Paley’s 12th Portrait by Nick Runge

Fastest commission in the collection. Thats the first thing to note about this piece. I’ve had Nick Runge in scope for several years now. Well maybe 4 years! I’ve always loved his abstract perspective in his portraits and his watercolor skill is amazing. Now, with all the chaos that was being thrown at all of us in mid-march with sheltering in place. I was already freaking out back at Christmas when we were already reading reports from China about new flu strain that hah hit Wuhan and people were dying very quickly. The anxiety carried over in the new year and I spent January and February when the kids were back at school. Juggling all my volunteers tasks and checking on our emergency rations. 

As result, I kept pushing Paley’s 12th portrait commission to the side and in came Nick to my rescue. The last time Nick and I talked about doing a portrait was back in Summer of 2017. At the time I thought Paley was a bit too young as subject. (Of coarse Nick just posted a photo of 4-5 year old and its flawless.) After seeing the recent shoot with our friend Rachel for her portrait. I knew it was time to bring back all those artists I had said, Paley was too young. Those shots, which can be seen on her birthday post last month, really show how much she has grown. 

Nick and I started talking on February 27th and by March 10th. He was done with the piece. Less than two weeks and this water color was done. Working with was not only quick but very easy. The that he referenced in the piece is shown here. Rachel did a last minute shoot of Paley about a week before I first talked with him. She and Paley actually walked around our neighborhood again to take the shots.This magnificent shot was actually taken on an empty lot that Clem and I should have bought when it went up for sale. Oh well. I digress. There are so many wonderful shots from this shoot, this one shot was perfect example of a new lighting method that Rachel has been testing. 

Nick’s interpretation of the shot is amazing. At first sight of the piece, I was interested in the lighting in the piece but then I realized that I didn’t even remember the reference shot. After going back I saw the one shot he referenced and it was one of my favorites. The look she’s giving in the shot translated perfectly in the piece. Paley was super excited when she saw the watercolor and I cannot wait to get this piece framed. Thank you Nick.