Although portraiture is the most demanding and time-consuming subject matter, it is the most enjoyable for me because of the joy that it brings to the subject, family and client. I am always surprised to find myself toiling away on a portrait, wondering whether I am getting anywhere, only to suddenly have the portrait 'spring to life' at some point. The portraits in this collection have been painted either by commission, or just for my own enjoyment if I was particularly taken by a face or a pose.

What is figurative art? Sometimes it's hard to determine whether a painting is a 'portrait' or a figurative work. More often than not, a portrait depicts a person looking at the artist, whereas a figure painting may show the subject 'doing something,' or perhaps just off in thought, but apparently unaware of the artist. There are exceptions to these criteria, however. One of the first figurative works which inspired me was Jan Vermeer's "The Milkmaid," which my grandmother had hanging in her home. Because of my musical background, you will find several paintings featuring musical instruments in this category.