Portrait of a Hero
As a Portrait Painter I am always interested in getting deeper into the mind and heart of my subjects. Charlestonian, Dennis Drew came to me originally looking for a portrait to celebrate his life and legacy. Many around him felt a portrait was an indulgence but he came to understand, as did they, that a portrait is not so much about him as it is about the many people he has touched in his life, his wife Lynn, his children and others who will come after us, who hold him in esteem and will wonder about and hopefully understand better where they came from. A portrait of their father and grandfather is the picture that tells the story of their own unique origins. A portrait then is in a sense, a grand, selfless gesture towards the future. There is no way of knowing where our legacy will land or who will be inspired by it. But people will always be fascinated by the wonder and intrigue of this portrait.
As a portrait painter, I try to create art that will end up in museums or wherever mine or my sitters’ stories need to be told. This portrait is ageless as it is a synthesis of life sittings from today, combined with photographs going back a few years. My goal is to capture much more than a copy of a single snapshot in time. My work as a portrait artist is a journey into the mind and spirit of my sitters. Dennis’s friend Mary happened upon my tent at Spoleto this past spring and noticed me working on her friend. The portrait process is endlessly fascinating, and I always enjoy sharing it.
Here I am at Spoleto, sharing a little of the portrait process I used in the creation of this oil painting, with some passing kids.
It turns out Dennis has built quite a legacy of service to others. Among the many business ventures he built, perhaps his work as CEO of The Sunshine House Early Learning Academy, where he fostered a nurturing environment for children’s growth and development, is among his most significant contributions to society. The Sunshine House is trusted and depended upon by thousands of families throughout the United States. I sent my kids there. From its humble beginnings he grew The Sunshine House to what is now 100+ schools, 1,800+ dedicated educators and caregivers, 12,000+ children nurtured daily, 300,000 children educated over the last 50 years and counting!
He is currently CEO of Covergent 3D and Tactical NightSight Technologies, and is deeply interested and involved in cutting-edge technologies and solutions.
Sharing the process at Spoleto
His journey includes a distinguished 30-year career in the Marine Corps, where he retired as a Colonel. Through his military service, he cultivated leadership skills, resilience, and a commitment to excellence that continue to guide him in his endeavors. Dennis is an avid reader and historian.
Beyond his early education, corporate and military roles, he’s also contributed to the advancement of technology and education as the former president of the Technology Resources for Effective Environments (TREE). In this capacity, he worked to leverage technology for optimal learning environments, making a tangible impact on educational practices.
“I’m passionate about driving innovation, fostering growth, and making meaningful contributions to society.” His experiences gave him with a unique perspective and skill set, in which to explore new opportunities for collaboration and impact in the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology. He studied at East Carolina University and was a Political Science Major and History at Eastern Illinois University. He went to Tinley Park High School. Dennis is an avid reader and historian living with his wife, Lynn in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. He is originally from Oak Forest, Illinois.