Why do we hesitate to paint portraits, I wonder? I have conducted numerous classes on this topic, and life drawing is undoubtedly my favorite subject to teach. Yet, I find myself completely avoiding the painted portrait. However, when I glance through my sketchbooks and my extensive collection of paintings, drawings, and sketches, I am astonished by the number of portraits that reside there.

For 2025, my resolution is to participate in as many major competitions and apply for significant exhibitions as possible. One of these challenges is the Sky Arts TV Portrait Artist of the Year. Not only do I need to submit a self-portrait, but I also have to provide another portrait and grant the judges access to my website to showcase all my other portraits. Wow - I suddenly felt exposed!

I toiled for a few weeks to create a fitting submission and then proceeded to work on a second one. For my supporting portrait, I submitted the painting of Txai Surui, (a Brazilian eco-warrior) that I completed in 2021. She left a strong impression on me when she attended COP25 in Glasgow. Following that, I decided to enter that same portrait for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. What am I thinking?

As luck would have it, an old university friend sent me a photo of himself as a teenage fencing champion and asked if I could turn it into a painting – goodness, another portrait! It feels as if the universe is trying to tell me something..

Realizing I could benefit from some practice, I joined a portrait painting group at my local arts center. So far, I have completed two portraits and am starting to feel that I am doing well. My fellow students are incredibly supportive, and one of the professional models even requested a photo.

One of my oldest and dearest friends is celebrating her 70th birthday this month, so with a little assistance from one of her daughters, I created a small portrait of her as well!

I suppose practice makes perfect, so my next challenge will be to attempt a pose that conveys more than just a simple, smiling likeness. It has been said that capturing what a person looks like is one thing, but creating a portrait that reflects who they are is another. That must be the ultimate test for any artist.

I admire Vincent Van Gogh’s earthy portraits, and there is something charmingly candid about David Hockney’s life-sized watercolor figures. David has painted his self-portrait numerous times throughout his life, while here I am, at the end of mine, finally contemplating taking it seriously! They do say it’s never too late, don’t they?