Artist's Statement

I'm a portrait artist originally from London, now living in the upper Swansea Valley. I take my inspiration from the Pre-Raphaelites and the painters of the Renaissance. Skill in drawing, and in the subtle and accurate use of colour, are vital to me as an artist. I want my portraits not only to draw out the essential character of my subjects, but to be appreciated for the quality of line and tone. I want visitors to my exhibitions to feel that the skill of an individual artist in drawing and painting is important.

My portraits are executed in pastel, in a unique hyper-realist style which has been praised by critics, the public, and the sitters themselves. The technique I have developed with pastel painting gives the work an incredibly rich, velvet finish. It also enables me to render accurately the textures of linen, leather, silk, wool, and of course, skin tones and hair.

Please take some time to look at the images on my site. If you want to buy a painting, discuss a commission, or send me feedback, you can email me through the Contact page.

News

I'm now working on a project Olympic Stars, Past and Present. I have painted Bernice Hooper, who would have represented Wales in swimming, had not World War Two intervened. I have made a start on the weightlifter David Morgan, who has competed in three Olympics, is World Masters record holder and has recently broken the world record in 'Crossfit'. Meanwhile I am continuing to paint critics, patrons, facilitators and arts practitioners. My opening show will be at the Cynon Valley Museum, Aberdare, in May 2011. Watch this space.

I've just completed two commissioned portraits. 'Sir Roger Jones' is a large painting in oil on board, with a view in the background of Pen y Fan, the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons. 'Patrick Harrington' is a pastel portrait of the eminent QC.

Lorraine Bewsey

Bernice Hooper, Swimmer

Sir Roger Jones

Patrick Harrington