The reason I’ve been a little quiet of late online, amongst other things, is that I’ve been working on a lovely new commission.
I was asked to produce a family portrait for a ‘landmark birthday’ (hey, it’s not my place to divulge!) and as the conversation continued, we discussed their love of Laos textiles, a recent discovery for the family on their travels.
After some research the geometric design of many textile examples lent itself to the framing and linking of little portraits, showing the other family members. Working through the roughs you can see it took me a few iterations to fix on the simplest idea, of one larger overall frame for the main portrait:
Working from family photos, I started with the portraits in brown coloured pencil:


After some tests I abandoned my original intention of using inked patterns – in a different piece it would have been great, but the way things had transpired I felt it would overwhelm the delicate pencil portraits. I reckon I made the right choice. See what you think!

Hi Rebecca, thank you so much for your guidance and pure talent in creating this piece. My wife is delighted. I can’t thank you enough.
Gareth
Hello Gareth – well it was absolutely my pleasure, thank you for asking me! I’m so pleased that she is happy with the picture.
Becky