Being a portrait painter

I am a portrait painter you know by now. The last twenty-five years I have dedicated  almost exclusively to this specialization. I have really enjoyed my job and thank goodness, I’ve always had plenty of commissions.  And I´ll continue of course, as well as keep creating video tutorials about portrait painting and everything that comes with that.

Sometimes I have been asked whether our stay in Spain has influenced my work. I can not judge that. Once a gallery owner commented my use of colours: “In your paintings you can even smell the Spanish garlic!” I did not know what to answer.

For years I nourished the desire to expand my field of work, to broaden my horizons. I could not realize my wish as I was always occupied. I barely had time for non-commissioned work. But I’m going to change that! Chelva, the village where we live, is a rich source of inspiration. It should be immortalized into paintings, I have known that for a long time. The rural architecture and environment is longing to be painted.

Most villagers still have their own orchards of olive and almond trees and many still grow their own vegetables. Some streets here still smell of horses, donkeys and chickens. If ever the colours of my portraits recalled a garlic air, I would want my village paintings to carry a smell of stables. These paintings must become true portraits of Chelva. Eventually I shall be a portrait painter!