Spyro (2024)

Spyro was painted in 2024 as a family memorial portrait. Like many of my commemorative works, it began from a place of grief but evolved into an act of tenderness — a way of preserving presence through light and texture. The painting captures not only likeness but character: the quiet alertness in the eyes, the subtle curve of posture, and the impression of thought behind the stillness.

The muted palette reflects both intimacy and restraint. Set against a warm, patterned backdrop, the subject emerges from shadow with a gentle radiance that recalls classical portraiture. The red bow provides a focal point of contrast, symbolising both individuality and the affection of those who dressed and adored him. Through its painterly softness, the portrait becomes both a tribute and a remembrance — a way to continue looking after what can no longer be held.

In many ways, Spyro continues my exploration of portraiture as a vessel for emotion. Each brushstroke becomes an act of care; the process itself, a quiet conversation between absence and memory.

Created digitally with layered impasto textures and controlled lighting, Spyro uses tonal depth to convey both atmosphere and intimacy. The fur was developed through blended brushwork, alternating between rough and glazed layers to achieve the reflective qualities of black fur under diffused light. The gold-brown background, patterned with faint hand-drawn ornamentation, provides warmth without distraction. The composition’s vertical format echoes formal portrait conventions, reinforcing the piece’s sense of quiet dignity and permanence.