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I studied drawing and painting in London and Florence and specialise in sight-size portraits, usually in oils.
My aim is to create interesting compositions, often with dramatic light, and with an emphasis on realism.
I love the process of painting portraits. From the initial meeting at which ideas are exchanged, personalities assessed, preferences understood, clothes, accessories and compositions discussed to completion, when the result of a process, which I view as a partnership, is complete and may be enjoyed by painter and subject alike.
My portraits are usually created from live sittings supplemented by photographs. I take a very practical, pragmatic view on what is possible from the sitter’s viewpoint. Often the subject will not have time for lengthy sittings and, in the case of athletes for example, photography [as well as sketches] can remind me of a momentary incident which I can then develop in a drawing or painting.
Throughout 2010 I participated in the Lloyd’s TSB Art of Sport programme, which provided me with the opportunity to explore emotional narratives as the athletes trained and competed. ‘Athletes in retirement’ is another topic that I am exploring in more philosophical, conceptual works.
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