Pride

Pride (2004)
16½x20¼ Pastel on Pastel Paper
Original is Sold

Pride is about outrageous costumes, scantily clad crowds, fabulous floats, and stomping music on a fun summer day, but it is also a whole lot more. It is a vital way to remind the world that we are their neighbors, friends, sons, and daughters who deserve the exact same rights and protections as anyone else, regardless of who we love.

I have wanted to paint this specific subject ever since NYC Pride in 2003, not just because he is incredibly attractive, but because his magnificent costume reminded me of a peacock strutting down the street. Working on this piece was an absolute joy for me, from capturing the intricate textures of those massive feathers to rendering the soft, out-of-focus crowd watching him steal the show.