Portrait helps viewers connect with art. Over the years I’ve done Van Gogh and self-portraits in pastels, and famous people in charcoal (here’s my Bob Marley). Portraits are challenging, but I really enjoy the process of trying to master a likeness. I’ve tried a self-portrait once before in pastel … you can see it here.

The self-portrait above was done during my quarantine period in Istanbul, and showcases the face mask I sewed myself.

I did this portrait in my sketch book, where the paper isn’t as robust as watercolour paper, so I had to do a light wash on it. It’s in my usual style of precise pen sketch with a watercolour wash.

I was really pleased with the end result. Even though I’ve suddenly become a dark-haired. What do you think?

I wonder how many beginning portraits artists have been grateful of the pandemic – so they don’t have to master drawing noses or mouths!?