A word from the artist…

I’m inspired by texture, and approach a subject to paint by imagining how it feels. I have predominantly been using oils in recent years and enjoy building up a portrait gradually with thin layers, often over the course of a few weeks. I tend to work on a few paintings at a time to allow for drying time between layers.

I work from photos and prefer using my own as they are connected to memories. I find the subjects’ eyes are usually the focus and soul of my paintings, with the biggest challenge being to give them life with accurate shape, shadows, reflections and highlights. Sometimes the eye alone can end up as an entire separate painting.

I feel strongly about using good quality art materials that will stand the test of time. At the same time, I don’t hesitate to use a variety of tools to achieve the effect that I want. Fingers are excellent for softening lines in soft fur and I modify some brushes with thinning scissors for painting fine hairs. I once painted an entire painting with a cheap make-up brush.

- Christelle Grey