THE DECADES

1980 - 1989

The 1980's began with a sense of renewed vigour and anticipation in terms of my work plans. I felt confident that the portraits I had started, were taking me in a more challenging direction both creatively and emotionally. Many of the head studies were of friends and family and generally dark and brooding in nature (some would say depressing). However, I was determined quite early on that what I didn't want to paint, were happy snapshots (no matter how well painted). My main concerns revolved around capturing subjects in a reflective/contemplative mood, thinking about their lives, caught in their own worlds, unaware of the moment. Lighting and expression became more important to the work and my painting and photography skills were constantly pushed to the limit in order to meet my own voracious desire for verisimilitude.

Portraits quickly became full-figure compositions and the ambition to place subjects in a more conducive environment opened up more complex approaches to the planning and execution of the paintings. Often I would piece the backgrounds together from several photo-studies in a collage manner to create the mood I was looking for.

Following success in gaining entry to the newly formed annual competition at the National Portrait Gallery in 1982 & 84, I began to take on portrait commissions, but these were limited by my teaching commitments which were steadily growing as we reached the end of the 80's. I did continue with my own work throughout the decade, but the responsibilities at College were about to become overwhelmingly demanding as the 90's approached.