The figure and the portrait are endlessly fascinating. I remember feeling awestruck once by a portrait in an artist’s open studio and I’ve been drawn to the subject ever since. It’s a lifelong journey with every conceivable artistic challenge, and I am still in search of my own style. Do I paint directly (alla prima) into wet paint, or indirectly, step-by-step in layers? Which pallete of colours will I feel most comfortable with? What style speaks to me the most – Classical Realism (like Caravaggio), Academic Realism (Bougereau, Leighton), or perhaps Impressionist/ Abstract Realism (Sargent, Zorn, Sorolla)? The answers will come in time but meanwhile I am enjoying the journey.
simonwakefield594@gmail.com