In this portrait, Lulu raises her arms, embracing the warmth of sunlight as it lights up her skin. Her face is turned away, creating a visual interplay of push and pull that establishes a natural yet dynamic balance within the composition.
Drawing inspiration from Peter Stichbury, particularly his mastery of naturalism, colour viscosity, and depth, Edward begins with a realistic foundation and then intentionally breaks it apart. Bold, impasto brushstrokes and heightened contrasts in light, colour, and tone break the illusion of realism, pushing the portrait toward a more abstract approach. These expressive, textured marks stand in contrast to the sharp, graphic pattern of Lulu’s zigzag dress, amplifying the tension between control and spontaneity. Through this careful yet intuitive process, Edward creates a sense of depth in the artwork, making it both instantly striking and rich with detail the more you look at it.
