Intro…
I am both an artist and Art Lecturer based in Kent, with a diverse background that encompasses fine art, fashion, illustration, and the crafting of hand-sculpted wooden accessories. In my artistic pursuits, portraiture holds a prominent position, encompassing both realistic portrayals of my subjects' features and more figurative interpretations. My medium of choice is the ballpoint pen, a tool that I find to be thrilling, with its unique set of challenges. Mark-making with a Biro pen is truly addictive. The tactile sensation of feeling the marks being made on the paper is a methodical and repetitive process, that demands my full attention.
PROCESS...
“I HAVE TO FEEL A CONNECTION, A FASCINATION WITH SOMEONE, TO WANT TO DRAW THEM”.
I acknowledge that my artistic approach, while exciting, is also notably inconvenient and impractical, relying upon a certain degree of luck and chemistry. When selecting a subject to draw, I am particularly attracted to busy backgrounds, as I relish the challenge of incorporating contrasting textures. My portrait style leans towards capturing subjects in their natural environment, surrounded by the familiarity of their everyday lives—an approach aimed at conveying a narrative and preserving a specific moment in time.
Once I embark on a portrait, my dedication to the process is intense. I make it a point to photograph my work at the conclusion of each session. This practice not only allows me to keep the artwork close at all times but also facilitates progress review and the identification of any inaccuracies. Upon completion of the portrait, I compile the images into a video, offering viewers a valuable insight into my working method, which has proven to be of interest to others.
Recently, I was immersed in a new series inspired by my collection of shells and stones. I find the challenge of imagining a character from scratch incredibly rewarding, providing me with ample creative freedom. Figurative Series
Keith Brymer Jones - In progress