Kickstarting The Local Project
I've had tremendous support from some local businesses in kickstarting my career in portraiture. David from Clairmonts in Windsor jumped in with two feet.
We took a rage of photographs and two and a half weeks later I went to his house with a 36x27 inch painting and he and his wife were thrilled. "I didn't expect that" she said, "most of the time they miss something, but that's exactly him. Wow!"
A week later, after it was framed, David and I, cloaked in the veil of night, hung the portrait and the next morning he received umpteen compliments and affectionate slurs. He has since told me that it has made working in his cafe "more fun than ever!"
“The first day it was up, we had banter all day with those in the queue. It was the most fun I’ve ever had at work! Roffey’s flyers were flying out the door!””
Keeping it Local
Pennyfields, a local store in amongst the other village conveniences where I live. The owner and I decided that the elegant Ann Joyce would be a good painting to hang there as she is a well known local with a familiar face. After much cajoling she agreed to the idea and is over-the-moon with the result. As she should be, I've never seen such a wonderful mix of power, beauty and warmth wrapped up in a single individual.
“I was nervous at first but I’m so proud of my Portrait, I’ve had so many compliments! I had one done in my thirties, and even though I’m older now, this one looks better, even if I say so myself.”
