'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!!??????

Rosemary's portrait in Artists and Illustrators Magazine (March Edition 2011)

I was delighted to see Professor Rosemary's portrait in Artists and Illustrators Magazine in the March Edition. It was one of four pictures to be included in the Portfolio section.  Great news for me and a bit more coverage.

Back to School

I didn't think I would be going back to school but it appears I will be running a couple of workshops on portraiture. I am now learning Powerpoint!

Dr Leslie Wayper brings in some more PR

Sometimes I have felt particularly compelled to a subject.  I had a very strong feeling when I met this very elderly gentleman at his home in Cambridge.  The portrait started off as a commissioned pencil sketch for the college but I was so taken with his as a character that I had to undertake a much more detailed version.  This portrait has brought me so many good things and really was the start of my career as a professional portrait artist.  I found out today that it will be included in a book on the BP Portraits since 1990.  I am obviously delighted.  Let hope thins might bring in some more work!

Another Unveiling

This was taken at the private view of my first exhibition which was at Fitzwilliam College,  Cambridge.  We managed to get the Master to pose in front of his portrait.

The Unveiling of Rosemary's Portrait

I have never felt comfortable going to events where I don't really know the other people.  I think the idea of standing around like a lemon and looking conspicuous makes me feel awkward.  However this was not only an evening I won't forget in a hurry, I was also made to feel very welcome and lots of people talked to me.  Finding myself in a building with the countries leading figures in Archaeology is really quite something! There were lots of faces worthy of a portrait there.  I was definitely one of the youngest people in the rooms.  The unveiling itself did not go without a small mis-hap... they couldnt get the curtain down which seemed to be the cause of some sniggering throughout the room.  It certainly took the edge off my nerves.  This is not the most flattering picture but it is quite amusing... on all counts.