My studio practice focuses on the human figure, preferencing the physiognomy of my subject. In my work I explore the use of Water-colour paints, to build up layers of highlights and shadows to achieve the effect of depth and shape within my pieces. I first start with a reference photo; I choose my image by the expression and body language of the subject. This could be teeth showing in a smile, a hand falling naturally or the highlights in a person’s gaze. I then crop the image by adjusting the background using my artistic judgment, I will often fade details in the background image to bring the focus of the viewers to my subject’s face. When I am happy to start on my piece, I use A4 water-colour paper that I sketch my reference image on to. These sketches will work as guide line of where I am going to place my water paints. I work from darkest colours to lightest colours. Then adding in details and highlights once the paint has completely dried. I will work in layers building up from the back ground to the foreground to ensure that the most detail is at the viewer’s focal point