I’ve always been able to draw – to capture an image. When I joined the Marine Corps I tested the second highest (of recruits) in combat art. It was little things along the way that triggered it. When I was in my 50s I started drawing using pencil and that led to colored pencils. For about eight years I worked with an art teacher, Patricia McMann Rice in Warrenton, Va. In May 2015 I started using pastels. Working on these portraits is the first I’ve used oil paints. I don’t think of myself as an artist. I’m more of a copier.

I heard about the portrait project through Susan Lang, who was a co-worker at Triple A. I jumped on the opportunity. There is more movement painting with a live model. Things keep changing and you have to stay loose. It has forced me out of my comfort zone. Besides the artistic challenge, I wanted to be involved because it’s a worthwhile endeavor. I like the idea of capturing the descendants (of slaves). In many cases there is no record, and that’s terrible. I think it’s a good cause. It has forced me out of my comfort zone and to meet others.

Medium: Metal point. Charcoal.  Pastels. Colored pencil. Oil.

Background: Self-taught.