Portrait of a Father

Here is the finished article with another stage thrown in to illustrate some of the subtle details that get added in, like more definition around the eyes, enhanced skin texture and individual hairs painted on eyebrows and hairline. I just hope I've captured the essence and character of a well loved father.

Painted House Numbers

I have just painted the number 68 on slate for a lovely couple in Yorkshire who couldn't find anything in the shops they fancied attaching to the front of their house. If any of you followers would also like a bespoke house name or number then I'm your artist! My husband commented that if they moved next to a number 89 they could take it with them (sigh!).

Portrait of a Father

Here are a couple more stages of the commission I started recently. I am applying lots of different colour washes to build up skin tone so the changes are slow and subtle but that's how the painting eventually comes to life.

Portrait of a fabulous 90 year old

Here is the final portrait of my dear grandpa on his favourite local walk on Windmill Hill in Alton, Hampshire. I presented it to him at his 90th birthday party along with a 'This is Your Life' book filled with photos and anecdotes from all his family. It was a lovely day!

My Grandpa!

I haven't put up any photos showing how the portrait of my gorgeous grandpa is coming along recently (mostly because he's been sitting in my studio at that difficult I'm-not-sure-what-to-tackle-next phase). But in the last couple of days I attacked the background and have gradually worked my way around the canvas again adding detail to his jacket, the wood and finally his face. He's nearly finished but I need to return with fresh eyes tomorrow to spot where I can make further improvements. I have enlarged part of the painting so you can see (hopefully) the difference between one stage to the next. It's subtle, I know, for hours of work - but he's worth it!

More Family Portrait Paintings

Portrait of a Father

I love the first stages of a painting: all colour applied to the canvas transforms it and the portrait seems to take form relatively quickly. The next few stages always seem much slower as various washes are applied to build up translucent skin tones. I'll continue to post them though it's harder to tell the difference!

Visit my Portrait Painting Site

Portrait of a Father

This is a new commission started today. It is going to be acrylic on canvas board, size 16x20" and has been commissioned by his daughter. So far I have sketched the outline of his face based on a photograph, put him in a favourite jumper and added texture paste which needs to dry before I can start adding colour.