Here is a study I recently made of a Madonna by the late Renaissance genius Bronzino. It is obviously unfinished in many parts (lips, veil etc), but my purpose was to practice skin lightness and facial composure.

I love Bronzino. Although widely revered, he is not usually included in the pantheon of  grand masters of the High Renaissance alongside Da Vinci or Michelangelo. He is most famous in popular culture for painting an allegory with Venus and Cupid snogging from which Terry Gilliam famously excised the foot which squashed the Monty Python titles. The painting itself is stunningly executed, except for the horribly contorted stance of cupid. I reckon he was twisted so that Bronzino could have him snogging his mother and showing off his pert bottom in the same composition – I know it sounds brazen, but you know what that lot were like.

I think Bronzino is one of the greatest painters of all time, for various reasons. The greatest wealth of his work is of course in Florence, but it is well worth checking out the three paintings by him in the National Gallery (including the licentious allegory, you’ll be glad to hear).

I have been busy working on this portrait of my friend Mr JRampling.

I have a few people lined up to paint but, as I have said before, if you would like to me to do your portrait then just email me or the like.

A portrait in oils of Caterina Davison, who is a pal of mine from my uni days in Bristol.

I already painted her (now) husband Rog How a few years back, so now I have the pair. It’s always good to have the pair, according to David Dickinson off of Bargain Hunt.

Cat has a stunning line in bespoke designer jewellery for which she is currently gaining all sorts of plaudits, which is well worth checking out. Apparently she destroyed some very expensive lasers coming up with her designs, which is always a good sign.

I am looking to expand my portfolio of portraits,  and am on the lookout for subjects to come and sit for me. So if  you are interested, I can offer a comfy seat, excellent tea and fine banter…

Here it is. You can see my gaff. 

I love seeing how London used to be so countrified. Ahh, you can almost smell the wildflowers and the dung.

Now this is what I am talking about. Content! To hell with the nob gags. I am going to be getting more content on my website now. I have uploaded a photograph of my most recent self-portrait on the portraits page of my website which can be reached by clicking the image preview below. I cannot possibly write any more here. I am still bushed from the weekend festivities surrounding the engagement of my friends Ben and Gill.