Evolving artystic voice – one brushstroke at a time
Evolving artystic voice – one brushstroke at a time
A pop-art sunny-side up painting of a young couple from around 2008.
“Lost in a Story”
This piece was created in charcoal, originally intended as a starting point for a painting of my son and his very young daughter. I had prepared the canvas and began sketching with charcoal, but the painting never materialized. The odd yellow backdrop was simply a result of the preparation process, where I started to block in the composition but didn’t fully commit to the painting phase. Despite the unfinished nature of the piece, I found the charcoal sketch to be quite expressive, particularly in how it captured her youthful innocence and the quiet intimacy between father and daughter. The scene of dad sharing a book with her struck me as a beautiful, tender moment, which I thought would make for a compelling study. Though it never evolved into a painting, the sketch still holds a lot of the emotional warmth and connection that inspired it. This piece dates back to around 2018, a time when I was exploring moments of family life through art, but I never quite got around to translating it into the full painting I had envisioned.
“Andrew Reimagined in Montana – Chasing the Yellowstone Dream”
This piece breathes new life into an old, large canvas by stripping away previous layers to reveal a worn, textured surface that adds character to the final composition. It reimagines Andrew amidst the vast, untamed landscapes of Cowboy Country—Montana or Wyoming—chasing the wild spirit of Yellowstone. Distant mountains and a galloping horse set the scene, while Andrew stands as the undeniable focal point, embodying the dream of adventure. This bold work marries the past with the present, capturing wide horizons and rugged beauty through dynamic oil paint brushstrokes and a raw, expressive palette.
“Nomad”
The Bedouin are a nomadic Arab people, traditionally linked to the deserts of the Middle East and North Africa. In this piece, I aimed to capture the soft, enduring nature of these people through the light tones and gentle contours of the face. There’s a quiet strength in their resilience, which I wanted to reflect in the subtleness of the lines and palette. But beyond their peaceful existence, the Bedouin are also deeply tied to the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and the West Bank, fighting to preserve their historic lands and way of life. This piece touches on that duality—honoring their cultural softness and beauty, while acknowledging the complexities and struggles they face in a modern world that often disregards their rights. It’s an attempt to bring attention to their story, which is both timeless and painfully relevant.
“Chiaroscuro”
Painted in 2005, this piece began as a realistic sketch but gradually evolved into an exaggerated study. The lighting is intentionally off, creating an unsettling atmosphere, while the skin tones have developed a cement-like texture, adding to the surreal quality. The use of blue infuses the entire piece with a cold, distant feeling, yet there’s a stark contrast with a flash of moonlight pouring through a distant window. This touch of light disrupts the chill, offering a glimpse of warmth in an otherwise stark, almost haunting scene. Executed in acrylic, the piece captures a tension between realism and abstraction, creating a sense of isolation that’s both stark and evocative.
“A Big Nod”
This playful self-portrait is a lighthearted tribute to the style of Johannes Vermeer, though with none of the subtlety of the Dutch master. Inspired by my daughter, Kate, the piece features garments reminiscent of those worn in Vermeer’s early works, offering a whimsical take on historical fashion. The face, painted boldly and without the delicate nuances of Vermeer’s work, comes across as somewhat stiff and melancholic, adding a layer of humor to the piece. While far from a comparison to Girl with a Pearl Earring, this work marks a significant step in the journey toward mastering portraiture, but nothing to evolving my style!
“Hands”
On a 4ft by 3ft canvas, this portrait definitely packs a presence! What began as a simple depiction of two models in an embrace gradually shifted into something more sensual as it evolved. The large scale gave me the space to really explore the intimacy between the figures, focusing particularly on the connection between them. The pose itself is restful, creating a sense of calm that allowed me to hone in on the details—particularly the hands, which I wanted to capture in proportion and with a sense of tenderness. The aim was to create a strong bond between the figures, not just through their embrace but through the subtle way their hands communicate closeness and unity. The piece is a balance of softness and intimacy, with the larger canvas giving it an almost life-sized, immersive quality.
A pop-art sunny-side up painting of a young couple from around 2008.
“It’s Only Rock and Roll, But I Like it!”
A quick study in charcoal—this one really doesn’t need paint, just plenty of ash to give it life! The simplicity of the medium captures the raw, unfiltered energy of the moment. It’s one of those pieces that speaks for itself, with minimal fuss but a lot of character. As Keith Richards once said, “You have the sun, you have the moon, you have the air that you breathe – and you have the Rolling Stones!” This quote perfectly complements the feeling of the piece, as it radiates a sense of timelessness and rebellious spirit, much like the iconic band themselves. The charcoal lends itself to the kind of grittiness and rawness that’s part of the Stones’ essence, making this study not just a drawing but a little tribute to their enduring legacy.
“Muse”
This portrait is of Marion—my love, partner, and best friend for the past 54 years. Throughout this time, we’ve built a life full of joy, shared experiences, and memories. We have four wonderful children and six grandchildren who have brought even more love and laughter into our lives. This painting reflects not only Marion’s beauty but the depth of our shared journey together. Her presence in the piece exudes warmth and grace, capturing the essence of the love, friendship, and partnership that have defined our life together. The subtle details in the painting speak to her character—the quiet strength, the kind heart, and the unwavering support she has always given me and our family. Through the years, we’ve weathered challenges and celebrated countless moments of happiness, and this painting serves as a tribute to her enduring role as the center of our world. With Marion, every day has been an adventure, and this piece is just a small reflection of the immense gratitude and love I feel for her.
“Beauty”
This is a study in monochrome acrylic, where the stark contrast intentionally takes a bold approach, though it may not be the most flattering given my daughters natural beauty. The focus, for me, is in the eyes—there’s something about their depth and expression that I really enjoyed capturing. As I worked on the piece, I couldn’t help but notice the likeness to my wife, which felt natural, given how closely I observe her. It’s no surprise, really, considering the many years we’ve spent together. The study was as much about the emotion behind the gaze as it was about the technical challenge of working in monochrome. It’s a reflection of not just the subject, but also the way my connection to my family shapes my perception and my art.
“Buddy”
This portrait captures a work colleague who, though sometimes perceived as grumpy, is shown in a more positive light, reflecting his true good-natured personality. Initially intended to be a more casual representation, the addition of a collar and tie lends a touch of formality that suits the subject. The choice to embrace both the perceived gruffness and the hidden warmth in the expression creates a balanced portrait, inviting viewers to reconsider first impressions. Bold brushstrokes bring depth and life to the subject, offering a glimpse of his true character beyond the surface.
Click on the image to see the initial rendition
“Bookends”
This portrait of an effortlessly stylish couple captures their warmth and relaxed confidence, evident in their casual, yet carefully curated attire. The Chelsea logo subtly hints at Rogers South London roots, grounding the piece in a personal connection. I allowed the natural tones in their hair guide the composition, using a colour palette that mirrors their personalities—calm, confident, and full of life. The acrylic medium brings depth and richness to the details and glow in their expressions, creating a portrait that feels as genuine and timeless as their friendship.
“My Great-Grandmother Discovered”
This portrait holds a deep connection to my family’s history. Imagine my surprise when the internet revealed a photograph of my great-grandmother (1839–1922), her portrait having been restored and now displayed in the Marii Konopnickiej Museum in Suwalki, Poland. Painted by the artist Kazimierz Gornicki circa 1862, the portrait captures her essence with incredible clarity. I took inspiration from a photograph of this piece to create my own family portrait, an homage to her presence and the generations that followed. The painting reflects her timeless elegance and strength, and I plan to visit Suwalki in 2026 to see the original portrait in person, forging a deeper connection with the past and with her memory.
“You Talking to Me?”
This portrait captures a moment of quiet reflection, rendered with bold composition but still in need of the life and vibrancy that truly embody her spirit. The piece, while thoughtful in its portrayal of introspection, currently lacks the energy and warmth that will give it depth and fullness. I plan to revisit the painting, adding brighter colours and dynamic touches to more accurately reflect her lively personality and the essence of the moment. It’s an evolving piece that seeks to transform, both in style and spirit. Maybe even in an abstracted form?!
“My Wife Hates This”
I never take myself too seriously, especially as I reflect on what might have been if I had gotten this picture perfect! The process itself was an exploration, full of spontaneity and boldness. You can see the large brush in the painting, fully loaded and ready to explode onto the canvas—there’s an energy in that, a sense of freedom in not worrying about perfection. Acrylics allowed me to embrace that messiness, to let the brushstrokes fly without hesitation. It’s a piece that celebrates the journey of creation, rather than focusing on an idealized end result. There’s a bit of humor and self-awareness in it, reminding me that the fun is often in the imperfections. Marion tells me that there are many!