Ms June Claxton Lefévre, 2022. Oil On Canvas

Small portrait of Ms June Claxton Lefévre. Oil on 9mm birch ply panel with stretched linen and handmade fine marble dust ground. ‘Ms June Claxton Lefévre’ was the first of a small collection of paintings where I de-prioritised the drawing phase with a view to prioritise value and colour when using secondary resources. Unlike the […]
The Ivy

The Ivy, the final painting in Agony in the Garden: Series 1, presents an older nude white man standing alone among the chaos of a football crowd. Faces scream, arms lift, scarves wave — the collective emotion is unmistakable, almost euphoric. And in the centre of it all: a man, naked and unshouting, turned inward as the noise passes over him.
The Rose Bush

The Rose Bush, the second painting in Agony in the Garden: Series 1, places a nude Black man within the spectacle of the Royal Ascot — a world of fascinators, champagne flutes, and finely tailored distractions. Among the hats, heels, and ceremony of tradition, he stands alone in his undress — calm, composed, unmistakably present.
Imogen Johnson-Gilbert, March 2022. Oil On Canvas

Every now and then, someone’s craft and dedication leave a lasting impression. For me, that person was Imogen Johnson-Gilbert, an exceptional tailor. Years ago, she created a bespoke suit for me—a piece I still wear with pride. Her precision, artistry, and collaborative approach left a deep mark. When I learned she had opened her own shop in Pimlico during the challenges of the pandemic, I felt compelled to honour her ingenuity and perseverance. For me, the Imogen Johnson-Gilbert Portrait celebrates Imogen’s skill, entrepreneurship, and enduring passion for her craft.
The Hawthorn Tree

The Hawthorn Tree, the first painting in Agony in the Garden: Series 1, stands at the threshold between past and present, the sacred and the everyday. A nude woman, poised and upright, waits on a crowded tube platform. She is still. Composed. Entirely alone in her awareness — and yet she stands shoulder to shoulder with a mass of commuters, each one lost in the soft glow of their phone screens.
The Tightlits Family Portrait, September 2021. Oil On Canvas

When Abdel approached me to create a family portrait, it was an honor to work with him again. A year earlier, I had painted a portrait of his father, and his satisfaction with that piece led him to commission this one. Abdel envisioned a portrait of himself, his wife, and their two children set against a mountainous backdrop from his home country. This unique request presented new challenges, but it also offered an exciting opportunity to push my skills further.
The Psychological Impact of Seeing Yourself in Art

Art has a profound ability to touch our emotions, capture our essence, and transform our perception of self. Having a custom portrait created is not just about capturing a likeness; it’s an intimate journey that can significantly impact how we see ourselves. In this post, we examine how seeing yourself in art can affect self-perception and provide a sense of validation and self-worth.
The Emotional Impact of Custom Portraits
Custom portraits hold a unique ability to capture and convey deep emotions, making them more than just works of art. They transform memories into timeless pieces that evoke strong feelings and create lasting connections. In this post, we explore the emotional impact of custom portraits and how they enrich the lives of those who commission […]
The Collaboration Between Artist and Client: Bringing Vision to Life

Creating a custom oil portrait is a deeply collaborative process. The relationship between the artist and the client plays a crucial role in shaping the final artwork. This partnership ensures that the portrait not only captures the subject’s likeness but also reflects the client’s vision and emotions. In this post, we discuss the importance of […]
The Timeless Appeal of Traditional Oil Portraits

In an age dominated by digital imagery and modern art forms, traditional oil portraits hold a unique and enduring charm. These portraits, rich in history and craftsmanship, continue to be cherished and valued for their ability to capture the essence of their subjects in a way that transcends time. In this post, we explore why […]
