Portrait of Dad

This is a small portrait of my Dad painted in oils on a canvas board. Its going to be a gift for him as he has just started drawing again at the grand age of 76 which just goes to prove its never too late! I remember him drawing people and faces when I was just a kid so it makes me so happy to see him finally pick up the pencil again!

Despite its small size, it has been a real struggle, taking me 3 days at my painting class to complete. I have threatened to paint over it (or throw it out the window) so many times! However, thanks to the encouragement of my incredible tutor, I finally finished it today (sigh of relief...). This time I have tried not to get so bogged down with detail (like I normally do...) and focus more on capturing the character and essence of the subject. Thought it would be easy to paint my Dad but it was actually quite difficult!? Still, I think (hope?) I have captured him here...

Portrait of Dad - painted with oils on canvas board (size: 25 x 30cm). The colourful background was created by using all of the leftover paint on my palette. 'Waste not, want not' as my Father used to say!