Faraway, so close

‘I don’t suppose many people get their portrait painted, and I certainly have never expected to have mine done,” said Will.

“When I was contacted by Armstrong Watson and asked to take part in the Face Forward project it was a surprise to say the least. What an unusual and delightful way to celebrate their 150 years of their business.

“In days gone by, formal portraiture was more common, and as photography came on the scene many more people would have had the opportunity to dress up and pose for formal portraits. Nowadays formal portraits whether by photograph, or more prosaically on canvas, have been replaced by the ubiquitous selfie. I’m not sure what this says about the times we live in, but it’s certainly a very different experience.

“These thoughts got me thinking about how I would like to be depicted in a more formal way. On researching portraiture in Scotland, I was struck by the amount of kilted gentlemen standing in the Scottish landscape.

“These heroic historic figures represent a time when it was believed man could conquer all of nature, and seem to be a representation of these values. Thankfully we live in more enlightened times and living with nature rather than commanding it seems to be the order of the day, having said this I still warm to the iconography of these historic Scottish portraits. As my wife said, a painting of you indoors is just not you. Being outdoors is so much part of who I am and what I love.

“Once we decided on this approach we hoped that we could persuade Helen to adopt this slightly tongue-incheek pose for my portrait.

“I was lucky that Helen was a true creative practitioner and was interested in challenges outside of her usual genre.

“She confessed to having little experience at landscape painting but was more than happy to have a go, and even attempted painting my puppy too.

“I’m dying to see how she got on and I’m sure she will have done a marvellous job, it was clear from the sitting for her that she was confident and creative with her skills.

“I’m glad to have been part of this project and help Armstrong and Watson to mark a significant event in their business. I’m also delighted as it marks a significant event in our business too, as it coincides with me putting aside my 20-year career in the creative industries and focusing all my energies (with my wife!) on the family business, as my mother and father have recently retired.

“I hope the portrait will stand as testament for many more years of success with my family business, with Armstrong Watson as a key part of developing and supporting us.”

Helen says: “I loved the wit of this portrait - the fact William had decided he wanted to pay homage to the traditional Scottish idea of portraiture.

“As a painter I like engaging with other ideas - and his suggestions made me try something a bit different, merging indoor and outdoor worlds.

“I remember a windy day, standing on the bonnet of William’s 4 by 4, in the middle of a field, trying to figure out how to get him, his dog, and a mountain into the same painting...and not fall off the car.”

<center><b>Click on the pictures below to see the completed portraits:</b></center>