Caught

This young boy of the Philippines was playing with his pigeon, when my camera caught him. He was one of many local children we visited, taught, and invited to our home in Balanga, Bataan. Both he and his little bird were a bit shy, however. He represents the transparency and simplicity of children all around the world. In painting him and his friend, I was interested in creating a strong design of darks and lights, and in capturing a stroke or two of his innocence.