"Apple" and Merrick

The portraits shown on this post are of two African friends from Tanzania The young woman is Apollonia, known to friends as "Apple". Her husband is Merrick. They are the parents of a very young son and are expecting twin girls in a few weeks. The portraits are my gift to this young family. "Apple" is tall and elegant with perfect posture. Her skin is a rich chocolate hue. I think she is a wonderful subject. I would like to paint her again.

When I took photos of Apple, Merrick asked if I would take some of him also. Painting him was a joy. I had never tried to paint dark skin with facial hair. As I painted, I felt I was developing a new friendship with a charming personality.

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