Pastel, 40cm x 40 cm, framed and mounted
(Click to enlarge)
From 2011 to 2012 I took a long break from my career in avionics and the computer sciences in order to paint full time. I created a website with a portfolio of my artworks. None of the paintings in my portfolio was a portrait, and yet I got approached by former business acquaintances, and friends of family, wanting to commission me to do portraits!
“Necessity is the mother of invention”, and so I decided to experiment with reliable techniques I could use for portrait painting. I began sketching from life the faces of members of my family, and my regular life model. The coloured sketch below is of my mother, who didn’t realise I was sketching her with an ink pen (she thought I was writing) until I went to get my watercolours to apply a wash!
Commissioned portraits, all done in pastel:
Typical size and framing of my pastel paintings. I always specify technical glass that cuts out reflections and – unlike standard float glass – does not attenuate the colours of the painting. Although technical glass adds to the cost, I think it is worth it. I have delivered paintings to clients who at first glance have thought there is no glass in the frame at all!
Figurative paintings
Click to enlarge.
- The Yorkshire Muse (location Shipley Glen) pastel 70cm x 50cm, £700 (framed)
- Angel of the North, pastel 40cm x 30cm (sold)
- Urban portrait, Castlefield, Manchester, pastel pencil, 16cm x 16cm, £450 (framed)
Life Drawing
This pastel study (40cm x 30cm) was a 1-hour session from life. It’s not perfect, but I’m happy with results for the time allowed.
And my neice’s cat!
“Edi”, pastel 40cm x 30cm.