One of my favourite subjects to paint are primates. This picture seemed to capture the Chimp in deep thought.

This is a very heart felt painting of my two Japanese Chin girls, who I totally adhor.

When starting a new painting I always try and find an image or photo that has a level of feeling. The start with a simple pencil sketch to ensure I have all the features in the right place and right perspective. I usually then start painting the eyes...if I can't get those right then it simply gets scrapped! I have a water colour wash across the whole painting background and then start the details with layers and layers of colour.

When I saw this image in a BBC Wildlife Magazine back in the 1990's it really captured my imagination. You could see the intelligence in the Chimps eyes, looking back and contemplating life, the universe and everything.

I do like my subjects to be looking back at you. helps also to give that 'being watched' feeling as their eyes then follow you as you walk away? This chap just simply looked content with life.