Philip Michael Cochran
This drawing of Philip Michael Cochran (1946-2020) felt very personal to me, even though I’d never met or heard of him before. A friend asked me to draw him. At first glance, he looked quite ordinary, a middle-aged man in glasses posing for a photograph.
Philip Michael Cochran | Nicole Jeffords 2021
But there was the bow-tie -- a floral one at that. And there was a sensitivity in the face, a wry humor and openness to discussion/exploration of all manner of subjects that was plainly written on his face. The high forehead spoke of wisdom and intelligence, the sleek set of the ears immediately told me that Philip Michael Cochran possessed more than his fair share of delicacy and tact. So I immediately liked him.
When I read his obituary (which I did after completing this drawing), I learned that he had been a historian and that, while he had a great number of relatives, he had remained single all his life. I was happy to have the chance to … well, in a sense memorialize him. I found myself drawing him with more care and gentleness than I usually use in my work. The pencil was a tool that seemed to move on its own, with strokes that were caresses once the general outline had been achieved. To put it another way: I fell in love with the kindness and decency embodied by Philip Michael Cochran and was determined to do him justice. I will let you be the judge of whether or not I succeeded.
Drawings/ Readings Project
I recently started a drawings/ readings project. I pick up a lot of information about people when I draw or paint them -- what moves them forward, what holds them back, what their desires and goals are, even illnesses they may be harboring. Unless asked, I don’t usually tune into that sort of personal stuff, but I’m happy to do it, so if you’d like to commission a drawing of yourself or a loved one, and wish to add a reading to the portrait, send me a photo here. Cheers.
The Details
Graphite drawing -- $100 ($200 with reading)
Colored pencil drawing -- $200 ($300 with reading)
Photos should be crisp and well-lit with as much contrast between dark and light tonal values as possible.
Only one person per portrait, please.
