The Figure

Whether I am painting narrative subjects, portraits, or still life paintings, there have gradually developed, over the years, various compositional elements such as the close up, dynamic angles, tight cropping and conflicts of scale which, either by design or accident, have crept into my paintings. These elements partly originate from my life-long interest in Cinema and reportage photography.

My intention is not only to realise a likeness but also to capture the essence of the sitter, by employing my own particular vocabulary and acute observation, and predominantly using layered and incremental brushwork, mainly using oil on canvas or linen as a support.

Throughout one’s life one earns every line and crevice on one’s face. To that end the intensity of the close-up offers endless fascination for me. The subject is all-important to me, and more often than not, I remove or diminish any distracting background elements to allow the painting to gather energy influencing the viewer to concentrate solely on the sitter’s features.

Commissions welcome.

Also at:
https://www.southwestacademy.org.uk/geoff-shillito

https://www.bsaorg.uk

https://www.facebook.com/gshillitopaintings/