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.

The post Andrew in Montana appeared first on Artysta.

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.

The post Blue Moon appeared first on Artysta.

This portrait marked my first attempt at capturing a human subject, dating back to the early 2000s. The painting conveys a sense of youthful innocence, both in the sitter's expression and the artist’s execution. The brushstrokes, while tentative, bring a fresh vulnerability to the piece, highlighting the soft lines and subtle features of the young subject. The choice of acrylics lends a smooth, vibrant quality to the work, while the composition reflects my early exploration into portraiture, filled with both curiosity and promise.

The post Tommy appeared first on Artysta.

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.

The post R&D appeared first on Artysta.

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!

The post Dutch Courage appeared first on Artysta.

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.

The post Marion appeared first on Artysta.

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.

The post Rafalina Klara Wisznicka appeared first on Artysta.

The post A&C Go Pop appeared first on Artysta.

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.

The post Bedouin appeared first on Artysta.

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!

The post The Painter in Reflection appeared first on Artysta.