2013 - 18" x 24" - Mixed Media (Gouache, Watercolor), Arches Aquarelle watercolor paper
The ancient king of Konken Mountain hunkers down in his mountain cave. He’s been there for a very long time; moss grows in his beard and on his kingly jacket. He seems to sink into the very rock that forms the mountain. As we peer up the misty ancient stone stairs, there seems to be something glowing within that only he can see.
Another tale about this painting goes like this: I wanted to paint a portrait of my nephew Kevin Onken and I wanted it to be unique. Worked into the painting are symbols of Kevin. He’s an avid bicyclist, so there are symbolic bicycle wheels worked into the design on his jacket. He’s a senior computer programmer, so there’s a circuit board. He’s a musician and one of his instruments is the keyboard. And lastly, I did my best to incorporate Kevin’s symbols into the Onken coat of arms. I’m exceedingly fond of this painting and more importantly of my nephew.
In the collection of Kevin Onken