Layered PORTRAIT

For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to portraiture. I especially love melancholic or contemplative expressions; ones in which it’s not obvious what the sitter is thinking, and so viewers are left to make their own interpretations. When I’m looking for a new sitter, I often use the Museum by Sktchy app (available on a smartphone or iPad) and I subscribe to the reference image library from the New Masters Academy (see www.nma.art), which both provide photos of models.

For this masterclass, I created a portrait of my friend, Jocelyn. The reference photograph was a beautiful example of an intriguing wistful expression, looking off into the distance – it reminded me of vintage travel posters advertising holidays at the beach.

I’m excited to share my technique, using pastels over the top of watercolour. I