Why do I paint portraits?

Ok, so portraits yeah? I love them. And while I dabble in paintings straying away from the main physical aspect that identifies us as individuals, I always gravitate back to it. What can I say, I'm just drawn to people's faces.

What do I like about the face?

The many stories we tell by simple or complex expressions and lines worn in our features. It's fascinating. I'm always wondering, what is that person thinking about, where have they been and what are they moving towards next.

What is your favourite feature of the face?

A popular answer I'm sure, but it has to be the eyes. With so many shapes, colours and expressions they really do have their own stage in which to translate emotion in all its forms.

What unexpected aspect do you enjoy when painting portraits?

Imperfections! I love everything about our flaws, how we wear them and how others perceive them. For a long time I thought only painting perfect model like faces was the way to go. Oh, how wrong I was! And while I still enjoy a pretty face, its those that are imperfect that are perfect to me.

What expressions do you prefer to paint?

I'm not sure if I have a particular expression that I prefer to paint. It's more when someone catches my eye, and I just get the urge to throw paint at them. But if I were to narrow it down it would be more of the sultry, thought provoking expressions, that submit the viewer into asking why and what was this person thinking in this specific moment.