Me mate and his family

[Matt2584]

Hi folks,

This is the latest picture I finished earlier today.

It is of my friend who used to go to the same school as I.

The last time I saw him, before last year, was back in school and that was in 1998.

I hadn't actually seen or spoken to this person for 20 years!

Our last year at school was in 1999 but because of my illness I dropped out a year earlier than my other classmates.

I had a handful of friends at school who would stand up for me which was nice but I found that after school was done and dusted, these so called "friends" basically dumped me.

A few of these classmates I added onto Facebook, including Ryan (The guy in the picture). Some of these "friends" seemed pretty cold to me but some friend stuck around.

it was only one time a few years ago when I posted a status message on Facebook that made Ryan make a comment in reply.

Since then we had been talking a lot more and I told him more about my brain injury and I told him I am a member of a few charities and he told me how he likes do a spot of fundraising.

Last year he did some fundraising for a local charity of mine and he came over to the club, with his friends who also took part, and handed over the money he made. I think altogether it was around £450 which was great stuff indeed.

So not only did the club get some much needed money but I also got to see an old school friend of mine.

And we still keep in touch now, obviously. When we met up he saw my drawings and asked if I could draw him a couple of pictures. This is one of those pictures.

And it sounds like he might be doing some more fundraising for the club too :).

[cat3]

What a brilliant depiction of a happy family Matt (looks like a typical 'cheeky monkey' in the foreground) .

You've really captured the expressions and atmosphere ; I bet your friend is delighted ! Nice one (again) m'love, Cat x

[Matt2584 in reply to cat3]

I was waiting for someone to point out the cheeky monkey in the front :).

I have only met my friend, Ryan but not met his family but I feel like I know them already :).

Thank you :), glad you like the picture.

[steve55 in reply to Matt2584]

id like to say how much your drawing has improved over the years my friend.

excellent family portrait matt.

[TaIaV]

Excellent artistry --you make us feel that we know them, and you make us care for them. Thanks for sharing it. Having one such friend, even for limited time, is worth many many casual acquaintances.

[1949liz]

Matt it’s wonderful as people have said you have captured the humour and love of this family well done. It certainly made me smile with happiness and delighted at seeing such a family’s love. Love Liz x🌹

[Matt2584 in reply to 1949liz]

Aww thank you very much Liz :).

I think I strive for perfection and the drawing for me was not perfect at all. I admit, very good but not spot on. I try hard to make it as spot on as I can get them.

As I said to a friend once, none of my drawings have the correct measurements/proportions in them but they all look pretty real and that is what people like :).

[Cj-195]

Great picture! !! You are talented. 👍👍