Troy was one of my first commissioned people portraits.  I grew up with him.  He was a dynamic and vibrant person with a variety of interests.  He passed away as a young father.  He is missed by his family and friends.  I painted him with pastels on velour.  The most interesting fact about this painting is that the original photo depicted him standing in front of a cherry hedge in the background.  I chose the mountain range which to me suited his cowboy hat.