I am very pleased to introduce you to Joan and Tina. Tina’s older brother commissioned this most precious double portrait. He has enjoyed sketching in pencil over the years himself, so was keen to have a pencil portrait of his family.
Very sadly Joan, the client’s mother, passed away some years ago, and tragically Tina passed away when very young. She was the client’s sister and best friend, and to this day he misses her dearly.
One of the things that I love about portraiture is how each piece tells a story. This artwork is all about love, family, and keeping close in the heart and home those who are no longer physically present in our world.
A portrait to reunite a family
Very few photographs of Tina exist, and there are none of Joan and Tina together. So this portrait was a way of reuniting them both, so they can be together with their family in their homes today. The original artwork now hangs on the wall of the client’s Cornish cottage, beside his favourite armchair. And a fine art print is with his and Tina’s brother up in Scotland.
Drawing from old photographs
The drawing was created from two different photographs. The photo of Joan was a little blurry, which posed some challenges, and the photo of Tina has been damaged over the years, resulting in a tear on her face. These circumstances only made the portrait more important.
Through some careful reconstruction and close collaboration with the client, I was able to bring them both back to their former glory. Mother and daughter together again, and residing once more with the family who love them so.
And if you are wondering about the brick work behind Joan, this is from the town hall where she could often be found, protesting for change and social justice, a stalwart of the local community.
Personalised service
Once I had completed Joan and Tina’s portrait, I arranged for it to be professionally scanned and printed so it could be shared with others who knew and loved them both. And then I took it to be framed, and hand-delivered the artwork to the client and his wife, as ill health unfortunately restricts their mobility.
When I say it is a privilege to draw a portrait, I mean it most sincerely. And I cannot express how much it has meant to me to be able to do all of this for such a wonderful couple, and their family. The stories and the humanity behind every piece reminds me why I do what I do, and makes me so grateful for the opportunities to have a positive impact on the world.
In the words of the client
‘I keep looking at the portrait. You are blessed with a wonderful talent. I’ll be pleased to put it on my wall for everyone to share. You’ve managed to fill a part of my heart that has been missing for such a long time.’
A portrait drawn from your photographs
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 guide to 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
