#55: A Self-Imposed Deadline
With one week left before my self-imposed deadline for Portrait Artist of the Year, the studio feels focused and deliberate. After a turbulent process, my main portrait is finally settling — and alongside it, a quick black and white study of Olivia Colman has reminded me where my work began.
#54: Stabbing the Painting with Creativity
A week into adding colour to my black and white portrait, I’ve realised just how intense the push and pull can be. Every brushstroke feels like a risk — like I’m sacrificing detail in pursuit of something looser and more expressive. This post is about that uncomfortable middle stage, hitting a wall, stepping away, and coming back with fresh eyes.
#53: What I Was and What I’ve Become
I’ve finished the black and white foundation of my latest portrait, and now I’m moving into colour through layered glazes. I’m aiming for something more dimensional and expressive — while leaving part of the piece monochrome. I’m calling it What I was and what I’ve become, a reflection of my journey from graphite drawings to full colour painting, and a mindset that’s grown looser, freer, and more creative over time.
#52: A New Year, a Wider Window
As I begin preparing my entry for Portrait Artist of the Year 2026, a small rule change has prompted a much bigger reflection. Being able to submit work from the last five years, rather than just one, has made me realise how much has quietly accumulated — and how far this journey has already taken me.
What Makes a Face Paintable? A Portrait Artist's Reflection
Not every face wants to be painted. In this post, I reflect on what draws me to certain people—not because of how they look, but because of what they hold. It's not about features. It's about presence.