Artistís statement May 2008

About my portrait paintings

These family portraits are an attempt to reconcile elements of my approach to abstract painting (freedom but balance of mark, colour, shape and gesture) with the constraints and accuracy needed to capture a likeness. I started by tracing from enlarged digital photos allowing me to concentrate on balancing interlocking shapes, colours and forms. Throughout I allow myself to be steered by what I know of the person I am painting as well as by the photograph. At a certain point I fail in my attempt to match the painting to the photo and at this point I concentrate on trying to capture something essential of their way of being as well trying to balance and harmonize the formal aspects of the painting.

David Eyres

May 2008