While portraiture makes up a smaller, focused chapter of my wider portfolio, this curated collection gathers my journey from early 1980s pencil studies to fully realized oil paintings. Explore how faces have captured my imagination over the years, moving from early foundational sketches to classic Hollywood icons, beloved family portraits, and personal self-portraits.
Essence of Portraiture Gallery
The First Faces
Welcome to the origins of my portrait work. This section takes us back to my 1989 "juvenilia era," showcasing my very first serious attempts at capturing a likeness. From early magazine copies to a ‘Led Zeppelin IV’ inspired sketch, these humble pencil beginnings are where my fascinating 30-year journey with faces started.
An early pencil sketch on c15×20cm paper, from the 1989 juvenilia era. Inspired by and copied from the Led Zeppelin IV album
First portrait 1989 copied from a magazine, graphite and coloured pencil
Early Portrait Studies: 80’s Girls
Capturing an Era. These pieces capture the unmistakable fashion and attitude of the 1980s. While they also live within my Juvenilia archives, they mark my essential first steps into translating distinct, stylized personalities onto paper.
With Punk Attitude
Summer Breeze Vibes
The New Romantic
Click the button to view other 80’s Girls and more in Juvenilia; early works & roots.
Recent Portrait Studies 1980’s Girls
Revisiting the 80s. Decades after my initial sketches, I recently felt compelled to revisit these distinct 1980s personas. These recent studies translate my early fascinations into vibrant colour, playfully bridging my foundational past with my current techniques. Painted in a pop-art, 80’s Athena style these three new pieces were fun and nostalgic to make!
With Punk Attitude
summer breeze Vibes
The New Romantic
Hollywood Stars
Icons of Cinema. Moving into the realm of global icons, this collection explores the timeless allure of classic Hollywood. These oil portraits are designed to weave the legendary stories and enduring magic of women like Hedy Lamarr, Marilyn Monroe, and Judy Garland directly into the composition.
`Hedy Lamarr’, Oil on canvas. 2018
`Marilyn Monroe’, Oil on canvas. 2018
`Judy Garland’, Oil on canvas. 2018
Family Portrait Treasures
The Heart of the Canvas. This private, deeply personal collection is dedicated to my five wonderful children. From delicate early pencil sketches to vibrant oil paintings, these pieces represent the very core of my artistic journey, where my greatest passion meets my greatest pride.
My two eldest sons sitting on Nans garden wall squinting in the sunshine on a warm sunny day.
Pencil on Paper. c1999
My three youngest, my third son and my non-identical twin daughters. I used a school photograph for this painting and added a holiday fun at the beach theme! Oils on canvas. 2016
Self-Portraits. Jennifer
Self-Portrait 1, Oil on canvas. 1999
Self-Portrait 2, Oil on canvas. 2015
The Artist in the Canvas. In this section, I step into my own narratives. These self-portraits span different eras of my life, reflecting how I see myself within the natural, surreal, and cosmic landscapes that define my wider body of work.
Thank you for visiting! It feels fitting to end this gallery on this sweet, whimsical sketch from 1989. Thank you for taking the time to explore "The Essence of Portraiture" and sharing in this 30-year journey of faces, stories, and creative growth.
Starry Magazine 80’s Girl. Pencil on Paper. 1989.