This is the painting which I think best captures the spirit of how I felt about first seeing Superman. My other paintings about him are similar, but speak of different ideals, more to what Superman is to himself. This speaks to what he is to me. The wonder, the joy, the possibility, the humanity.
I can still recall vividly how much joy I had painting this. The detailing in the sky, laying down tiny white dots of cloud detail with a slight warped fisheye perspective suggesting a landscape wrapping around you beyond the bounds of the canvas. Leaving hints of a previous painting showing through here and there, bringing warmth to the sky and subtly echoing the red in Superman’s and the child’s makeshift cape. Working to get the cape flowing *just so*, rather than the more symmetrical versions in other paintings.
The original painting is actually a more square format than how I present it here and in prints, extending the left and right out a little further, becoming darker and more suggestive in the corners. I fee both the square and narrower versions work in their own rights, but I like that I’m the only person who gets to see the original version, simply framed, on my wall. One day when I get around to selling the original I hope the new owner appreciates that as much as I do.