Character Building

Calling herself a ‘face-collector’, Anastasia Pollard RP often finds herself meeting people and staring to paint them in her head. She also often uses her friends as models and dresses them in pieces of clothing she has collected over the years.

Despite the importance of communication, costume and prop, the essential part of creating a character is the atmosphere. Lighting can drastically alter the entire mood: “It can be subtle or dramatic, the way a face is lit will trigger a response” she explains.

One of her portraits, Kate (below) was her 2009 BR Portrait Award entry. It depicts a girl in a sailor outfit.