Portraits
Please browse through a selection of my portraits.
These have been created through commissions, or from my own interest. If you are interested in commissioning a portrait please read through the process at the bottom of the page (click here to view), and then contact me either via email, or through the contact page here.
Some of these portraits are also available to purchase as Limited Editions. See here for details.
Commissioning a Portrait
T he process of sitting for a portrait, whether it be a sketch, painting or bronze, is completely unique. In life, part of the image we have of ourselves is formed from what is mirrored back to us, by the important people in our lives, like teachers, parents, partners and friends.
If you are thinking of commissioning a portrait, from a conti drawing to a life size bronze, there are a number of issues that must be considered.
A life size sculptured portrait normally takes six sittings of approximately 2 hours a sitting. This can take place either in your own home or at the artist's studio. A slightly quicker clay 'sketch' half life size would take two to three sittings.
When the final clay portrait is completed and the client hopefully pleased with the outcome, a decision can be made at this stage as to what material the portrait should be cast in.
The least expensive process is to hollow out and kiln fire the original terracotta.
A bronze life size portrait involves the clay original being moulded and cast at a bronze foundry. This process is highly skilled, very lengthy and fairly expensive (ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of Pounds), but very much worth it. The sculptor is also involved at various stages of this process.
Whatever your interest at the outset, Lesley is happy to answer any of your queries.
This film depicts the clay modelling, the welding of the bronze cast and the patination and waxing, but omits the mould making and investing. For more information about the piece that is depicted in the video, take a look at the Lord Nelson page, here.
Discovering who we truly are is a lifetime’s journey. Sometimes we have a therapist, to help us understand ourselves, and the experiences we have had. Sitting for a portrait, you are held in a seemingly timeless, ‘other’ place, where the intention of the artist is to witness the essence of who you are.
We are all multi faceted and often that which is most precious in a particular soul can be, surprisingly, overlooked. In an outwardly gentle face there might be a toughness and resilience intermingled with vulnerability. There may be barely suppressed humour twitching at the corners of the mouth, or, as I witnessed recently, an innate nobility held in the face of a very humble soul; we can often miss, in ourselves and others, the gold within.
So the experience of sitting is often a surprise, a quiet revelation; and a privilege for the artist to be entrusted to attempt to give a true form to a unique soul.