ART & LIFE --- Building a Buddy / Painting & Process

I did this painting in the beginning of October and donated the painting to the local Best Buddies Organization for there annual fundraiser gala. I have been apart of the Best Buddies program for the past 2 years. I took over the relationship between my father Joe Columbus and Mike Wheeler, when my father passed away in 2015. Mike has always been a part of my life since he and my dad had been paired as best buddies for 20 Years.

I decided to do this commemorative piece to pay tribute the my father and to help raise money for the local best buddies organization. This is my rendition on the very famous Best Buddies logo done by artist Keith Haring.

Late in September of this year my wife and I put on a painting event for the best buddies citizens program. It was during this event that i was inspired to create this painting from the one i did that day, pictured here below

Here is the start of the larger piece i did specifically for the Gala. The canvas size is 48x48.

This is the initial sketch

Here is where i went over the initial pencil sketch with a black paint marker

Here are more process shots of filling in the painting with color

I normally sign my paitings but decided to put it on the side of the painting instead, to not take away from the painting

I used Paint makers to help make crisp lines for outlining then went back over with a paint brush with the same paint color to accent the lines. Below is a picture of me and the painting so you can get a scale for size

Last here is a picture of My wife Jenny, my stepmom Sarah, My Best Buddy Michael, and myself, at the Gala.

I am very happy to also announce that this painting went on to help contribute to a big night for Best Buddies! I was extremely proud and and honored to make a contribution in my fathers honor.