From an early age I was drawn to paintings or sculptures of faces and figures. Every other year or so I paint my own self portrait’s to see how my style has developed. Usually in oils but on rare occasions using digital painting software. Technology these past few years has moved on in strides. Most artists usually use their own face as reference. One always has one’s face available doesn’t one!

My most recent self portraits have turned abstract. Taken on a more narrative element rather than a recognisable and accurate one. I will show these another day. But the first image is my last self portrait that does hold recognisable features. Still, as I was painting it, I decided to play with the details to morph into a more illustrative depiction. The more I did this, the more I liked it. Probably a reflection of me wanting to ignore the passage of time and what it has done to my face. I created a level of delusion that is more playful. Was this right to do? I’m actually torn as I know the most amazing faces are those with character.

But I went with this idea and this then led to me letting go completely and decided to show me in story form. As I said earlier, I will show these soon.

And more importantly I practice self portraits to ensure I’m always ready and at the right level to take on the highest honour an artist can have, a commission to paint someone’s loved one. Usually a loved one who has passed.

This part of being a painter, no one had prepared me for. I spend time with the family, finding out all about the them. This is a valuable and always painful but essential part to creating their last image. When painting I usually cry and always talk to them myself throughout the process. The honour bestowed on me is one I hold high above all else.

An honour I have had many times and will never take for granted.

Thank you to those families involved.