This painting gave me the opportunity to create a world where jazz legend John Coltrane is reunited with his son, Ravi Coltrane, in an intimate father-and-son meeting. This is a hypothetical meeting, but one I believe would have happened if John had lived. John passed away when Ravi was around two years old; however, Ravi grew up to become a formidable jazz master in his own right. My painting brings the two men together in an upscale jazz lounge when they are right around the same age and in the prime of their careers.

The room, filled with ambient light, offered me the perfect opportunity to add some artistic fashion. I gave John a stylish suit and Ravi an urban contemporary shirt, reflecting their individual styles. Sitting on a backlit red leather couch, they engage in a deep conversation about the music John helped to create and where Ravi looks to take it next. I imagine them sitting, laughing, and talking about their tours, the people they’ve played with, and all the ideas for the future of the music. Though Ravi has become a very successful jazz musician, this painting offers him the ultimate opportunity: to converse, laugh, and spend time with his father.