A Passion for Art

“You would hardly believe how difficult it is to place a figure alone on a canvas, and to concentrate all the interest on this single and universal figure and still keep it living and real.” (Edouard Manet)

The Artist

My background is in classical life drawing, portraiture, landscapes and still life. Over the years I have used a range of mediums and nowadays I love to paint in either acrylic, watercolour or oil.  All my initial studies and sketches are generally in pencil and watercolour.

The Style

I have always been passionate about painting people and in particular portraiture. As an artist it is not just about achieving a resemblance, for me it is to produce a work of art that is recording and conveying feelings, sensations, and a perception. I capture and reveal some aspect of the individual’s personality, this could be a particular gesture, expression, stance or from a significant surrounding, the portrait will have life and emotion.

As an example, there is something quite compelling about a portrait of someone with a smile or laughing; the subtle forms and shapes of the face, especially in the eyes and mouth. I can seize a quality that is uniquely recognisable about the person and their character.

The Process

I work in my studio in Surrey and use a combination of sittings, sketches and photographs to achieve an evocative painting. Commissioned work involves an iterative process of discussing ideas and compositions before committing to the main work.