This is the final two weeks of (In)Visible Men at the YMCA. I received this wonderful note from an instructor in a communications class at the U of I who attended the show with a class. I appreciate the feedback.
Spent the evening with the men. Progress is slow since my deadlines are my own. It was very relaxing to sit at the easel this evening. I had lower braces placed Tuesday so the distraction from mouth issues were welcomed. Sucking on pretzels is the only way to eat them. Almonds are out of the question. 
As I was sketching Shawn, Rodney, and Mashawn on the canvas today I reflected on the thought that these men wanted to be seen. They sought me out. I'd been attracted to Mashawn for more than a year. He's Hatian and his size betrays his attitude. He's a very humble man. He stopped by the office with Rodney and Shawn. I had never met the others but I was surprised when Rodney shared he was a graphics major. No information on Shawn yet but I loved his indifference when we took the pics and his stare into the distance in contrast to Rodney and Mashawn's gaze. Yogi will have to wait. 
Dark Horse is the brand of cigarettes in Yogi's shirt pocket. I noticed the label as I was completing the sketch on the canvas. The warm pinks in the background is to duplicate his sunburned skin. When I was sketching his sweat strewn clothes and hat I could still smell the stench and the irony that I found him going to the laundromat with a cart loaded with clothes. 
I'd seen Yogi on Constitution Trail over the years and he'd always say hello when I'd pass him either running or biking. And I'd always want to hear his story. Since I'd planned to do a series of portraits of homeless people I knew Yogi would be a part of the series. I finally ran into him as I was driving on Clinton Avenue. He was pushing a grocery cart filled with laundry despite being unbathed himself. I stopped and this was when I learned his name and invited him to model for a painting which he obliged.