The Big Heads portrait series focuses on capturing a moment in time for any particular subject. As I work with the model, I want them to feel as if they are in mid-conversation with me, but have become momentarily distracted by something *just* out of the corner of their eye. The more their focus shifts to some random spot on the wall, the more their imagination then takes over. A relaxed concentration takes over, and their face conveys an appearance of daydream wonder. It is this moment I try to capture on canvas.

The settings are sparse, with the face conveying the bulk of the story. In the end, I hope the viewer brings their own interpretation to each painting, creating a new and unique story each time the work is viewed.

Robert was a former coworker of mine when I began the second phase of the Big Heads portrait project. I had asked him a few days earlier if he would sit for me, but as luck would have it he had been having an extremely rough day on the day of the shoot. Still, we decided to roll with it. Exhausted and drained, Robert was a total trooper, and I’m thankful he allowed me to capture a moment of weariness.

Robert
Acrylic on canvas,
20 x 30 inches,
Painted 2008 by Matt Cauley