I was first contacted by Arturo after he discovered my artwork on a website featuring gay business and personal ads. He had such nice things to say about my work, and invited me to visit his personal page to check out his photos.

I was attracted to one of his photos in particular. It brought to mind a rugged longshoreman with the overcast solemn sea behind him. It almost seems other-worldly to me. After asking if he would allow me to do a pastel of him, he graciously agreed.