The Subjects I Paint

I paint in oil and watercolour where the main interest is people.

The Nude: Painting the nude direct from the model is a classical subject, and one which painters have struggled with and enjoyed for many generations such as Cezanne, Renoir and Degas. Here I stress the importance and difference between photography and painting of a nude. Within a painting the nude is a celebration of the beauty of the female and male form whereas a photograph can often be seen in a more negative light.

The Scene: Scene painting is where a story can be developed and the relationship between the people can be discovered, such as falling in love. These paintings are usually set outside by a river, on cliff tops and other interesting places.

Portraits: These can be head and shoulders, three quarters or full length, depicting people with an interest or doing an activity such as dancers, relaxing or reading. These are clothed figures of men, women or children of all ages.
 

How I Paint

Where possible I enjoy painting directly from life but know this is not always practical as time is limited and holding a position for long periods can be tiring.
The best way I found to overcome this is to sketch with pencil and charcoal, this makes it much swifter and I have less equipment to transport when on location. I occasionally take a photo at this point for colour reference or if time is short but this is not always necessary. From there I produce the painting in oil or watercolour in my own time working directly from the sketches.

About Modeling

I work with models both indoors and out, depending on the model’s interests and the time of year. I work either in my studio in Chichester or on location, these can be local spots such as The Witterings, Dell Quay or further afield to Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and East Anglia. From time to time I travel to more exotic places such as Venice and Morocco.  I cannot help with long distance transportation, but local U.K. transportation will be covered.

What do I look for in a model?

I am looking for people interested in being part of my work, either on their own, with friends or as a couple. The ideal age for nude work would be 18 - 35 and size 8 - 10. For my scene work I am looking I am looking for all types.
Models should be in good physical shape. Previous experience with figure modeling isn’t necessary. Obviously, the most important element in a model is an appreciation of my creative aesthetic.

Physical scars are not an issue and tattoos and body piercing can be worked around.
The most crucial element in producing strong figure portraits is the relationship between the model and the artist, an interest in art also helps here as it gives the model an insight into what I'm looking for and where I'm coming from.

There are several essential qualities which a model must possess quite apart from looks. One is a lack of self consciousness (especially when painting the nude), the model must enjoy sitting and be enthusiastic about producing great pieces of art. Another is patience on the part of the model. I can often take a while to find a good pose or composition. I suspect the patience of most of my models is rooted in their enthusiasm - the willingness to do what it takes to make the painting.

Working with the same model over a number of different sessions builds up a rapport, and helps the model learn what works in the poses and what doesn’t. As the model becomes more familiar with how I work and experienced with the process of making a painting, the model becomes better at generating poses which work for me and on the whole, the number of successful works goes up. I’ve also found the work tends to be produced quicker, allowing more sketches to be done and more creative boundaries expanded.

How long does a session take?

Sessions can last from an hour to a full day or longer if on location.

What is involved?

Models are welcome to bring a friend along for company; sketching is slow at times, so having someone to chat with occasionally isn’t a bad idea. Often the best work is a result of multiple sessions, though this would depend upon the model’s time and degree of interest.
Depending on what modeling you doing I will supply various types of clothing and props but if you have your own that you think are suitable such as exotic and 'gypsy' style clothing or props please bring them along. I will also supply tea, coffee and biscuits and meals if on location!

What does a model receive from a sitting?

For scene work the rate is £5.50  p/hour

For nude modelling the rate is £7.00  p/hour

If you are still interested in doing something different and fun to tell your grandchildren about please contact me.