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 and oil, in a unique hyper-realist style which has been praised by critics, the public, and the sitters themselves. The technique I have developed with 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. You can also find me on Facebook

Ruth Borchard Self-Portrait Competition

Private View, 6.30pm Thursday 13 October

I've had a painting accepted in the Ruth Borchard Self-portrait Competition. There were over 500 entires, of which 170 were accepted, so I'm delighted my work was chosen. It will be exhibited at the Kings Place Gallery near St Pancras in London. The Private View is 13 October, when the winner of the £10,000 first prize will be announced. The exhibtion continues until 25 November 2011.