Kisses Through Covid Masks

“Kisses Through Covid Masks” is inspired and named by my son, who, like the rest of us, is continuing to deal with the impacts of Covid-19. These combat measures, while important, have robbed us all to varying degrees of many forms of affection that were once taken for granted. Not only are our youth dealing with the burdens of limitations and restrictions that we all must bear, but also they are doing so at an incredibly influential time in their lives. Instead of being able to love and play and socialize unhindered, our children have had important moments in growth and learning either delayed or denied. They have been plunged into a virtual way of living. This piece is 100 percent Prismacolor pencil on Strathmore (500 series) cold-pressed illustration board, using my own reference photographs, no solvents and hundreds of hours of layering colors. This portrait symbolizes not only loss, but also resilience and hope for our future during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.