Lie to Me by Alessandro Tomassetti

This is a painting of a kickboxer who I met in Barcelona. Considering his job is to punch and kick his way to victory, he was surprisingly gentle in person. Once he stepped onto the set, a thoughtfulness and vulnerability seemed to infuse each pose. My goal with this piece was to find the harmony between the striped fabric and the model's elaborate tattoos, while not detracting from the look of resignation, or longing, in his face. 

The title, Lie To Me, comes from a song by Depeche Mode that explores the depths of what one accepts, or invites, in a relationship.

So lie to me, but do it with sincerity
Make me listen, just for a minute
Make me think there's some truth in it