I am obsessed with this photo of my grandfather’s school class (Hudiksvall, Sweden). He is in the top row, far left.
I have drawn and painted it over and over for years. But something never allows me to finish. I get to a certain point with some of the students and then the rest refuse a portrait.
Some past attempts:

What are the students trying to tell me?

September 2022:
I started a sketch a few weeks ago using my go-to medium: china marker on newsprint.
I have discovered a few more students and details I never noticed before:
It’s just a sketch. A journal entry, really. But I’m curious.
Let’s see if the students will allow me to complete it tonight…
oh, I was looking at this when I was last visiting! I love the painting…
so strange how striking old school photos can be…this one, especially. lost souls, almost.
I love your work and family