'Tea With Tony'

Tony is currently away on business. I don't wish to divulge anymore however his presence is missed and I feel that he will return to me soon on his way up to Cambridge.  A most enjoyable to have done piece if we omit the radiator fiasco.  I  have now learnt that  painting machined objects, especially radiators is difficult. I won't say never again because that might e tempting fate! If you like this painting, I 'll paint you one!... might take a while though

'Marquis' acrylic on board

This is a portrait of another dear friend. I named him Marquis years ago and the title seems to have stuck.  He was involved in the exhibition, and infact had a book of his brilliantly eloquent book, 'A Pillar of Impotence'  at the exhibition.  He can also be found on here www.voicesdidmyheadin.blogspot.com

'Katie' acrylic on board

I really enjoyed painting this one. I wonder if the closer I am to the subject, the better the portrait. Certainly, the best portraits I have done seem to be a result of having some sort of connection with the subject. Katie for instance is a good friend of mine and I think that comes across in the piece. The last time I painted her, she was weilding a chainsaw! This is a relatively small work and created in much less time than some of my pieces which take a few months to paint.

Portraits from the 'Stories' exhibition

I thought i'd put all my new portraits which were part of the 'Stories' exhibition up on here as it's been a while.  I really enjoyed putting on the exhibition, despite it wearing me out! I was able to get a body of work finished off in much less time than previously achieved. I think i am now getting a much better method for this.  This portrait was possibly one of the more detailed ones. The jacket is especially complex. I am due to be doing two more of this as commissions and it will be very interesting to see them all once they have been completed!

'Stories' exhibition as part of Folkestone Book Festival

I am really excited to be working with the artist John Eveleigh for our forthcoming exhibition. Called 'Stories' it is going to be Folkestone's first portrait exhibition, all pictures of people associated with the literary world. There's lots to do but I am enjoying juggling the different commissions, pr, and of course the exhibition itself,  a whole new body of work. Friend and writer Mark Edgar will be opening the exhibition and launching his autobiographical book 'A Pillar of Impotence'.  I will be including his recent portrait.

Home at Last!

The last few weeks have been totally manic.  Trying to juggle portrait commissions with complete building chaos  is not really my strong point! Still, have managed to get some work delivered to a happy customer and also have some work in the AP-ART Summer show on 83-87 Great Marlborough Street. London.  Have nearly completed my first oil painting in 15 years. I will post some pictures of it during its development soon! In the meantime, this is a sketch of Max.  I am hoping ot get more of this type of work in the future so if anyone has some bright ideas,  let me know.Great to be back in the studio again!

Aftermath from teaching workshops back in my old school

Wow, still feeling completely knackered after teaching some workshops.  It was weird to be back in my old class room after all this time.  It went okay, especially the second session which was more practical rather than the  completely scary powerpoint session in which I nearly froze up. I wonder if I will do that again!!??????