The NHS Hero of this story is Conall who works on infectious diseases and truly does an incredible job, pandemic or no pandemic let’s not forget. The belief and support I received from Conall was truly heart-warming…and her patience with my moving target date for completion! Finally the painting is with its owner and I am so glad that Conall loves the result…truly a wonderful challenge and even more, a privilege to be part of Conall’s journey during this Covid-19 pandemic. Thank you!
Portraiture. Ah, the word itself sounds tough to an emerging artist like me. I’ve been on a few courses learning this subject in different mediums: pencil, charcoal, pen and oils. The last course was a self-portrait in oils, which I have yet to complete but that’s for another time and for another blog.
Still, portraiture is a subject I best avoided until I read about this initiative started by the artist Tom Croft, to offer a NHS key worker a free portrait. Immediately I thought I’m going to do this and it’ll be my way to show support and appreciation to all the amazing NHS frontline workers. A few easy instructions to follow and my ‘green’ post was up on Instagram. Within a few hours of posting, my offer was taken up…oh my gosh, so excited that someone chose me and petrified if I could do them justice!
Oh the days I spent looking at the canvas and thinking (OK talking to it), do I know what I’m doing. From choosing the composition, to the drawing, to the painting and to the finishing touches. Yes the composition is key, how to decide…from the photos I received the decision was easy and crystal clear for me. I wanted to represent Conall both at work and out of work (loved the pint) and started merging a few photos digitally to get an idea and feel of what works well. Now the complexity to paint two portraits didn’t even occur to me until I started on the drawing.
Ah yes, more days staring at the canvas indeed. This became quite a common habit but it’s my way of stepping away and re-assessing and figuring out what needs to be adjusted, retouched or fixed.
To consider changing the composition was a fleeting moment…it wasn’t even a discussion with my canvas or with myself. The chosen composition felt right and I had to give it my best, all the while learning through the process. The photos on the right show the stages and that’s the closest I know of how to share my thought process, as this was my very first independent portrait in oil painting.
A steep learning curve indeed but at least next time I’ll be a bit more experienced.
Yep you heard correctly, from a subject best avoided I’ve moved onto a ‘next time’…that’s growth in itself, wouldn’t you say!
Once again, a huge Thank You to all the NHS and key frontline workers for all you do and give.
Stay inspired, keep learning, continue growing and keep creating!