39. Matilda Michell

Title
Percy

Year
2021

Medium
oil on canvas

Dimensions
66 x 50.5cm

Artist Statement

This painting of my oldest son was done from life over three sessions of around an hour each. I often find that people are somewhat awkward or uncomfortable when asked to sit, at least at first. Being unused to the process and not always sure what position to assume, they tend to sit quite formally, more upright and unrelaxed than they usually do, and it can be difficult to direct them into a more casual or comfortable pose. One of the great pleasures of painting my children is that they are completely unselfconscious models, very used to having me look at them in that way, and not overly invested in what the outcome will be. That, coupled with the fact that I know their faces better than any others, mean that I’m much more relaxed and able to take risks in the painting process itself.