When I posted my plea for help, the response was overwhelming- it far exceeded anything I could have imagined. I got help from people I didn't even know from Whales on down to the tiniest Minnow and I thank them all from the bottom of my heart.... But the most moving tribute was this portrait.
Steemit is the home of many talented people, many of them artists- but to me none are more talented than my friend @paolobeneforti who painted this. Thank you Paolo- I'm moved beyond words... I'm honored to have you as my friend... I'll treasure this forever (you even managed to make me look good- no small accomplishment) Ladies and gentleman, I give you the art of @paolobeneforti- please visit his page...
GIF by @papa-pepper
That came out incredible my friend. What amazing talent.
This proves that he really is bene and forti! What a fabulous gift and a fitting tribute to one of Steemit's senior statesman!
I don't know about statesman... But you got the senior part right lol! Thank you my friend- he's an incredibly talented artist, you should check out his page!
I have been following Him since day one!
A superb artist, a superb human being and an incredible friend!
Honestly its so well done love the work captures you greatly @richq11 how wonderful.
I wish I looked that good in real life!
I can see that you're getting more attention on your posts too! I think it is because you got many new followers from that post.
Keep it up, Rich! Oh, and also, I'm starting my own novel, inspired by you!
I picked up over 100 followers! I can't wait to read it! I'm doing a reader's guide to the NG series (I'm already planning the NG III)
Woah, nice! Night Gods is progressing well.
I just released the first chapter of my story!
He sure did a rather nice rendering!
He's incredibly talented (you can tell- I didn't come out ugly)... Really imaginative too- you should check his page. He has something like a trail to promote other artists too- photographers, artists, videographers, etc.
Oh wonderful!!!!
I've been checking your blog since 3:00 AM looking for your next chapter!
Man, im glad that you are good! Yeah, my minnow support costs nothing, but at least i can put my 0.0001 cent here :D Just keep it up and everything will be cool and smooth! Nice art btw ;)
It means just as much to me as any others!
What a wonderful present!
One more time, I can see and admire the greatness of this awesome community!
It truly is! Paolo is so talented, he even made me look good!
A Veteran is always good looking! 😉
Thank you... I was much better looking "back in the day!"
As all of us old guys! :)
This is the kind of thing that makes this community great!
I told Paolo that I didn't want to post it... that I didn't feel right profiting from his hard work. He said it was his gift to help me out! What a guy... What a wonderful place!
thx for your words, my friend.
well, I'm probably a curmudgeon too. ;)
Thank you... It's a hard won title my friend... wear it with pride!
That is really nice, glad you got all the help you did :)
Beautiful artistry! The background is just as impressive as the portrait itself! @palobeneforti, you are very talented! @richq11, you are fortunate to have received such a valuable gift; a gift worth more than just money. You are also fortunate in that you have the intelligence and heart to realize the worth of such a gift (many do not). I give my respect to both of you! < spreads out skirt and gives a deep curtsy>
He is an incredible artist... You should check his blog- it has some real masterpieces!
Paolo is great, I'm seeing new artworks from him every day in my feed and I always enjoy looking at them. He's gotta be one of my most upvoted users... I second this notion!
Thank you, he's a great artist and a wonderful friend!!!
great art ....like it!!
I'm 100% agree. Who doesn't like art anyway???? Maybe mathematicians....
Awesome technique! Beautiful drawing!
wow very nice art.......!beautiful......!
If anyone is interested in car sharing, i'll put here a link to my post, here i talk about good and bad of it :) Hope, i won't make anyone angry with this advert, im still minnow and gotta show myself somehow.... So, here is a link car sharing. Thank you for opportunity to leave it here and hope everything will be cool in your life ;)
Hi @richq11! Thanks for this post. It' such an amazing piece of art. Lovely!! :)
Nice your friend is very sweet he made this for you.... :)
Help comes to those who needs it. We all need an xtra hand once in a while and paolo draws well....
Nice work my friend !
You are good on art .
Upvoted !
I have seen the friendship and love touch many here at Steemit. Blessings in your journey indeed you are talented and will follow.