John Lennon

I have always been a massive music fan and John Lennon is one of those figures who just has an incredible face to paint. All those angles and that intensity behind the glasses — it is a real challenge to get right.

This one is done in acrylics on board which gives a really smooth finish for portrait work. I spent a lot of time on the eyes because with Lennon that is where all the character lives. The background is kept deliberately simple so nothing distracts from the face.

I love doing music icons and this one was a proper labour of love from start to finish.