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I enjoy
working from life for its directness and depth, creating naturally
coloured portraits in oils in three to six sittings, depending on
the finished effect required.
I also
work from photographs, generally in pastels which give a more subtle,
timeless effect. A single photograph is used as the basis of a portrait
along with several other photographs of the subject: this gives
a clearer idea of what is characteristic about a person.
Enjoying
the process of bringing a photograph to life, I try and imbue it
with a vitality that photographs lack- whether it is a recent image
or one from the past.
I started
painting ten years ago when I became severely disabled with the
ME syndrome and have recently started to take commissions.
Portrait
painting has been my main interest; I have a passion for capturing
a person's likeness or characteristic expression, re-creating their
presence on the canvas. Colours and light are used carefully to
depict the form and structure of the subject's features, so expressing
their spirit and personality. I like to make the completed painting
come alive and be expressive whether done from life or photographs.
I use
different media depending on what seems most appropriate, but currently
work mainly with oils, pastels and charcoal. My particular focus
at the moment is on oil sketches in one, two or sometimes three,
colours. While keeping the style of the painting natural, I use
colours which can be vivid or muted to capture the personality:
these take two sittings of an hour each, or three if a third colour
is used.
I live
and work in York and am exhibiting over thirty of my paintings in
the Yorkshire Terrier pub in Stonegate, York until 19th September.
I also do sketches and portraits in the Artfulness Gallery in Goodramgate.
Jess
Alys
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