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, 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.

My Poet Portraits touring exhibition is at the Cynon Valley Museum and Gallery in Aberdare. The exhibition continues until 22 November.

Meanwhile, the painting I have had accepted in the Wales Portrait Award is on show at Theatr Clwyd Cymru in Mold, 1 November - 6 December. It's a family portrait of Kevin Brennan MP, his wife Amy Wack, and daughter Siobhan (you can view it on the Other Portraits page). I am currently working on a new project, Creative People Across the Arts, which includes critics, artists and writers from across the UK.

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.

Lorraine Bewsey