When I look at this painting now, with it comes some very special memories.  Some great conversations, a great friend. Laughter and hilariously funny stories!  Moments of truth, moments when I had a friend who was truly real, who truly talked to me and saw me. Who laughed with me and at me!

I had known him for a couple of years prior to this when I joked about him painting me... he said yes....I couldn't believe it! (Especially as my girlfriend had wanted to be painted and he said no, in his words he told me it was because she didn't have what he was looking for... Thanks Robert, you made me feel special - she was so jealous!)

The first time I sat for this painting, Robert talking for the first ten minutes in some kind of weird "talking in tongues".  He had never done that before with me.  I told him to pack it in and talk to me like a normal human being or not at all.... so he did.  I felt he was testing me, to see if I would fall for something that was not real. To see if I was prepared to believe in the ridiculous at the cost of my own reality.  After I responded that way, he never acted like that again, he changed to the most real, funny, interesting, intellectual friend.

I miss you Robert and my most special memories were our incredible conversations, the one time you took me to a different place and all the times I asked you to buy this painting and you said, with a smile and a wonderful grin, cheeky glint in your eye "Sarah, you know what to do to HAVE the picture today - its yours" and I would give you that same look back and say "I guess not today then, next time though".  There never was a next time... but I would give anything to turn back time and bring back that conversation one more time, just to see your face and that cheeky look as you challenge me.  There was always a special understanding between us, you took care of me, you asked for nothing from me. You shared secrets with me, you were the ultimate gentleman.  You made me feel like a princess yet you took nothing from me...

But know this... I will not forget...

Behind this painting are wonderful, magical stories, not stories that most people expect.  But better....more magical....

I always wanted this painting, but now I could never dream of owning it... but I hope the person who eventually does gives me an opportunity to share those moments, those stories, the magic... so they know the true history of Robert Lenkeiwicz and I....

Sarah Jane King, January 2008