ABOUT

​​My first known painting, age 3, was the epic 'Owls on a Branch' in 1976. ​​​​​​​

My first costume, the following year, was 'Rose of England' for the local village fete. 

​​​​​​​​​I've been painting and dressing up pretty much ever since.

Now, I'm combining my two lifelong loves by painting portraits of people wearing costume.

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Let me tell you why.

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It's my belief that dressing in costume isn't merely about being looked at, it's about feeling seen. 

As a child I was made to feel invisible and powerless by those around me, my opinions and feelings censored and dismissed. Perhaps inevitably, as an adult I found myself working for twenty years in performance-based jobs that enabled me to escape into other characters where I could behave differently - outrageously, even - without fear.

Aside from that, I also just LOVED wearing costume! From maids to monarchs, I loved researching the details and creating the perfect top-to-toe look for each personality.

My most frequent alter ego was (and still is, occasionally) Queen Elizabeth 1st: powerful, glamorous and just a little bit naughty. ​​​​​​​​

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 So, I can paint how wearing costume looks and feels for you, too - captured in your portrait.

This is how it works: 

If you are into costume like historical re-enacting, cosplay, steampunk or LARP, the chances are you'll have spent hours and HOURS perfecting every detail to create that wow-factor kit. 

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As an accomplished oil portrait painter I'll capture the essence of how you look*, creating a lasting legacy in a traditional medium that's authentic to your costume era.

But more than that, my portrait of you will express how you feel when you're in that costume or being that character, so you can keep that feeling for ever.

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So my question to you is: Who are you today?

Are you portraying a powerful monarch or a whimsical steampunk countess?

A fearsome swordsman or a humble artisan?

Or maybe today you are cosplaying Princess Leia..?

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You decide. We talk. You send me the photo.

Then I'll paint you.

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Click on my Commission a Portrait page to find out more.

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Check out my Gallery page for some examples of previous portraits. 

Visit my Commission a Portrait page for prices and options.

Go to my Contact page to get in touch with any questions or to request a commission.

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* I don't do photo-realism. If that's what you're after, take a photo!