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September 5, 2006
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Canon
Canon EOS D60
1/125 second
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45 mm
100
Aug 29, 2006, 11:18:08 AM
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:icondamalia:
A friend of mine died this summer. About a month ago, actually. He was struck by a vehicle at highway speed while he was crossing on his bike; he died in the hospital that night. He was only 18, and one of the best and brightest kids you could ever wish to meet. I'd known Kenneth and his family for almost as long as we've lived in Rochester, almost 15 years now. His death came as a suprise to all of us, and he was greatly mourned and will be even more greatly missed. I stopped commissions and mural work to finish this portrait for his family, mostly because it helped me to process his passing, and to feel like somehow I contributed to the healing process. Everything is getting back to normal now, but for a couple weeks it seemed like life stopped to mourn Kenneth's passing.

Kenneth was a huge LOTR and Star Wars fan. He was an avid DnD player, gamer, and cosplayer since middle school. He made his own chain maile by the traditional technique with real steal rings. I put him in Aragorn's armor because he had been working on reproducing that costume since the movie's release and took every slight excuse to wear it. To school, to movies, to parties. This is how he would have wanted to be remembered.

As usual, please don't reproduce this image--the original belongs exclusively to the family, and I don't want them to see it show up somewhere randomly online. I wanted to upload it here to share it with you folks, because it was a very emotional event for me this summer, and I think this is the best portrait work I've ever done as a result.
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:iconcompasswolf123:
Mood: Tender ~CompassWolf123 Jan 15, 2013  Hobbyist General Artist
I'm sorry for your loss...
I think Kenneth would be happy with his portrayal.
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:icontordaki:
~Tordaki Oct 11, 2012  Student Photographer
That is so cool, I feel bad over the loss of such a great young man. I know he would have loved it. Great job.
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:iconigor-son-of-gondor:
~Igor-Son-Of-Gondor Feb 5, 2012  Hobbyist Writer
respect man...im sory for your friend. im shure he would love this.
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:iconkissychan1101:
~kissychan1101 Jul 1, 2011  Professional Writer
:iconsadhugplz: This is a beautiful memorial. Thank you for sharing.
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:iconsteamgrl:
Sorry about your loss.

Art is beautiful
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:iconmarina731:
~MaRina731 Nov 3, 2009  Hobbyist Traditional Artist
A real tribute. Now he will be remembered as what he really was like. :happycry:

:+fav:'d
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:iconuinenfirestar:
~UinenFirestar Sep 12, 2009  Hobbyist General Artist
Wow, what a moving tribute! Very well done.
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:iconkaytara:
~Kaytara Jun 6, 2008  Hobbyist Digital Artist
*sobs*
Such a beautiful portrait, but.... stories like this make me so angry at the one responsible... I hope the car driver got what (s)he deserved. >(
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:iconyunska:
Mood: Love *Yunska Dec 22, 2007  Hobbyist Artist
I'm very sorry for your lost. I know these are better in person but *hug from random moi*. May he rest in peace.

I love your attention to detail. Its quite a handsome picture and tribute.
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:iconyunska:
*Yunska Dec 22, 2007  Hobbyist Artist
And please ignore the smiley face in the corner. Stupid face did the wrong one. ~_~
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