One of the difficulties almost any artist who is interested in figurative and portrait painting comes across sooner or later has always been the problem of finding a model.

For example, one or more of the following issues will invariably need to be addressed.

* What’s in if for the model?

What fees should the artist or model expect to pay or receive?
Who owns the painting?
When and where can the artist and model work?
What happens if or when the painting sells? 
Luckily, I’ve found a solution that suits both my style and my temperament.

Some years ago, my wife Lynne stated unequivocally that she was finished with sitting for me as my model. “It's boring, very time consuming and the results are never flattering,” she said. “I don’t have a say in it, and you always make me look like a fucking monkey. So find yourself another model.”

Of course she was right and remains so. Modelling is mind numbingly monotonous.

Fortunately, just after this ultimatum, I had a lightbulb moment: PHOTOGRAPHY.

Taking a snap is neither boring nor time consuming, and I managed to get her to stand still for a few moments while I took her picture.

Then I painted her portrait from the photograph.

And I liked the result.

So that’s what I do now with anyone who wants their portrait painted.