Lockdown Art
The last three months have required a slightly different approach to my artwork. I set up a small studio space at home in mid March, the week before lockdown. Alongside working on commissions, I felt it was an important time to do some creative work and having just done a photoshoot with The Dead South for reference images, I started work on a set of paintings for an upcoming exhibition.
The painting opposite is for the band to keep as a thank you but it will be available as prints. Sign up to the newsletter/follow on Instagram to stay informed. The whole painting will be uploaded on the portfolio page once it has a name. The other Dead South paintings will be added soon
I spotted the 'portraits for NHS heroes' initiative in May started by artist Tom Croft on Instagram. Being in a position to offer free portraits as a thank you to the folk staring this situation in the face was one I couldn't pass up. Working in quicker, lighter oil sketches seemed quite apt, focusing on the eyes and keeping the masks as roughly suggested shapes; trying to capture both the depth and the transience of this time.
All of the people in this gallery have been working hard in difficult circumstances, Each one represents a whole team, working long hours and putting themselves in harms way for us. Painting each one is an emotional experience that really makes me thankful for their efforts. For details on the individual people featured and their role in dealing with COVID-19, click here for my Instagram page.
A huge amount of artists documenting this time through portraiture is creating a very interesting record and one I'm pleased to be a part of.