Stephen 2009

'Stephen'


This is a portrait I was commissioned to do for a 50th birthday present. It was done using pen, pastels and acrylic paint based on a photograph of the subject, and is approximately A4 in size. I think this piece was very successful, the pastels on the canvas really pick up all the fabric detail and the subtle tones in the skin, and the pen worked really effectively at creating the creases and texture in the shirt. I often keep the backgrounds neutral in my portraits so as not to distract from the subject, however I feel this piece could have done with something else in the background to add another level to the piece. I feel like this piece has so much warmth to it that it makes you want to smile!