Backstory

Sister & Brother | 2021

I never thought that Sister & Brother would be my final commission as a painter, but I'm glad it ended on a high note. Growing up with three sisters in a close family gave me a deep understanding of the bond that siblings share. With this painting of a brother and sister, I aimed to capture that essence.

When I relocated to Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands, to be with my partner, I had aspirations of further developing my career in the arts. This came after resigning from my full-time job in the social sector in The Netherlands and a part-time art teaching position. However, I encountered some obstacles such as a scarcity of studio space (with high rent prices), difficulty obtaining materials, and a lack of creative networks.

I decided to look for part-time work to supplement my practice, after many job applications and rejections, I eventually landed a job at the Salvation Army once again within a social setting, There, I met a couple who asked me to paint a mural in their home and then, their family friend, commissioned me to paint a portrait of their children.

Although I was grateful for this commission and I dedicated countless hours to its creation, it was the final push out of my career, which had been marked by endless challenges and relatively few highs over the last 30 years. I had lost my passion for painting and had to admit that a dedicated practice like mine eventually takes a toll.

For more on my reasons for ending my painting career and starting a new one, please read "Painting Endings".

Technique

SURFACE:
Aluminium Panel; after researching the various aluminium panels on the market I settled on a 3mm panel with an anodized surface.
www.jacksonsart.com

MEDIUM:
Old Holland Oil Paints
www.oldholland.com
Refined Linseed Stand Oil
www.michaelharding.co.uk
Gamsol Mineral Spirits
www.gamblincolors.com
Artists’ Satin Varnish
www.winsrnewton.com

BRUSHES:
Rosemary & Co Handmade Brushes
www.rosemaryandco.com

TECHNIQUE:
First, I prepared the aluminium panel by applying three layers of gesso and lightly sanding between each layer. I then painted on a ground layer in a neutral brown/gray colour. Once dry I sketched a detailed drawing using a yellow pencil. I decided then to paint by sections rather than my usual technique of working on the entirety of the painting simultaneously. After this layer was dry, I used glazing techniques to add tones of colour. I built up multiple layers of glaze to achieve the desired effect.