I do a lot of political work for The Weekly Standard, a political magazine based in Washington D.C. This is my 31rst painting for them. I enjoy working with them because the jobs are always challenging. My deadlines are fairly insane. It's typical for me to get a phone call Thursday night, and the final art is due the next day, Friday afternoon. The jobs first start with me finding references for expression and so forth, then I take photo references and set up lighting for additional reference. I do a few sketches, wait for approval, when I have that, I begin painting. With this piece I wanted to try something different from my usual style and look. I liked the idea of an outline encasing the painted forms, the contrast with the background has a nice effect.