Seferino

Seferino

Meet Seferino!

Seferino Solis is a part of a construction crew that is working on replacing heat risers in our building. A few weeks ago I brought home some groceries, and as I dragged them to the elevator the elevator’s door started to close. Figures! But for a few moments I still could see the construction team and their equipment, and there in the far corner of the elevator – an aged Zorro. Of course, I had to have his face for the series. I set out on a quest to find him, but it was useless, it is a big building. I was riding elevators and climbing stairs, looking everywhere and listening for power tools – nothing.

So I found Tello. Always get Tello when you have a problem! Tello knew where they were, he took me into the basement and translated for me – Seferino and I have no language in common. Seferino was even more beautiful close than I briefly saw in the elevator. He was also very shy, not used to being treated as a model for art. He kept gesturing that I should take photos of the other young men of the team, and I did – be polite. But their young unlined and shiny faces stood no comparison to his – old and wise and lived in, probably having had a hard life. I can only imagine.

#26 of 40. Graphite, Moleskine Cahier sketchbook

12 Comments

  1. Nicola (PointyPix) October 31, 2010

    What a wonderful sketch and another interesting story behind the face and how you came to draw him. It sounds like a great place you live – always meeting these great characters.

    • Alex Zonis October 31, 2010

      You are bringing up a very interesting thought, Nicola! I don’t think I live in a very interesting place, it is your regular boring place. At least it was until I started this project and began looking for faces to draw. The more I looked – the more interesting people became. I also wonder if I actually have something to do with it, romanticizing my models and finessing their expressions.

  2. lesliepaints October 31, 2010

    How many more, Alex? It seems to me that you are on the second half of this project. Very cool portrait of Seferino and your sleuthing payed off for sure. Happy Halloween!

    • Alex Zonis October 31, 2010

      I have 26 of 40 done so far. 14 to go. I can almost see the finish line :D! When I started this project back in August I did not realize how much work it would take. I do now, but it is too late to quit. I have to finish, or I will have this unfinished business hanging over me for a long time and I would hate that.

      Seferino was an awesome model, and sleuthing was actually fun! Happy Halloween to you too!

  3. Friedrich Nietzsche October 31, 2010

    This is a compelling synthesis of the Apollonian and the Dionysian – of the intellect and the emotions – of reason and sensibility. Keep up the great work!
    Fritz

    • Alex Zonis October 31, 2010

      Now, this is very deep, Friedrich! Possibly too deep?! It sounds good though, like one of those hyper-intellectualized art critiques that nobody understands but pretends that they do and nods thoughtfully while stroking their chin. I’ll take this as a compliment – thank you! Happy Halloween! :mrgreen:

  4. Artswebshow November 1, 2010

    You captured that brooding shy look rather well.
    Another awesome drawing from you

    • Alex Zonis November 1, 2010

      Thank you, Richard! Having a beautiful model like Seferino is sometimes half the battle won. He is doing it for me!

  5. Carol King November 1, 2010

    Whoa! I swear I’ve seen that man in my neighborhood! What a fantastic expression he’s got. You’re getting better and better.

    • Alex Zonis November 1, 2010

      Thanks, Carol. Doesn’t he look like an old Zorro though? Is it just my overactive imagination?

  6. aswirly November 1, 2010

    How absolutely wonderful… the expression you captured in his face. I’m blown away

    • Alex Zonis November 3, 2010

      What a great comment! Thank you, Amber! Not everyone sees what I saw in his face, so not everyone relates. I am glad you did!

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