Portraits

Portrait work was an unexpected and exciting step for me in 1991. To begin with I had a few lessons from Victor Stevenson, an elderly master in his craft. I then worked with either pastels or pencil, becoming more practised at the art. A few years later, I took on the challenge of doing quick portraits on the street or at The Market

Since moving to Mapua, I have preferred to work quietly in the studio doing a more detailed portrait, no matter what medium I use

Working mostly from photographs (of people and/or animals) in my studio, I create the presence of the subjects that 'speak out' from the paper or canvas

Pastel Portraits in Full Colour

Portraits make ideal gifts between family members for special occasions. Most times they are of a size that is relatively easy to transport anywhere in New Zealand or worldwide.

Quite often it is not possible to see in person the subject I am to paint. Therefore when planning a portrait, I need very clear indications from my client regarding Hair and Eye colouring etc.

Sometimes this information may be not so clear in the photograph I am to work from, but is more accurate in other photos.I am reliant on the information seen in photographs supplied and on feedback from my clients to produce the best possible likeness in the portrait.

Portraits in Graphite Pencil

There is a timeless quality to a well framed black and white portrait, presenting an artwork that could become a family treasure

Working a portrait in graphite pencil allows a high degree of detail to be shown and the expression of subtle tonings and sculpting of the features. My preferred method is to use finely graduated tones to create the form and likeness of the person. I enjoy producing the soft texture and delicate shadings of a child's skin..

The images here don't do justice to the finest of the shadings of a pencil portrait, so please accept that the artwork has an even more subtle appearance