Ekphrasis

John Varriano is so gifted at telling stories through imagery, that he would have excelled as a cinematographer or novelist.

In this portrait, Varriano has presented us with a ‘Larger Than Life’ character. His burly physique gives us a hint of his former years as a College Football player. Those meaty hands portray strength, and that double chin speaks of indulgence. The ‘Camera Flash’ lighting provides the immediacy of a newspaper report, and make his blue eyes sparkle.  The handling of the paint, applied with a fully loaded brush, is thick and fleshy, to portray the feel of the subject’s skin.

There are long days at the office, and then there are really long days at the office. This sad but affluent gentleman has spent a number of sleepless nights putting together what he commonly refers to as “A Big Deal.”  Along the way he has had endless meetings both at his nearby office, and here at the bar.  He has involved many people including investors, CEO’s, CFO’s and the like.

He’s just gotten the news on that flip phone in his left hand, that things are not going well at all. That glass of wine in front of him was supposed to be for a personal celebration as he reflected on his huge accomplishment, but he’s now lost the taste for it.

The next Morning, he was to return to the office like a conquering hero to his partners with that big deal, but those dreams have just been shattered. “Give me a double Scotch Charlie,” he demands of the bartender.

This is not his first tough day nor will it be his last, but after all, he’s had more wins than losses in his career, and you just can’t keep a good man down.

Here’s to better luck next time, Sir Charles!