We live in a world increasingly saturated with disposable digital images, so it’s no surprise that the authenticity of painted portraits has become increasingly attractive. Once only the rich and influential would be immortalised now we can all outlive ourselves thanks to a new crop of talented artists.
One of the best is Nicholas Todhunter who has exhibited throughout Europe and America. Nicholas trained at the Charles Cecil Studios in Florence where he spent three years learning drawing and painting, and imbibing the visual language and techniques of painters from earlier centuries.
I caught up with my portrait painter of choice to talk about art, inspiration and the pursuit of happiness.
Narcissus - Caravvagio (1694-1596)
When, where, and how did your passion for art begin? In all honesty it was really a way to escape when I was younger and probably because I became quite good at it I won scholarships to several schools, I just stuck at it. The initial instinct was a form of escape for me. It's a cruel and hostile world out there don't you think? The only real protection from the ravages of time is to create.
When where and how did your fasciation with portraits begin? It was a slow evolution from being interested in illustration to graffiti to all kinds of painting to slowly developing an eye for good painting and then wanting to know how the best painters in history did what they did. I remember standing in front of a Caravaggio painting and thinking "I need to know how he did this!"
When was your favourite art produced? I probably go to Rembrandt most consistently for inspiration on how to paint, he really was a very unconventional artist and because of his eccentricity I find him most fascinating. So I would say Dutch painting during the 17th century.
Sickert - La Jolie Vénitienne (Private Collection)
Is there a recent exhibition that has thrilled you ? I recently went to a Walter Sickert show and was really impressed. Although I was aware of Sickert he never quite captured my senses to really delve deep, however this exhibition really stopped me in my tracks. When the French impressionists were doing their thing in France, here in Britain we had a home grown impressionist in Walter Sickert painting British life in a slightly darker way, with amazing lyrical brushwork. He really was underrated and quite brilliant.
Which people and places inspire you? Anyone inspires me that does with their time what they love. I don't care if you are an expert on snails, if you have true passion for the subject you will inspire me. Do what you love in life, the money will come in time. Don't let that be the focus ever.
Nicholas Todhunter - Nick Cox (2021)
Why are portraits having a ‘moment’ now do you think? I think through Instagram and other platforms people have more of a chance to view art, this however leads to lots more bad art and lots more good art. I think portraits have always been there but maybe recently they are more accessible to everyone.
So I want my portrait painted, where do we begin? Come to my studio let's have a conversation about what you are thinking about and let it evolve. The best things in life evolve organically.
What has been your favourite commission to date? Why Nick Cox, you of course x
Apart from me, what type of person commissions work from you? Hopefully someone with an open heart and an open mind. The best commissions are people that put their trust in the artists vision and don't try to meddle.
Francis Bacon - Study for head of Isabel Rawsthorne 1967
Which other artists inspire you? Rembrandt, Titian, Sargent, Velazquez, Van Dyck, Zorn, Turner, Bellows, Goya, Repin, Freud, Bacon, Caravaggio, Tintoretto, Howson the list goes on an on...
What is it about portraits that speak to you (and them) specifically do you think? Well, we spend a lot of time looking at people in life, almost everyday in fact and don't you think humans are the most fascinating creatures?
Rembrandt van Rijn - Self Portrait 1669.
If you could ask any other artist just one question, who would that be? Rembrandt (late career) - How do you paint? So many people have theories on how the great master achieved his paintings, however I must say most people don't have a clue.
Is there a painting that you have ever found difficult to part with? When I was younger maybe, however now you just gotta move on and get your paintings out in the world. Once they are done they don't belong to you anymore.
What is the biggest challenge that you face professionally? Self promotion, I am terrible at it and to be a successful artist you need to be obsessed with it.
Where are you happiest? In my studio, listening to an audiobook, painting.
Nicholas Todhunter - Self Portrait.
Nick Cox / Period Portraits June 2022.
For more information head to @todhuntergallery on instagram.