costumes over the years, but this Dazed and Confused tribute stands out. Yes, that’s my real hair.
• Top of the Mountain: Our Vancouver trip with Grandma. What a wonderful place and a memorable time.
• Mini-Me: Ferocious in a sweater vest.
• High School Graduation: My brother’s high school graduation photo best know for capturing the 1987 hairstyle trifecta – frosted, flat-top, and perm.
• Lollapalooza: Our family did six years straight of Lollapalooza music festivals, starting when the boys were 5 and 7 years old.
• Sister and Brother-in-Law: The two who helped make this portrait, and so much more, possible. There are not enough thank yous.
• Twin Star Rocket: Performing with my bandmates brings me an incredible amount of joy.

• Rummage Kinsmen: The boys who helped trigger my love of music into a long time hobby in 1987, along with friendships that would last forever.
• My Family: Celebrating my sister nuptials in Jackson Hole.
• Visiting Camp Nou Barcelona: Bringing together our love of soccer and travel.
• Our Wedding: People tell me it was a fun wedding. I trust them. I made out with the bride and that’s all I care about.
• Covered Bazaar: Trying to blend in with the locals at the Covered Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey.
• Where we met: Pictured in the very corner we met at First Avenue, with the very gentleman who was with us, Jake Rudh.
• My crew: My favorite picture of my crew. Step back. They mean business.
• Hair Day: There are good hair days and bad hair days. And there are good/bad hair days. This is one of them.
• The Mathews: Kudos to my parents. You really did it right.

Here, it’s all about firing the warm colors to complete the under-painting. The warmth beneath even a black and white painting is vital… you can feel it.

The first two rounds of shadow are crucial in nailing the likeness. Now, while early… Jay is beginning to emerge.

Working toward the brights, a series of midtones further elevate the structure.

Of late, I’ve gone from from the secondary tones right to the highlights, then worked backward. I’ve found this to be most helpful in structuring the form, and eliminating errant color mixing.

Once we’re here, we’re almost there… it’s amazing what a background, strands of hair and highlights can do to bring the final work of art to life.

And boom! Our portrait of Jay Aydinalp-Mathews.

It was an honor to create this painting, and it’s been a true pleasure getting to know Jay and his family. I’ll meet the man in Minnesota, at The Revivalist concert Jason and Carrie have organized in Jay’s honor… and even see him on stage the Friday before in Minny-Apple. To my friends in Wild country — would love to see you at the benefit!

Jason and Carrie, thank you for including me in your family. To Jay… your strength and passion for life are with me now, and forever. See you and your amazing family in a few weeks!