Gina Torres Portrait

Over a decade ago, I found myself in a unique and somewhat unexpected position when I was commissioned by Gina Torres's husband, the renowned actor Laurence Fishburne, to create a portrait of his stunning wife as a special gift for their wedding anniversary. At the time, I did not view myself as a portrait artist, and in fact, I rarely accepted commissions for portraits. My artistic focus had always leaned more towards social and cultural targets.

It was Greg Haynes, a longtime friend of mine and Laurence’s executive assistant, who had recommended and persuaded me to take on this project. He spoke highly of both Laurence and Gina, emphasizing the significance of the gift and how much it would mean to them. Hard to turn that down. I was motivated by the challenge and the opportunity to create something meaningful for such a talented couple.

Since it was supposed to be a surprise, I was supplied with a bevy of photos to draw from. I wanted to capture not just her likeness but also her spirit and the warmth she exuded. The final piece took shape over several weeks, and I poured my heart into every brushstroke, hoping to convey the beauty and grace that I saw in her.Laurence was thrilled with the completed image, and I learned from Greg that Gina often referred to the portrait as 'the lady of the house'. For an artist, to be able to create an image that is truly embraced by the client is the pinnacle of success.

However, as time moved on, the couple went through a highly publicized divorce, and I often found myself reflecting on the portrait I had created. I wondered what had become of it and whether it still held the same significance for them after their separation. It was a poignant reminder of how relationships can evolve and change over time, leaving behind artifacts of moments that once were.

In the years that followed, I distanced myself from social media, preferring to bypass the tedious nature of the platforms to focus on my art and personal life away from the digital world. Therefore, it came as a delightful surprise when, out of the blue, someone forwarded me a link to a workout video that Ms. Torres had posted on Instagram.

The video showcased her strength and dedication to fitness, and I was struck by how vibrant and dynamic she appeared. It was heartening to see her thriving and embracing life post-divorce. It was even more heartwarming to see that the portrait survived the separation and continues to feature prominently in her life. Thank you, Ms. Torres.

An edited version of a workout posted by Gina Torres on Instagram.

Portrait of Gina Torres, Oil on Canvas, 36” x 48”, 2011