Where I am
now…
The human figure is amazing. I love it. I can
people-watch for hours, often studying an interesting
aspect of a face or physique or an unusual combination
of shapes. The human form is fascinating in every aspect
- energy, strength, movement, flow, shapes, contours,
colours, tones, textures, dimensions, proportions -
similar, yet so incredibly varied and unique to each.
Drawing
what I see, I try to capture the essence of a person and
achieve a good likeness during restful moments of pose,
all the while observing them in motion. I love finding
an aspect that presents the form at it’s most
beautiful, from the view through my eyes. I want to
achieve a result that is moving, particularly to those
who know the subject.
I have
always loved drawing and the human form. I have been
lucky to study life drawing, and more recently oil
painting, under the tutelage of Babette Adrian. Babette
is a brilliant artist and mentor. Her classes helped me
find my own talent and her insight, guidance and
criticism continue to motivate and inspire me. To see
work by Babette and some of her
students, visit her web site at www.sculpture-painting.co.uk.
Commissions
As well as drawing and painting for my own joy, I also
accept commissions. As you can see from the examples
of my work on this site, I am equally enthusiastic to
produce work in portrait or full form, clothed or nude,
and in charcoal, pastels, mixed media or oils. Naturally
I love to work from life. To capture the essence of
a person, I prefer to observe their energy and movement
first hand. Where it is not practical to have the subject
model for the entire time, I like to meet and observe
them and take my own photographs so that I can recall
their special individual energy and presence. I use
this approach a lot in my work with children’s portraits.
Children are so full of energy and enthusiasm that it
is almost impossible to have them sit for a portrait
for any length of time. To capture the look of a child,
I first discuss with the parents the angles and expressions
that they feel are most characteristic. During this
time I observe the child’s facial expressions, movements,
and personality. With the assistance of a parent, I
take a number of photographs. Then, working with the
parents to select the shots that they most like, the
portrait is completed working from a combination of
life and photographs. Note: Commissioned
pictures only appear on the website in agreement with
the owner.
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