Face #13: Oscar Haynes

Excerpt from my blog (jillbanks.blogspot.com)

100 Faces in 100 Days: Day Thirteen

1/13/11

Oscar Haynes, the soon-to-be 95 year old supermodel who agreed to pose for my Portrait class last session ... also agreed (happily) to be one of my volunteer faces for my 100 Faces in 100 Days project. Oscar's wife, Joan Bell-Haynes  (Face #12) posed for me yesterday.

My Dad escorted Oscar to and from my home studio ... and we had a wonderful time between that to and from.

I enjoyed stories of Oscar being conscripted into the Air Force in 1941 on July 3; going home for the July 4th holiday; and getting assigned KP duty for unknowingly going AWOL.  Remarkable stories of his work in marketing and in and for the church. He talked about saying "Now, can't we just work together ... " and I just can't imagine anyone turning him down. He is a visionary, seeing what could be who evidently also knew how to make what could be ... happen. All of what he accomplished would be remarkable at any time, but when he did so, make it more extraordinary. He constantly strove to be better and better. To be the best.

Oscar Haynes checking out the newly finished painting of his Face #13.

With all that, what's most important to those who meet and love Oscar is his extraordinary kindness. The gentleness of his spirit. His sheer happiness at being alive. A beautiful attitude.

His motto: "My attitude is gratitude."

Pretty great lesson.

Fun day!