Jean-Luc as Ominous Cardinal

As 2025 was coming to an end, Jean-Luc dressed up as a catholic monk and we embarked on a somewhat spiritual journey during our last Wednesday portrait session of the year at Hawthorn Artist Society.

I took the artistic license and changed Jean-Luc's robe to red and he took on the presence of an ominous cardinal that felt less ceremonial and more foreboding. The hood gathered around his shoulders like a shroud, amplifying the intensity of his gaze. The rosary and large cross in his hand, traditionally symbols of devotion, became props of authority wielded with ambiguous intent, creating an unsettling atmosphere.

The muted grey‑purple background heightened the drama, allowing the vivid red to dominate the scene like a warning. Strong, expressive brushstrokes carved out the folds of the robe and the contours of his face, giving Jean-Luc a stern, almost menacing gravitas. The overall atmosphere suggested a figure of power whose piety may conceal darker motives.