Let me tell you about Gill and Bill, a poignant commissioned pencil portrait of a wonderful husband and wife.
A portrait of an enduring love
Gill and Bill were together since they were teenagers and were devoted to one another. And they were kind, genuine and funny people. Gill had a great love of art, and was the very first person to sign up for my first ever regular art class many years ago. I still remember the phone call and how happy she was to discover an art class was starting in her village. I am grateful to be able to say that they became dear friends of mine.
Gill was an accomplished artist who loved to draw animals and people in particular. Bill was a huge support to her and he would accompany her to class and enjoy cups of tea and conversation with us all before walking her home again at the end of the night.
I am deeply grateful to have been asked to draw this portrait of them both by their daughter, it was an honour, and a gift to spend time again with them in this way. They are so very missed by all who had the good fortune to know them, and by their family who they loved beyond all else.
Graphite pencil portrait
When I think about drawing, I describe graphite pencil as my first love. It was where I started as it was what I had – pencil and paper are the most readily available of tools. And to this day they are my favourite media to work with.
I use a maximum of four pencils to create my graphite pencil portraits. They allow for a broad range of tones and textures, and the simplicity of a limited range matches the simplicity of monochrome work. When a drawing is in black and white, we can be more aware of the details and it’s complexity without being distracted by a spectrum of colours.
Capturing the subject’s character on the page
I am so grateful to have been asked to draw this portrait. It is an intimate process, studying someone’s image and discovering what it is that makes them them.
Bill was a very practical man and so his hands being a focal point of this artwork is very fitting. And Gill’s smile captures her warmth, it is exactly as I remember her, full of joy and love. These connections with the client, the subjects, and myself as an artist are one of my favourite parts of my job.
Old photographs for a modern portrait
One of the beauties of drawing portraits from photographs is the ability to create new from the old. I have often been asked if I am able to use an old image to reference, and wherever possible I will say yes. Those of us who were around in the pre-digital era will appreciate that photos could be limited in both number and in quality.
As an artist I can create a timeless and realistic portrait of your loved one which celebrates them as they deserve.
Each of these portraits were drawn from old, out of focus or visually cluttered photographs. Like Father, Like Son, Joan and Tina, Galdie, Vivian, Murad and Sharon.
Portrait commissions are always welcomed from both UK based and international clients. On my Commissions page there is an overview of the process, and for a more in depth look at commissioning a fine art portrait, please read this guide.
For any questions you may have, or advice you may need, you can contact me here or call or WhatsApp on 07967 416072
