Do you know them? Portrait project, 2nd Volunteer

There has been a bigger gap than I had hoped between these paintings and the last portraits of Carmen that I painted for the project.

Tim kindly sent me 3 photos to select from, 2 had him with one of his children and 1 had Tim wearing a fake beard. Initially I was drawn to Tim wearing the fake beard, it felt like a “me” reference and it felt like a “Fun” Tim that I had the impression of from the photos I was sent.

I kept creating other paintings and didn’t return to the project, I realised it was because I wasn’t connecting to the photo as much as I wanted to.

I decided to select one of the others, because of the warmth and happiness I felt coming from the photo and the beautiful light across Tim’s left eye… then I felt enthusiastic about painting Tim.

I changed the composition of the photo, and decided to leave off Tim’s son from the background. The portrait was a fun experiment in mark making and contrasts, but also I still wanted to convey the happiness I could feel, and to a degree the free spirit I felt Tim has.

Once I had completed the portrait, I asked Tim to send me some information about himself, this is what he wrote-

“I lost my mum at 29 and my dad at 34. At 35 I took a gap year.

I love adventures, but love coming home more.

I've taken the train from York to Hong Kong and I've fired a gun in the DPRK.

I can, and will, listen to almost any sport on the radio apart from horse racing.

I've always thought if myself as creative but have recently reclassified myself as a creative problem solver. Creative within a framework.

I am a creature of habit and I struggle with last minute changes of plan, unless that is the plan. I can get obsessive about details but am easily distracted.

I am married to the most amazing, passionate, kind, patient, and beautiful woman without whom I don't know I'd still be here. I want our children to grow up in a fairer, kinder world than we have now.

I am Tim.”

This is the second portrait in response to Tim’s words.

As with the portraits of Carmen, I quickly realised I couldn’t incorporate everything, and I also didn’t want the portrait to be too literal.

The background colour isn’t overly significant in this one other than to me it speaks a little of adventure, but it was more important that it contrasted or highlighted the brighter colours. The part that told me most about Tim, was how he spoke of the other loves in his life- his wife and children. This told me a lot about his character, what he wrote and just that he chose to include this, and at the end of everything else he has written about himself. I think we tend to remember beginnings and endings the most… so scroll back and read what he chose to write first and last.

I wanted to convey this love and connection Tim has with his Son. It meant on this portrait I was able to use the warm colours on Tim’s left eye and make sure they spread across to his son- I wanted that to be an important part of the painting, just as it is a significant part of what Tim has written about himself.

I also completely changed the composition from the first painting, returning it to a composition more similar to the original photo Tim sent. I think the fact they are at the bottom of the painting makes them feel like they are on an adventure, metaphorically and physically.

Looking back on Tim’s words, I think you could interpret other painting choices I have made, that fit with his words, and hopefully suggest his personality.

As an art lover I am really open to how we interpret art, and I am absolutely here for art that appeals to me on an aesthetic level and nothing more. I am also happy if this is the part that brings joy to people when they view my work. This project isn’t about forcing another level or viewpoint on from my work, but just a beautiful experiment to see if knowing someone a little more changes the way I feel compelled to paint them.

Thank you for reading this blog. All of the portraits are collated on a page on the website to view together, just tap HERE, and available paintings will be listed on the Original Art page.

with love and thanks

Flo x

If you would like to support me so I can keep doing something I love, please feel free to tap “Buy me a chocolate bar” to find out how- Thank you x