Portraits Page

Copyright Sophie Huddlestone

Portraits by Artist Sophie Huddlestone.

Sophie’s portrait painting style is abstract contemporary, fascinated by the patterns that form within the painting process, allowing the spontaneous application of the paint to create shapes and patterns, then refining areas of details in a more realistic way. Sophie is still on the long road of learning portraiture, the examples below were created in a variety of mediums including oil paints, watercolours mixed media.

Press the Arrows or swipe across the photo below to View Past Experimental Portraits

OILS - this portrait of my 22 year old son was painted in a less abstract way but when looking closer you can see areas of the paint was left to dribble and pool in areas to still create interesting patterns. I used watered down oil paint sepia and a white china graph pencil, on a textured toned linen canvas board and I think that portraits suit this surface. It has captured his nature and his eyes follow you round the room which is something I'm pleased about as I have not achieved this before. Size 40x40cm, 2023
OILS - this portrait of my 22 year old son was painted in a less abstract way but when looking closer you can see areas of the paint was left to dribble and pool in areas to still create interesting patterns. I used watered down oil paint sepia and a white china graph pencil, on a textured toned linen canvas board and I think that portraits suit this surface. It has captured his nature and his eyes follow you round the room which is something I'm pleased about as I have not achieved this before. Size 40x40cm, 2023
OILS - self portrait called "masking autism". Sticking to a limited colour range seems to suit my portrait style. I painted this abstract self portrait to portray how I communicate when masking my autism (looking at the person, with the expected social facial expressions and manerisms) compared to how I prefer to communicate (when not in social situations) by not maintaining eye contact and remaining in a resting facial expression. It is a portrait about how I really am compared to how I portray myself. Size 45cmx66cm, 2023
OILS - self portrait called "masking autism". Sticking to a limited colour range seems to suit my portrait style. I painted this abstract self portrait to portray how I communicate when masking my autism (looking at the person, with the expected social facial expressions and manerisms) compared to how I prefer to communicate (when not in social situations) by not maintaining eye contact and remaining in a resting facial expression. It is a portrait about how I really am compared to how I portray myself. Size 45cmx66cm, 2023
OILS - self portrait called "thoughts make everything but nature" getting the movement in the patterns to represent the fragments of atoms we are made from. Oil painting portrait in an abstract style, on a canvas board 35x50cm. I'm toning down the amount of colours I use and trying abstract portraits in sepia and tan tones. I used oil painting colours sepia, burnt sienna and ultramarine blue. Being more used to watercolours I tried using the canvas board for the white instead of mixing white into the oils. Self portrait 2023
OILS - self portrait called "thoughts make everything but nature" getting the movement in the patterns to represent the fragments of atoms we are made from. Oil painting portrait in an abstract style, on a canvas board 35x50cm. I'm toning down the amount of colours I use and trying abstract portraits in sepia and tan tones. I used oil painting colours sepia, burnt sienna and ultramarine blue. Being more used to watercolours I tried using the canvas board for the white instead of mixing white into the oils. Self portrait 2023
OIL AND WATERCOLOUR - This self portrait won a highly commended award at the Ten2 Gallery Exhibition, Leicestershire, and also came 3rd on the peoples choice vote. The self portrait is called 'Irlen syndrome glasses, dyslexic thinking' and was displayed as part of the “My special Things” exhibition at The Ten2 Gallery in Leicestershire running from 29th April until 8th July 2023. Some of the watercolour paints were colour changing reflective (view the paintings page for examples) they were painted on to sections of the face to capture the way that my blue tinted irlen syndrome glasses change the lighting I see. My blue tinted glasses helps the transmission of information to my brain. Hopefully my favourite thing (glasses) will bring more awareness to help others with dyslexia type symptoms to go for testing, to see if they too could be helped with Irlen Syndrome glasses. Canvas size 16"x12"x1.5". By Sophie Huddlestone 2023
OIL AND WATERCOLOUR - This self portrait won a highly commended award at the Ten2 Gallery Exhibition, Leicestershire, and also came 3rd on the peoples choice vote. The self portrait is called 'Irlen syndrome glasses, dyslexic thinking' and was displayed as part of the “My special Things” exhibition at The Ten2 Gallery in Leicestershire running from 29th April until 8th July 2023. Some of the watercolour paints were colour changing reflective (view the paintings page for examples) they were painted on to sections of the face to capture the way that my blue tinted irlen syndrome glasses change the lighting I see. My blue tinted glasses helps the transmission of information to my brain. Hopefully my favourite thing (glasses) will bring more awareness to help others with dyslexia type symptoms to go for testing, to see if they too could be helped with Irlen Syndrome glasses. Canvas size 16"x12"x1.5". By Sophie Huddlestone 2023
WATERCOLOUR AND TEXTURE PASTE - This portrait is the beginings of truely letting my imagination run wild. With over a decade of experience in watercolour painting I have evolved to using watercolour texture paste with a palet knife and watercolour marker pens alongside watercolour paints. This allows what some think as the 'weaker' medium of watercolour gaining the umph needed that textural strong oil paintings have. Size 10"x14". By Sophie Huddlestone
WATERCOLOUR AND TEXTURE PASTE - This portrait is the beginings of truely letting my imagination run wild. With over a decade of experience in watercolour painting I have evolved to using watercolour texture paste with a palet knife and watercolour marker pens alongside watercolour paints. This allows what some think as the 'weaker' medium of watercolour gaining the umph needed that textural strong oil paintings have. Size 10"x14". By Sophie Huddlestone
OIL, WATERCOLOUR AND TEXTURE PASTE -With everything being made from fragments of moving atoms I wanted to add energy to this portrait but keep the calm still feeling. The yellows and pinks battle each other shouting the loudest but the elegant composed pose keeps the thoughtful mind resting despite the mayhem around. This is painted in oil paints, watercolours and some texture paste added for raised areas. Size 41cm x 31cm, on canvas paper. Portrait by Sophie Huddlestone 2023
OIL, WATERCOLOUR AND TEXTURE PASTE -With everything being made from fragments of moving atoms I wanted to add energy to this portrait but keep the calm still feeling. The yellows and pinks battle each other shouting the loudest but the elegant composed pose keeps the thoughtful mind resting despite the mayhem around. This is painted in oil paints, watercolours and some texture paste added for raised areas. Size 41cm x 31cm, on canvas paper. Portrait by Sophie Huddlestone 2023
WATERCOLOUR, INKS AND TEXTURE PASTE - this self portrait has been entered into the 'Ruth Borchard self portrait prize' competition 2023. It is a self portrait inspired from atmospheric dust particles to now, we are all made from moving particles at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles. Our range of emotions are wide and make us human, but our true self may conceal these emotions. I myself on social media portray myself as a funny dizzy person yet I am a very deep thinker and quite shy. The expression on the face I wanted to be so un set that depending on the viewers mood at the time of looking at the portrait they themselves will predict that is the same emotion in the portrait, so this painting will change its mood depending on your mood. To do this I studied the Mona Lisa painting and came to my own conclusion that her expression was formed due to each of the eyes and sides of the moth were opposite emotions to each other. The left eye was smiling, left side of the mouth melancholy, right eye deep in thought and right side of the mouth smiling. So I criss crossed the emotions on my self portrait for the same effect of puzzling the viewer. The title of the painting contains an anagram of Mona Lisa. This portrait is size 16x12 inch on watercolour paper, painted in texture paste, watercolour pens, and watercolours. By Sophie Huddlestone 2023
WATERCOLOUR, INKS AND TEXTURE PASTE - this self portrait has been entered into the 'Ruth Borchard self portrait prize' competition 2023. It is a self portrait inspired from atmospheric dust particles to now, we are all made from moving particles at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles. Our range of emotions are wide and make us human, but our true self may conceal these emotions. I myself on social media portray myself as a funny dizzy person yet I am a very deep thinker and quite shy. The expression on the face I wanted to be so un set that depending on the viewers mood at the time of looking at the portrait they themselves will predict that is the same emotion in the portrait, so this painting will change its mood depending on your mood. To do this I studied the Mona Lisa painting and came to my own conclusion that her expression was formed due to each of the eyes and sides of the moth were opposite emotions to each other. The left eye was smiling, left side of the mouth melancholy, right eye deep in thought and right side of the mouth smiling. So I criss crossed the emotions on my self portrait for the same effect of puzzling the viewer. The title of the painting contains an anagram of Mona Lisa. This portrait is size 16x12 inch on watercolour paper, painted in texture paste, watercolour pens, and watercolours. By Sophie Huddlestone 2023
WATERCOLOUR, INK PENS AND TEXTURE PASTE - Portrait of Brian Cox. An inspirational physisist and interesting person, whom puts our tiny planet into perspective. It is very humberling to hear his wealth of knowlege about the universe and planets around us so I wanted to capture gentler humble expresion and his composition closer and cropped as if being in an indepth conversation with the portrait viewer. It took some time to shift through several reference photos of him before finding the exact pose and expression I was after, which I thing may have been taken while relaxing in a resturant or pub, so I hope it captured his spirit as a person and not just his career focus. Painted in watercolours, inks and texture paste, size 14" x 10". 2023 by Sophie Huddlestone
WATERCOLOUR, INK PENS AND TEXTURE PASTE - Portrait of Brian Cox. An inspirational physisist and interesting person, whom puts our tiny planet into perspective. It is very humberling to hear his wealth of knowlege about the universe and planets around us so I wanted to capture gentler humble expresion and his composition closer and cropped as if being in an indepth conversation with the portrait viewer. It took some time to shift through several reference photos of him before finding the exact pose and expression I was after, which I thing may have been taken while relaxing in a resturant or pub, so I hope it captured his spirit as a person and not just his career focus. Painted in watercolours, inks and texture paste, size 14" x 10". 2023 by Sophie Huddlestone
WATERCOLOUR AND INK - portrait of Sarah Lancashire. I spent far less time drawing and more time painting on this one and it seems to result in a freer more pleasing portrait. Although it is a portrait of her character in Happy Valley rather than herself it was a great to just let the paint flow where it wanted to. Perhaps she is a bit cheeky in real life as her cheek colour seemed to flow quite wide when the paint began to misbehave. Painted in watercolour ink pens, watercolours and inks, on to watercolour paper size 10x14 inch. by Sophie Huddlestone 2023
WATERCOLOUR AND INK - portrait of Sarah Lancashire. I spent far less time drawing and more time painting on this one and it seems to result in a freer more pleasing portrait. Although it is a portrait of her character in Happy Valley rather than herself it was a great to just let the paint flow where it wanted to. Perhaps she is a bit cheeky in real life as her cheek colour seemed to flow quite wide when the paint began to misbehave. Painted in watercolour ink pens, watercolours and inks, on to watercolour paper size 10x14 inch. by Sophie Huddlestone 2023
WATERCOLOUR - A portait painting of Simon Pegg Simon Pegg in watercolours , inks and watercolour marker pens, size 12x16 inch. By Sophie Huddlestone 2023
WATERCOLOUR - A portait painting of Simon Pegg Simon Pegg in watercolours , inks and watercolour marker pens, size 12x16 inch. By Sophie Huddlestone 2023
TEXTURE PASTE, INKS AND WATERCOLOURS - For this portrait painting of Dame Julie Walters I wanted a gentler pretty style of patterns to form, it was painted in watercolours, inks and a small amount of texture paste which kept the portrait smoother and more delicate. Size 14"x10", by Sophie Huddlestone 2023
TEXTURE PASTE, INKS AND WATERCOLOURS - For this portrait painting of Dame Julie Walters I wanted a gentler pretty style of patterns to form, it was painted in watercolours, inks and a small amount of texture paste which kept the portrait smoother and more delicate. Size 14"x10", by Sophie Huddlestone 2023
WATERCOLOUR TEXTURE PASTE INKS - portrait of Idris Elba size 102 X 14" on watercolour paper. By Sophie Huddlestone 2023
WATERCOLOUR TEXTURE PASTE INKS - portrait of Idris Elba size 102 X 14" on watercolour paper. By Sophie Huddlestone 2023
WATERCOLOUR AND INKS - Madonna portrait size 30x40cm on watercolour paper which I then glued to an art board with golden medium. For this portrait I wanted to try painting more of the body but found the reduced size in head made my style tighten up a bit. Perhaps much bigger paper is required in future for portraits which will include the body. By Sophie Huddlestone 2023
WATERCOLOUR AND INKS - Madonna portrait size 30x40cm on watercolour paper which I then glued to an art board with golden medium. For this portrait I wanted to try painting more of the body but found the reduced size in head made my style tighten up a bit. Perhaps much bigger paper is required in future for portraits which will include the body. By Sophie Huddlestone 2023
INKS AND WATERCOLOURS - For this portrait I wanted to experiment with darker skin tones. It was based on a reference photo of Chiwetel Ejiofor but I lost the likeness somewhere along the way. Rather than fiddle to get the likeness I kept this as is because I loved the way the patterns formed. Size 14x10 inch, by Sophie Huddlestone 2023
INKS AND WATERCOLOURS - For this portrait I wanted to experiment with darker skin tones. It was based on a reference photo of Chiwetel Ejiofor but I lost the likeness somewhere along the way. Rather than fiddle to get the likeness I kept this as is because I loved the way the patterns formed. Size 14x10 inch, by Sophie Huddlestone 2023
INKS AND WATERCOLOURS - for this portrait of Julia Roberts I hopefully stopped before over working it, I love the unfinished looser patterned style. Depending on which watercolour pigments used the chemical reactions can create strong or subtle patterns. I often refer to my sketch book of experimental mixes to see which area needs which effect. Painted in watercolours and ink pens, size 10x14 inch by Sophie Huddlestone 2023
INKS AND WATERCOLOURS - for this portrait of Julia Roberts I hopefully stopped before over working it, I love the unfinished looser patterned style. Depending on which watercolour pigments used the chemical reactions can create strong or subtle patterns. I often refer to my sketch book of experimental mixes to see which area needs which effect. Painted in watercolours and ink pens, size 10x14 inch by Sophie Huddlestone 2023
INK PENS, WATERCOLOURS AND TEXTURE PASTE - This portrait of Lewis Capaldi was given a grungy rougher feel by mixing colours ontop of colours and applying the colours in a more consentrated manner. Painted in watercolours, ink marker pens and texture paste, size 14"x10", by Sophie Huddlestone 2023
INK PENS, WATERCOLOURS AND TEXTURE PASTE - This portrait of Lewis Capaldi was given a grungy rougher feel by mixing colours ontop of colours and applying the colours in a more consentrated manner. Painted in watercolours, ink marker pens and texture paste, size 14"x10", by Sophie Huddlestone 2023
TEXTURED WATERCOLOUR AND INKS - Portrait of my daughter I wanted to capture her gentle shyness and her curiosity for the world around her. Painted in watercolours, texture paste, ink pens. Size 10x14 inch on watercolour paper. I have learned that with children the texture paste is best not on the face as it ages them, in future perhaps just on clothing hair or background for kids. By Sophie Huddlestone 2023
TEXTURED WATERCOLOUR AND INKS - Portrait of my daughter I wanted to capture her gentle shyness and her curiosity for the world around her. Painted in watercolours, texture paste, ink pens. Size 10x14 inch on watercolour paper. I have learned that with children the texture paste is best not on the face as it ages them, in future perhaps just on clothing hair or background for kids. By Sophie Huddlestone 2023
TEXTURED WATERCOLOUR AND INK - portrait of my 21 yr old son. I wanted to capture a deep thinking feeling, and a composition that makes the viewer want to sit next to him, so many interesting conversations with my son and it still amazes me how intelligent he is. Size 20x15 inches. painted in watercolours, inks and texture paste. Painted on to a cold pressed art board which is 3mm thick. I am currently trying different surfaces to paint on, since adding inks to my portraits I need a surface which allows more mixture and patterns to form, this cold pressed surface was perhaps to absorbent but the sturdiness of the board holds the watercolours & texture paste well. By Sophie Huddlestone 2023.
TEXTURED WATERCOLOUR AND INK - portrait of my 21 yr old son. I wanted to capture a deep thinking feeling, and a composition that makes the viewer want to sit next to him, so many interesting conversations with my son and it still amazes me how intelligent he is. Size 20x15 inches. painted in watercolours, inks and texture paste. Painted on to a cold pressed art board which is 3mm thick. I am currently trying different surfaces to paint on, since adding inks to my portraits I need a surface which allows more mixture and patterns to form, this cold pressed surface was perhaps to absorbent but the sturdiness of the board holds the watercolours & texture paste well. By Sophie Huddlestone 2023.
TEXTURE PASTE AND WATERCOLOURS - portrait of David Attenborough. As he has such an interest in the living creatures and plants and warns us how we humans are knocking the world off kilter with our environmental destruction I painted him at an angled background, looking back at us because we all need to treat our planet better. I didn't get much of a likeness with this one and found him quite difficult to paint but loved the markings which I pressed into the texture paste. I used texture paste in gold, black, beige and white. Painted in watercolours on wc hot pressed extra heavy art board size 15x10 inch. By Sophie Huddlestone 2023
TEXTURE PASTE AND WATERCOLOURS - portrait of David Attenborough. As he has such an interest in the living creatures and plants and warns us how we humans are knocking the world off kilter with our environmental destruction I painted him at an angled background, looking back at us because we all need to treat our planet better. I didn't get much of a likeness with this one and found him quite difficult to paint but loved the markings which I pressed into the texture paste. I used texture paste in gold, black, beige and white. Painted in watercolours on wc hot pressed extra heavy art board size 15x10 inch. By Sophie Huddlestone 2023
WATERCOLOUR AND INK - portrait of Gok Wan MBE. For this portrait I found a front on reference photo and centered him for composition because he is all about encouraging folks to feel the best and most confident they can. Not sure why I painted one brown eye and one blue, sometimes I just go on instinct painting from my subconscious. I painted this in inks and watercolours on wc hot pressed extra heavy art board size 15x10 inch. By Sophie Huddlestone 2023
WATERCOLOUR AND INK - portrait of Gok Wan MBE. For this portrait I found a front on reference photo and centered him for composition because he is all about encouraging folks to feel the best and most confident they can. Not sure why I painted one brown eye and one blue, sometimes I just go on instinct painting from my subconscious. I painted this in inks and watercolours on wc hot pressed extra heavy art board size 15x10 inch. By Sophie Huddlestone 2023
WATERCOLOURs, TEXTURE PASTE AND WATERCOLOUR MARKERS - I'm much happier with this portrait of my friend Roisin this time in watercolours. I was not happy with the oil painted version before, it seemed to solid and I wanted a more vibrant feel. I called this portrait 'Colourful Emergence'. Painted in watercolour, texture paste and watercolour markers. Size 14x10 inch, by Sophie Huddlestone 2023
WATERCOLOURs, TEXTURE PASTE AND WATERCOLOUR MARKERS - I'm much happier with this portrait of my friend Roisin this time in watercolours. I was not happy with the oil painted version before, it seemed to solid and I wanted a more vibrant feel. I called this portrait 'Colourful Emergence'. Painted in watercolour, texture paste and watercolour markers. Size 14x10 inch, by Sophie Huddlestone 2023
INKS WATERCOLOURS AND OIL PAINTS - this self portrait was my entry for the 'Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the year 2023' competition but as I am one of the several thousands of artists who were declined I can add this photo to my collection on here. For this self portrait I wanted a time stamp of how many of us are living at the moment, switching on my electric blanket wearing my hooded jumper (and many layers) rather than putting on the heating to help save energy. I drew a cog wheel on the top of the inner table to represent the world keeps turning through difficult times. I am painted in a semi realistic and semi scribbly sketched way which is to portray the real me revolves around painting. I am the painting as art switches me on each day. Even when not painting creating art is on my mind constantly. I liked the way the light of the switch made the tips of my fingers disappear leaving only traces of the paint under my nails. I changed some colours from the reference photo but was fairly pleased with the contemporary abstract style which I am begining to develop on portrates. Size 50x40cm on galleria paper (mounted on card backing). By Sophie Huddlestone 2023
INKS WATERCOLOURS AND OIL PAINTS - this self portrait was my entry for the 'Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the year 2023' competition but as I am one of the several thousands of artists who were declined I can add this photo to my collection on here. For this self portrait I wanted a time stamp of how many of us are living at the moment, switching on my electric blanket wearing my hooded jumper (and many layers) rather than putting on the heating to help save energy. I drew a cog wheel on the top of the inner table to represent the world keeps turning through difficult times. I am painted in a semi realistic and semi scribbly sketched way which is to portray the real me revolves around painting. I am the painting as art switches me on each day. Even when not painting creating art is on my mind constantly. I liked the way the light of the switch made the tips of my fingers disappear leaving only traces of the paint under my nails. I changed some colours from the reference photo but was fairly pleased with the contemporary abstract style which I am begining to develop on portrates. Size 50x40cm on galleria paper (mounted on card backing). By Sophie Huddlestone 2023
OIL PAINTS, WATERCOLOURS, INKS AND TEXTURE PASTE - self portrait mainly in oils, but the watercolours inks and tecture paste added in places. Self portrait which I was not that happy with as it was too neat. I think my inner child was telling me to "paint nicely" which I need to push away and just go for it in my preferred messy patterned style. It took 14 hours to paint and is size A3 29.7x42cm painted on to a canvas board. By Sophie Huddlestone 2023
OIL PAINTS, WATERCOLOURS, INKS AND TEXTURE PASTE - self portrait mainly in oils, but the watercolours inks and tecture paste added in places. Self portrait which I was not that happy with as it was too neat. I think my inner child was telling me to "paint nicely" which I need to push away and just go for it in my preferred messy patterned style. It took 14 hours to paint and is size A3 29.7x42cm painted on to a canvas board. By Sophie Huddlestone 2023
OIL AND INKS - Portrait of my friend Roisin painted in a few hours as a speedy experiment on a watercolour cold pressed surface canvas board. I wanted a head on pose because she is stronger than she thinks, tackling what ever life gives her, head on. Painted in inks, watercolour pens and oils paints on cold pressed, off white rag, wc heavy art board, size 15x20 inch, by Sophie Huddlestone 2023
OIL AND INKS - Portrait of my friend Roisin painted in a few hours as a speedy experiment on a watercolour cold pressed surface canvas board. I wanted a head on pose because she is stronger than she thinks, tackling what ever life gives her, head on. Painted in inks, watercolour pens and oils paints on cold pressed, off white rag, wc heavy art board, size 15x20 inch, by Sophie Huddlestone 2023
TEXTURED OIL PORTRAIT - portrait of Rankin the photographer in oil paints on canvas paper size 14x10 inches. Created with texture paste compatible for oils, by Sophie Huddlestone 2020. I wanted to capture him pondering calmly over what photographs to take next while in this chaotic strange new normal way of life (corona virus). This portrait was selected for the floating wall gallery on Portrait Artist Of The Week television program, on Sky Arts.
TEXTURED OIL PORTRAIT - portrait of Rankin the photographer in oil paints on canvas paper size 14x10 inches. Created with texture paste compatible for oils, by Sophie Huddlestone 2020. I wanted to capture him pondering calmly over what photographs to take next while in this chaotic strange new normal way of life (corona virus). This portrait was selected for the floating wall gallery on Portrait Artist Of The Week television program, on Sky Arts.
TEXTURED OIL PORTRAIT - Portrait of Noel Fielding I wanted his paintings in the background to swirl around him as he talked about art. This portrait was selected for the floating wall gallery on Portrait Artist Of The Week television program, on Sky Arts. It is painted in oil paints on to cotton canvas paper 420x297mm 2020 by Sophie Huddlestone.
TEXTURED OIL PORTRAIT - Portrait of Noel Fielding I wanted his paintings in the background to swirl around him as he talked about art. This portrait was selected for the floating wall gallery on Portrait Artist Of The Week television program, on Sky Arts. It is painted in oil paints on to cotton canvas paper 420x297mm 2020 by Sophie Huddlestone.
WATERCOLOUR, PEN and CHARCOAL - a selection of portrait sketches of Noel Fielding. The ink pen drawing at the bottom right was selected for the floating wall gallery on Portrait Artist Of The Week television program, on Sky Arts. 2020 By Sophie Huddlestone.
WATERCOLOUR, PEN and CHARCOAL - a selection of portrait sketches of Noel Fielding. The ink pen drawing at the bottom right was selected for the floating wall gallery on Portrait Artist Of The Week television program, on Sky Arts. 2020 By Sophie Huddlestone.
Watercolour and texture paste - portrait of Baroness Floella Benjamine. Capturing a gentle pause and smile as she connects with people that reach out to her. Round and square shapes from her playschool TV days, and Caribbean leaves referencing her roots. size 12"x9". By Sophie Huddlestone 2020
Watercolour and texture paste - portrait of Baroness Floella Benjamine. Capturing a gentle pause and smile as she connects with people that reach out to her. Round and square shapes from her playschool TV days, and Caribbean leaves referencing her roots. size 12"x9". By Sophie Huddlestone 2020
Watercolour - portrait of Robert Sims, size 12" x 9" called 12 positive vibes. By Sophie Huddlestone 2020. To watch this painting being created you can view a post on my TikTok @swirlysoph
Watercolour - portrait of Robert Sims, size 12" x 9" called 12 positive vibes. By Sophie Huddlestone 2020. To watch this painting being created you can view a post on my TikTok @swirlysoph
Tired eyes smiling, self portrait by Sophie Huddlestone 2018, on a walk out feeling exhausted inside with a smile on my face, to hide it. Watercolours size 16" x 12" by Sophie Huddlestone. This was trying a more patterned style of self portrait and I wanted to do more portraits in this style, but those around me said it looked ugly and to instead I should try more of the realistic looking portraits. Maybe I will tone it down a bit for the next few portraits and then try this patterned loose style again next year when I have more portraiture experience.
Tired eyes smiling, self portrait by Sophie Huddlestone 2018, on a walk out feeling exhausted inside with a smile on my face, to hide it. Watercolours size 16" x 12" by Sophie Huddlestone. This was trying a more patterned style of self portrait and I wanted to do more portraits in this style, but those around me said it looked ugly and to instead I should try more of the realistic looking portraits. Maybe I will tone it down a bit for the next few portraits and then try this patterned loose style again next year when I have more portraiture experience.
OIL PORTRAIT - of Dame Mary Beard painted in oil paints on 14x10 inch canvas textured paper. A portrait of Mary in mid conversation. The background has a variety of colours on one side of the book shelf and keeping just to the cooler blue and brown shades on the other side, this is to focus the direction of her gaze as being present in colourful conversation which lights up the room. 2020 by Sophie Huddlestone.
OIL PORTRAIT - of Dame Mary Beard painted in oil paints on 14x10 inch canvas textured paper. A portrait of Mary in mid conversation. The background has a variety of colours on one side of the book shelf and keeping just to the cooler blue and brown shades on the other side, this is to focus the direction of her gaze as being present in colourful conversation which lights up the room. 2020 by Sophie Huddlestone.
TEXTURED WATERCOLOUR - Portrait of Akram Khan by Sophie Huddlestone. Textured watercolour size A3 on media board 0.4cm thick, by Sophie Huddlestone 2020.
TEXTURED WATERCOLOUR - Portrait of Akram Khan by Sophie Huddlestone. Textured watercolour size A3 on media board 0.4cm thick, by Sophie Huddlestone 2020.
Vealer, portrait of Robbie Williams by Sophie Huddlestone 2018, size 40cm x 30cm. An intelligent creative person with a rainbow of talents, the imaginary clock tattoo represents music (because music takes you to the time you remember it most). The 2 o’clock represent Ayda & him - the 2 of them were meant to be, and also timing & fate. Called this painting ‘Vealer’ (anagram of Reveal) as perhaps he’s like a young calf to the slaughter of fame. With this I tried to make the eye nearest the pillow more focused as if inviting you to lie beside him. I was thrilled when Robbie’s dad liked this painting on Twitter, it has encouraged me even more to continue with portraiture.
Vealer, portrait of Robbie Williams by Sophie Huddlestone 2018, size 40cm x 30cm. An intelligent creative person with a rainbow of talents, the imaginary clock tattoo represents music (because music takes you to the time you remember it most). The 2 o’clock represent Ayda & him - the 2 of them were meant to be, and also timing & fate. Called this painting ‘Vealer’ (anagram of Reveal) as perhaps he’s like a young calf to the slaughter of fame. With this I tried to make the eye nearest the pillow more focused as if inviting you to lie beside him. I was thrilled when Robbie’s dad liked this painting on Twitter, it has encouraged me even more to continue with portraiture.
Fragments memorised, portrait on canvas 45.5cm x 35cm. Painted with acrylics and oil paints. The way our memories store information changes over time, fragments can alter and change, memory is not factual it is selective and will distort and change, triggered by our senses ready for us to piece together our own story of events. Portrait by Sophie Huddlestone 2020.
Fragments memorised, portrait on canvas 45.5cm x 35cm. Painted with acrylics and oil paints. The way our memories store information changes over time, fragments can alter and change, memory is not factual it is selective and will distort and change, triggered by our senses ready for us to piece together our own story of events. Portrait by Sophie Huddlestone 2020.
WATERCOLOUR and INK - portrait in a patterened abstract style of Professor Green. Created with watercolours, ink and wax on size 14x10 inch watercolour paper. 2020 By Sophie Huddlestone
WATERCOLOUR and INK - portrait in a patterened abstract style of Professor Green. Created with watercolours, ink and wax on size 14x10 inch watercolour paper. 2020 By Sophie Huddlestone
Mysterious Connection, Portrait inspired from Dynamo Magician, painted in watercolours onto paper size 14" x 10" painted by Sophie Huddlstone 2019. I enjoy exploring the patterns that watercolours make when they are allowed to be uncontrolled, and then pushing it slightly further with my own paint brush. I am not sure why but I added a reference to the Higgs Boson behind his head (the new particle discovered from the big bang). Perhaps magic is real, from the first particles that started off our universe, magic or something out there created the very first parical in space.
Mysterious Connection, Portrait inspired from Dynamo Magician, painted in watercolours onto paper size 14" x 10" painted by Sophie Huddlstone 2019. I enjoy exploring the patterns that watercolours make when they are allowed to be uncontrolled, and then pushing it slightly further with my own paint brush. I am not sure why but I added a reference to the Higgs Boson behind his head (the new particle discovered from the big bang). Perhaps magic is real, from the first particles that started off our universe, magic or something out there created the very first parical in space.
OIL PORTRAIT - This is the NHS oil portrait I’ve done as part of wonderful initiative instigated by Tom Croft. It is of ICU nurse Hayley Bissett from Barton-Upon-Humber who was nominated by her sister Penny Wright to have a free portrait painted by me. Hayley works long exhausting shifts, we communicated about the portrait via messages inbetween her night shifts. Even though her own father sadly passed away in May she has managed to put her own emotions to one side and continue to carry on with strength and warmth, continually caring for others. The painting is in oils on a canvas size 40x40cm by Sophie Huddlestone 2020.
OIL PORTRAIT - This is the NHS oil portrait I’ve done as part of wonderful initiative instigated by Tom Croft. It is of ICU nurse Hayley Bissett from Barton-Upon-Humber who was nominated by her sister Penny Wright to have a free portrait painted by me. Hayley works long exhausting shifts, we communicated about the portrait via messages inbetween her night shifts. Even though her own father sadly passed away in May she has managed to put her own emotions to one side and continue to carry on with strength and warmth, continually caring for others. The painting is in oils on a canvas size 40x40cm by Sophie Huddlestone 2020.
Portrait Urban Angel. I based the idea for this portrait on model Zuri Tibby. This portrait was painted in watercolours and oil paints in-between coating the paper to hold the different types of paint. I have learned that blending the watercolour parts and oil parts needs careful attention, as it can end up looking like a card board cut out if done incorrectly, so this is an improvement to my previous mixed media paintings. This is also my first try at painting dark skin. The glittery face reference picture from Glamour magazine was a bit sweet for a painting so I gave her an urban attitude makeover. Being genuinely beautiful and sweet the opposite persona adds interest and controversy. (Her instagram is @angelzuri). Size A4 portrait by Sophie Huddlestone 2019
Portrait Urban Angel. I based the idea for this portrait on model Zuri Tibby. This portrait was painted in watercolours and oil paints in-between coating the paper to hold the different types of paint. I have learned that blending the watercolour parts and oil parts needs careful attention, as it can end up looking like a card board cut out if done incorrectly, so this is an improvement to my previous mixed media paintings. This is also my first try at painting dark skin. The glittery face reference picture from Glamour magazine was a bit sweet for a painting so I gave her an urban attitude makeover. Being genuinely beautiful and sweet the opposite persona adds interest and controversy. (Her instagram is @angelzuri). Size A4 portrait by Sophie Huddlestone 2019
Portrait called Scarlet Smile by Sophie Huddlestone 2019. This is size A3 on an oil board but it is painted in watercolours and 3D texture paste. I wanted to capture a confident yet gentle female portrait because confidence doesn’t always have to be in the form of brash attitude. I based the idea of this portrait on Scarlett Johanson. As the paint ran and dribbled the shoulder strap was extended to become three shoulders. The freedom of the paint combined with my imagination decided that as it was a red carpet event (photo reference used) and the poses that celebs do are switching from shoulders and angles as the camera snaps.
Portrait called Scarlet Smile by Sophie Huddlestone 2019. This is size A3 on an oil board but it is painted in watercolours and 3D texture paste. I wanted to capture a confident yet gentle female portrait because confidence doesn’t always have to be in the form of brash attitude. I based the idea of this portrait on Scarlett Johanson. As the paint ran and dribbled the shoulder strap was extended to become three shoulders. The freedom of the paint combined with my imagination decided that as it was a red carpet event (photo reference used) and the poses that celebs do are switching from shoulders and angles as the camera snaps.
Echo Experiences, oil portrait on a canvas panel board 40cm x 40cm. Raised details with acrylic and glass paints. The lady is thinking about experiences, but these could be experiences yet to come or past experiences. Swirls of thoughts echo across her mind in anticipation. Contrasting orange/red lipstick with the deep blues brings attention to the mouth. The curled finger on the lip beckons your attention. Portrait By Sophie Huddlestone 2020
Echo Experiences, oil portrait on a canvas panel board 40cm x 40cm. Raised details with acrylic and glass paints. The lady is thinking about experiences, but these could be experiences yet to come or past experiences. Swirls of thoughts echo across her mind in anticipation. Contrasting orange/red lipstick with the deep blues brings attention to the mouth. The curled finger on the lip beckons your attention. Portrait By Sophie Huddlestone 2020
TEXTURED OIL PORTRAIT - portrait of Judge Rinder in oil paints on canvas paper size A4. I wanted to capture a gentle humble spirit, placing him lower on the canvas too. I added swirls on the comfy jumper he wore (instead of his formal barrister clothing) and subtle textured areas in places. Portrait by Sophie Huddlestone 2020.
TEXTURED OIL PORTRAIT - portrait of Judge Rinder in oil paints on canvas paper size A4. I wanted to capture a gentle humble spirit, placing him lower on the canvas too. I added swirls on the comfy jumper he wore (instead of his formal barrister clothing) and subtle textured areas in places. Portrait by Sophie Huddlestone 2020.
OIL PORTRAIT - portrait of Rankin in oil paints on canvas cotton paper size 30cm x 30cm by Sophie Huddlestone 2020. The darker background was inspired by the photos of flowers he had taken on his insta and brings attention to his head.
OIL PORTRAIT - portrait of Rankin in oil paints on canvas cotton paper size 30cm x 30cm by Sophie Huddlestone 2020. The darker background was inspired by the photos of flowers he had taken on his insta and brings attention to his head.
Watercolour portrait - of Shandor Larenty from the Lion and Safari park in South Africa. I wanted to capture the warm connection he has with his animals with a contemporary colourful style. Painted onto watercolour paper size 12" x 9". 2020 by Sophie Huddlestone.
Watercolour portrait - of Shandor Larenty from the Lion and Safari park in South Africa. I wanted to capture the warm connection he has with his animals with a contemporary colourful style. Painted onto watercolour paper size 12" x 9". 2020 by Sophie Huddlestone.
Watercolour - Portrait of radio DJ Annie Mac size 9" x 12" by Sophie Huddlestone 2020
Watercolour - Portrait of radio DJ Annie Mac size 9" x 12" by Sophie Huddlestone 2020
OIL PORTRAIT - Oil portrait of Professor Green in oil paints with an acrylic background. Size A3 painted on to an art board. For this portrait I wanted the feeling of old fashioned photo meets contemporary. He spoke a lot about his nan raising him and how lucky he felt to have her values. 2020 by Sophie Huddlestone
OIL PORTRAIT - Oil portrait of Professor Green in oil paints with an acrylic background. Size A3 painted on to an art board. For this portrait I wanted the feeling of old fashioned photo meets contemporary. He spoke a lot about his nan raising him and how lucky he felt to have her values. 2020 by Sophie Huddlestone
Portrait commission for Russell Osman, Oil paints on a 50” x 35” canvas by Sophie Huddlestone 2019. With all his achievements it was difficult to decide on a portrait theme and he was happy to give me complete creative freedom. He acted in the film Escape to Victory, Indian Super league football expert, TV Co-commentator, former footballer for England etc. He kindly posted the portrait I did for him on his Instagram @russosman and his Twitter @RussellOs5. I decided to combine the past and present by adding the Escape to Victory background and shirt from 38 years ago, but to paint him as he is today adding my signature abstract swirls.
Portrait commission for Russell Osman, Oil paints on a 50” x 35” canvas by Sophie Huddlestone 2019. With all his achievements it was difficult to decide on a portrait theme and he was happy to give me complete creative freedom. He acted in the film Escape to Victory, Indian Super league football expert, TV Co-commentator, former footballer for England etc. He kindly posted the portrait I did for him on his Instagram @russosman and his Twitter @RussellOs5. I decided to combine the past and present by adding the Escape to Victory background and shirt from 38 years ago, but to paint him as he is today adding my signature abstract swirls.
Zest for Life, watercolours size 7 inch x 7 inch Brad Pitt 2018 portrait by Sophie Huddlestone. I wanted to catch a thoughtful look in his eyes and add lemon zest colour to represent the beginning of his new life starting after his breakup with Angelina Jolie.
Zest for Life, watercolours size 7 inch x 7 inch Brad Pitt 2018 portrait by Sophie Huddlestone. I wanted to catch a thoughtful look in his eyes and add lemon zest colour to represent the beginning of his new life starting after his breakup with Angelina Jolie.
Machine And Mind, Inspiration from an photograph of Stephen Fry. A few areas of 3D paste were added for interesting textures. The human element and computers is the narrative, with a message on the jacket. Although I paint in a looser style I still try a realistic portrait from time to time to refresh myself with proportions and tone. Painted in watercolours. Size approx A3 (297mm x 410mm) By Sophie Huddlestone 2019
Machine And Mind, Inspiration from an photograph of Stephen Fry. A few areas of 3D paste were added for interesting textures. The human element and computers is the narrative, with a message on the jacket. Although I paint in a looser style I still try a realistic portrait from time to time to refresh myself with proportions and tone. Painted in watercolours. Size approx A3 (297mm x 410mm) By Sophie Huddlestone 2019
DNA, Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys who invented DNA fingerprinting at the University of Leicester on the 10th September 1984. I painted a distant DNA strand behind him as he humbly talks about DNA fingerprinting origins. This is to portray an unseen and yet to be noticed future for this world changing technology. He and his teams knowledge have enabled so many criminals (and innocent) to be justifiably sentenced through his invented DNA fingerprinting and the list of DNA usage is endless. Mother Nature has planned for our genetic evolution until this point. Perhaps in generations to come gene therapy could be a future in which a group of privileged people become stronger, smarter and more beautiful than the rest or perhaps we can be trusted to use this knowledge for the greater good. Watercolour painted on a canvas size 38cm x 20cm painting by Sophie Huddlestone 2019
DNA, Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys who invented DNA fingerprinting at the University of Leicester on the 10th September 1984. I painted a distant DNA strand behind him as he humbly talks about DNA fingerprinting origins. This is to portray an unseen and yet to be noticed future for this world changing technology. He and his teams knowledge have enabled so many criminals (and innocent) to be justifiably sentenced through his invented DNA fingerprinting and the list of DNA usage is endless. Mother Nature has planned for our genetic evolution until this point. Perhaps in generations to come gene therapy could be a future in which a group of privileged people become stronger, smarter and more beautiful than the rest or perhaps we can be trusted to use this knowledge for the greater good. Watercolour painted on a canvas size 38cm x 20cm painting by Sophie Huddlestone 2019
Emilia Clarke portrait In the hit series Game of thrones Emilia played the roll of Daenerys Targaryen. Going back to my roots of swirly looser style portraits. Painted in watercolours with texture medium added in the background. Size 14"x10" on watercolour paper. By Sophie Huddlestone 2019
Emilia Clarke portrait In the hit series Game of thrones Emilia played the roll of Daenerys Targaryen. Going back to my roots of swirly looser style portraits. Painted in watercolours with texture medium added in the background. Size 14"x10" on watercolour paper. By Sophie Huddlestone 2019
Cool To Be Square, Inspiration from Stephen Fry. This painting is more to my usual style. It started off A3 size with a similar composition to the next portrait on here but I decided that just the face cropped closely made a better statement for the narrative that this guy is pretty darn cool in the square that some folks think he may fit into. Celebrities fascinate me, yet the thought of being one would actually be my worst nightmare as I love being an ordinary gal. Years ago ‘square’ was also a name calling that intelligent people faced. Painted in watercolours around 7" x 7" by Sophie Huddlestone 2019.
Cool To Be Square, Inspiration from Stephen Fry. This painting is more to my usual style. It started off A3 size with a similar composition to the next portrait on here but I decided that just the face cropped closely made a better statement for the narrative that this guy is pretty darn cool in the square that some folks think he may fit into. Celebrities fascinate me, yet the thought of being one would actually be my worst nightmare as I love being an ordinary gal. Years ago ‘square’ was also a name calling that intelligent people faced. Painted in watercolours around 7" x 7" by Sophie Huddlestone 2019.
Catch That Fish, Portrait inspired from Matthew McConaughey’s latest film, watercolour on paper, size 14inch x10inch by Sophie Huddlestone 2019. Forcing watercolours to dribble and dance created more subtler tones compared to the brighter colours which I am known for. If you have watched the recent film Serenity, you will understand why I decided on a hook around the eye (my interpretation of catch that fish) and the background / foreground is fragmenting into floating shapes. All the photos on the internet of this guy were too handsomely posed so I paused the film near the end and that was my reference of Matthew McConaughey to paint from.
Catch That Fish, Portrait inspired from Matthew McConaughey’s latest film, watercolour on paper, size 14inch x10inch by Sophie Huddlestone 2019. Forcing watercolours to dribble and dance created more subtler tones compared to the brighter colours which I am known for. If you have watched the recent film Serenity, you will understand why I decided on a hook around the eye (my interpretation of catch that fish) and the background / foreground is fragmenting into floating shapes. All the photos on the internet of this guy were too handsomely posed so I paused the film near the end and that was my reference of Matthew McConaughey to paint from.
My Son, portrait of my 17 year old son. Size 14" x 10" Painted in watercolours, oil paints and a bit of 3D texture paste in places. After a year of asking, finally my son agreed to me painting his portrait. He was really pleased with the likeness and the way I add the patterns. I hoped to try painting him from life but as a teenager he didn't have time to sit still. Working from a photo where he had tried to look serious but was holding back the giggles. Son Portrait by Sophie Huddlestone 2019
My Son, portrait of my 17 year old son. Size 14" x 10" Painted in watercolours, oil paints and a bit of 3D texture paste in places. After a year of asking, finally my son agreed to me painting his portrait. He was really pleased with the likeness and the way I add the patterns. I hoped to try painting him from life but as a teenager he didn't have time to sit still. Working from a photo where he had tried to look serious but was holding back the giggles. Son Portrait by Sophie Huddlestone 2019
WATERCOLOUR & OIL PORTRAIT - portrait of Judge Rinder in oil paints and watercolours on canvas board size A3. The reflection below the dog appeared while mixing splashes of colour for a background, it was not intended, but triggered the ideas on how to develop the portrait composition and feel. By Sophie Huddlestone 2020.
WATERCOLOUR & OIL PORTRAIT - portrait of Judge Rinder in oil paints and watercolours on canvas board size A3. The reflection below the dog appeared while mixing splashes of colour for a background, it was not intended, but triggered the ideas on how to develop the portrait composition and feel. By Sophie Huddlestone 2020.
TEXTURED OIL PORTRAIT - a large portrait of Will Young in oils and texture paste size 508mmx405mm (20x16 inches). His home is in the background as he was so comfortable spending his life there, swirls of creativity and interesting conversations flowed so the patterns were focused on the ear, head and ear phones. The red is for passionate emotional creativity and to bring attention to the thinking eyes. By Sophie Huddlestone 2020.
TEXTURED OIL PORTRAIT - a large portrait of Will Young in oils and texture paste size 508mmx405mm (20x16 inches). His home is in the background as he was so comfortable spending his life there, swirls of creativity and interesting conversations flowed so the patterns were focused on the ear, head and ear phones. The red is for passionate emotional creativity and to bring attention to the thinking eyes. By Sophie Huddlestone 2020.
Random Act, portrait inspired by Justin Timberlake, by Sophie Huddlestone. I was wanted to paint this from a video clip on Instagram @justintimberlake where he was discreetly going into book shops, and secretly signing a few of his books on the shelves, a wonderful surprise for his fans. The inner mischievous child, loving rebellion but using that rebellious streak in a kind and productive way. I also wanted to portray vibes buzzing from his persona. Painting him looser like a work of art and his book as the realistic item. Size A3, watercolours and oil paints 2019
Random Act, portrait inspired by Justin Timberlake, by Sophie Huddlestone. I was wanted to paint this from a video clip on Instagram @justintimberlake where he was discreetly going into book shops, and secretly signing a few of his books on the shelves, a wonderful surprise for his fans. The inner mischievous child, loving rebellion but using that rebellious streak in a kind and productive way. I also wanted to portray vibes buzzing from his persona. Painting him looser like a work of art and his book as the realistic item. Size A3, watercolours and oil paints 2019
TEXTURED OIL PORTRAIT - Portrait of sports commentator and presenter. The autumn leaves and a couple of birds in the sky as Clare talked a bit about her topics she painted during watercolour hobby classes she took with her partner. Oil paints on canvas textured paper 20x16 inch, 2020 by Sophie Huddlestone.
TEXTURED OIL PORTRAIT - Portrait of sports commentator and presenter. The autumn leaves and a couple of birds in the sky as Clare talked a bit about her topics she painted during watercolour hobby classes she took with her partner. Oil paints on canvas textured paper 20x16 inch, 2020 by Sophie Huddlestone.
OIL PORTRAIT - Portrait of Clare Balding. I painted this one by using a palette Knife, oil paints on size A4 canvas paper. 2020 by Sophie Huddlestone
OIL PORTRAIT - Portrait of Clare Balding. I painted this one by using a palette Knife, oil paints on size A4 canvas paper. 2020 by Sophie Huddlestone
Cuddles, a self portrait in watercolours and oil paints, size 12" x 9" by Sophie Huddlestone 2019. Every parent will recognise this tired but contented look. The moment when your child falls asleep in your arms after a busy day. A quick sketchy painting to experiment with warm colours. As the painting is about the emotions of motherhood I used warm colours on the adult, and the cooler colours to fade focus away from the child.
Cuddles, a self portrait in watercolours and oil paints, size 12" x 9" by Sophie Huddlestone 2019. Every parent will recognise this tired but contented look. The moment when your child falls asleep in your arms after a busy day. A quick sketchy painting to experiment with warm colours. As the painting is about the emotions of motherhood I used warm colours on the adult, and the cooler colours to fade focus away from the child.
Watercolour - portrait of Melanie Blatt size 12" x 9" by Sophie Huddlestone 2020. The painted small square box you see in the top corner represents a home sweet home picture which she had in her home.
Watercolour - portrait of Melanie Blatt size 12" x 9" by Sophie Huddlestone 2020. The painted small square box you see in the top corner represents a home sweet home picture which she had in her home.
WATERCOLOUR - Portrait of Bernadine Evaristo in watercolours size 9x9 inches on watercolour paper, by Sophie Huddlestone 2020.
WATERCOLOUR - Portrait of Bernadine Evaristo in watercolours size 9x9 inches on watercolour paper, by Sophie Huddlestone 2020.
Girl in the mask a Manga style portrait by Sophie Huddlestone. Watercolours on media board size 29.7cm x 21cm (approx A4) and 0.4cm thick, by Sophie Huddlestone 2020.
Girl in the mask a Manga style portrait by Sophie Huddlestone. Watercolours on media board size 29.7cm x 21cm (approx A4) and 0.4cm thick, by Sophie Huddlestone 2020.
‘Pylon the Entertainment’, This portrait of Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby has two different electricity pylons in the background. After almost a century of the “Lattice” pylons the National Grid decided a new “T-pylon” design was required as we move away from coal and towards other forms of generation such as wind, solar and nuclear. The first “T-pylon” was in Nottinghamshire April 2015, and has they have since been nicknamed Pat Butchers earrings LOL. I like to add slight details which capture something about our way of life, it's kind of like leaving a visual post it note for the future generations, as paintings live a lot longer than we do. It is also a change of background from buildings to fields because the usual ITV building is now closed down and ITV has moved, after almost half a century. Watercolours and oil paints, 12" x 9" canvas By Sophie Huddlestone 2019.
‘Pylon the Entertainment’, This portrait of Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby has two different electricity pylons in the background. After almost a century of the “Lattice” pylons the National Grid decided a new “T-pylon” design was required as we move away from coal and towards other forms of generation such as wind, solar and nuclear. The first “T-pylon” was in Nottinghamshire April 2015, and has they have since been nicknamed Pat Butchers earrings LOL. I like to add slight details which capture something about our way of life, it's kind of like leaving a visual post it note for the future generations, as paintings live a lot longer than we do. It is also a change of background from buildings to fields because the usual ITV building is now closed down and ITV has moved, after almost half a century. Watercolours and oil paints, 12" x 9" canvas By Sophie Huddlestone 2019.
TEXTURED WATERCOLOUR - Portrait of Bernadine Evaristo in Textured watercolours size 12x9 inches on watercolour paper, by Sophie Huddlestone 2020. Lively colours for a lively character.
TEXTURED WATERCOLOUR - Portrait of Bernadine Evaristo in Textured watercolours size 12x9 inches on watercolour paper, by Sophie Huddlestone 2020. Lively colours for a lively character.
By my side - watercolour portrait inspired by Nadia Swahali and her hubby, painted on to a canvas panel board 40cm x 40cm. Look towards the sky over the woman’s shoulder to notice another’s presence. The sky gently outlines a second person yet the female in the foreground is the one in colour. What is she thinking about? Perhaps distant travels and a husband always on her mind. Portrait By Sophie Huddlestone 2019.
By my side - watercolour portrait inspired by Nadia Swahali and her hubby, painted on to a canvas panel board 40cm x 40cm. Look towards the sky over the woman’s shoulder to notice another’s presence. The sky gently outlines a second person yet the female in the foreground is the one in colour. What is she thinking about? Perhaps distant travels and a husband always on her mind. Portrait By Sophie Huddlestone 2019.
The Subconscious Knows, Self Portrait, size 16" x 12" watercolour by Sophie Huddlestone 2019. After painting a few portraits I thought I'd re-paint this to see if I had improved. The tiny red dot in one eye is to represent how our filters and technology no longer gives us all 'red eye' on pictures these days. The woman curled up on the nose is telling my subconscious to start painting my ideas, instead of privately pondering over them in the shadows. Painting helps me to vent the deep unusual conversations which shyness prevents. When talking to people my mind is distracted easily with rushes of unusual creative ideas. My lack of attention can sometimes be difficult so I prefer to socially blend into the walls and let my hubby do the talking.
The Subconscious Knows, Self Portrait, size 16" x 12" watercolour by Sophie Huddlestone 2019. After painting a few portraits I thought I'd re-paint this to see if I had improved. The tiny red dot in one eye is to represent how our filters and technology no longer gives us all 'red eye' on pictures these days. The woman curled up on the nose is telling my subconscious to start painting my ideas, instead of privately pondering over them in the shadows. Painting helps me to vent the deep unusual conversations which shyness prevents. When talking to people my mind is distracted easily with rushes of unusual creative ideas. My lack of attention can sometimes be difficult so I prefer to socially blend into the walls and let my hubby do the talking.
Subconscious nose, My first self portrait, size 16" x 12" watercolour, by Sophie Huddlestone 2018. Being creative and painting helps with my bipolar disorder, it distracts my mind from turning mole hills into mountains, like lifting the lid on a steaming kettle. I am obsessed with painting and can not let more than three days pass without reaching for the paintbrush. The woman curled up on the nose of this portrait is telling the subconscious to start painting my ideas, instead of privately pondering over them in the shadows, hence the painting equipment as the shadow.
Subconscious nose, My first self portrait, size 16" x 12" watercolour, by Sophie Huddlestone 2018. Being creative and painting helps with my bipolar disorder, it distracts my mind from turning mole hills into mountains, like lifting the lid on a steaming kettle. I am obsessed with painting and can not let more than three days pass without reaching for the paintbrush. The woman curled up on the nose of this portrait is telling the subconscious to start painting my ideas, instead of privately pondering over them in the shadows, hence the painting equipment as the shadow.
David Tennant (with a couple of blokes in the way) Watercolour Portrait size A4 by Sophie Huddlestone. 2018 Watching Sky Arts portrait artist of the year in 2018 I was inspired to start trying to paint people and I often re watch episodes while I’m painting as it gets me in a painting mood. Portrait of Frank Skinner, Tai Shan Schierenberg and David Tennant. I wanted to paint this at an angle and give the feeling of a TV screen being opened away from the wall to climb inside.
David Tennant (with a couple of blokes in the way) Watercolour Portrait size A4 by Sophie Huddlestone. 2018 Watching Sky Arts portrait artist of the year in 2018 I was inspired to start trying to paint people and I often re watch episodes while I’m painting as it gets me in a painting mood. Portrait of Frank Skinner, Tai Shan Schierenberg and David Tennant. I wanted to paint this at an angle and give the feeling of a TV screen being opened away from the wall to climb inside.
My very first portrait pencil sketch. from 2018. This is a drawing of Keith, my hubby. It is size A5. It was created with one HB pencil, in order to create more depth I should have used a wider range such as 2H and 4B pencils. Great learning curve though. I was going to give this sketch to my hubby as a valentines gift, but he saw it the day before and was quite offended that this was what I thought he looked like, so I had just enough time to get him something else.
My very first portrait pencil sketch. from 2018. This is a drawing of Keith, my hubby. It is size A5. It was created with one HB pencil, in order to create more depth I should have used a wider range such as 2H and 4B pencils. Great learning curve though. I was going to give this sketch to my hubby as a valentines gift, but he saw it the day before and was quite offended that this was what I thought he looked like, so I had just enough time to get him something else.
Tea Break, portrait in watercolours and oil paints size 20" x 16" by Sophie Huddlestone 2018. A cup of tea is so much more than just a drink, it is a time to be a good friend while chatting or to daydream alone and collect your thoughts. Even sitting still the energy swirls from a person.
Tea Break, portrait in watercolours and oil paints size 20" x 16" by Sophie Huddlestone 2018. A cup of tea is so much more than just a drink, it is a time to be a good friend while chatting or to daydream alone and collect your thoughts. Even sitting still the energy swirls from a person.
Self Portrait called 'Forgetful' by Sophie Huddlestone 2019. Walking to fetch my daughter from school I had forgotten my blue tinted Irlen Syndrome glasses and was squinting with the brightness of the sun. Painted onto a canvas board and 3D watercolour texture paste was added. Portrait painted in watercolours, the hat and background are in oil paints. I really went wild with this one to see how exaggerated I could go, mixing complementary colours yellow and blue bringing the main focus on the squinting eyes and the uncomfortable feeling to this portrait.
Self Portrait called 'Forgetful' by Sophie Huddlestone 2019. Walking to fetch my daughter from school I had forgotten my blue tinted Irlen Syndrome glasses and was squinting with the brightness of the sun. Painted onto a canvas board and 3D watercolour texture paste was added. Portrait painted in watercolours, the hat and background are in oil paints. I really went wild with this one to see how exaggerated I could go, mixing complementary colours yellow and blue bringing the main focus on the squinting eyes and the uncomfortable feeling to this portrait.

Celebrity Commissions

Above is an example of a portrait I was commissioned to create for celebrity Russell Osman. (He acted in the film Escape to Victory, Indian Super league football expert, TV Co-commentator, former footballer for England etc.). Created in oil paints on a 50” x 35” canvas. With all his achievements it was difficult to decide on a portrait theme and he was happy to give me complete creative freedom. I decided to combine the past and present by adding the Escape to Victory background and shirt from 38 years ago, but to paint him as he is today adding my signature abstract swirls. 

sky arts portrait artist of the year Sophie Huddlestone

I was thrilled when I spotted that my portrait of Rankin on T.V. it had been selected as one of the portraits to be displayed on the floating wall gallery of the Sky Arts Portrait Artist Of The Week television program, series one episode three with Robert Rinder.

sophie huddlestone portrait on sky arts tv 12.6.20

Even more surprised when both my oil portrait and pen sketch of Noel Fielding were displayed on T.V. in series one episode six (the Clare Balding episode) of the Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the week television program.

Highly Commended

OIL AND WATERCOLOUR - This self portrait won a highly commended award at the Ten2 Gallery Exhibition, Leicestershire, and also came 3rd on the peoples choice vote. The self portrait is called 'Irlen syndrome glasses, dyslexic thinking' and was displayed as part of the “My special Things” exhibition at The Ten2 Gallery in Leicestershire running from 29th April until 8th July 2023. Some of the watercolour paints were colour changing reflective (view the paintings page for examples) they were painted on to sections of the face to capture the way that my blue tinted irlen syndrome glasses change the lighting I see. My blue tinted glasses helps the transmission of information to my brain. Hopefully my favourite thing (glasses) will bring more awareness to help others with dyslexia type symptoms to go for testing, to see if they too could be helped with Irlen Syndrome glasses. Canvas size 16"x12"x1.5". By Sophie Huddlestone 2023

This self portrait above won a highly commended award at the Ten2 Gallery Exhibition, Leicestershire, and also came 3rd on the peoples choice vote. The self portrait is called ‘Irlen syndrome glasses, dyslexic thinking’ and was displayed as part of the “My special Things” exhibition at The Ten2 Gallery in Leicestershire. Some of the watercolour paints were colour changing reflective (view the paintings page for examples) they were painted on to sections of the face to capture the way that my blue tinted irlen syndrome glasses change the lighting I see. My blue tinted glasses helps the transmission of information to my brain. Hopefully my favourite thing (glasses) will bring more awareness to help others with dyslexia type symptoms to go for testing, to see if they too could be helped with Irlen Syndrome glasses. Canvas size 16″x12″x1.5″.

Google Arts & Culture

Hayley Bissett 40x40cm oils on canvas board

This oil portrait of ‘Hayley ICU nurse’ above was selected to be included in the permanent record of ‘Portraits for NHS Heroes’ which is an online exhibition by Google Arts & Culture with Paintings in Hospitals. This NHS portrait was created as part of wonderful initiative instigated by Tom Croft. It is of ICU nurse Hayley Bissett from Barton-Upon-Humber who was nominated by her sister Penny Wright to have a portrait painted by me. Hayley works long exhausting shifts, we communicated about the portrait via messages inbetween her night shifts. Even though her own father sadly passed away in May she has managed to put her own emotions to one side and continue to carry on with strength and warmth, continually caring for others. The painting is in oils on a canvas size 40x40cm.

Artist Sophie Huddlestone

Portrait Commission Details

Sophie works from a photograph but prefers a chat with the person first via text messaging, phone call or in person. To create your portrait it takes Sophie approximately one to six weeks of sketching ideas and painting. Regular updates of how the portrait is developing can be sent to the customer. Ideas can be incorporated from the customer.

Price

Oil Portrait paintings will take Sophie approximately 3 to 4 weeks to paint and a further 2 to 4 months of drying time before it can be posted to the customer. Watercolour Pet commissions are from £150 and take one to two weeks to create, but painting people takes a lot longer so the price of a person portrait is £350 for one head, £450 for two heads. Size approx 70cm or bigger, painted in oil paints.

Contact Sophie Huddlestone directly for commission portrait enquiries. Email: swirlysoph@gmail.com Phone or Text: 07932606867 or Facebook messenger: @SwirlySophArt

Time For Tea

portraits by Sophie Huddlestone

Above is one of my first portraits created on paper and painted in the mixed media of oil paints and watercolour paints, the portrait called ‘time for tea’. Read more about my painting techniques on the paintings page.

Get your portrait commission started

sophie Huddlestone painting portraits

contact Artist Sophie Huddlestone

Contact Sophie Huddlestone directly for commission portrait enquiries. Email: swirlysoph@gmail.com Phone or Text: 07932606867 or Facebook messenger: @SwirlySophArt

Artist Sophie Huddlestone website

www.sophiehuddlestone.com