The Observer

In this portrait of Shay, Edward searched for a location that felt raw, unglamorous, and indie. His eye landed on a sun-drenched, sardine-packed carpark. It was hardly glamorous, but the concrete ground, steel staircases, and gleaming cars seemed to hold the exact mood he wanted. This overlooked space hid a quiet beauty, and it was through the process of translating these photographs into a painting that this beauty really came forward.

What struck Edward in capturing Shay was his natural engagement with the setting, a quick, thoughtful moment where he seemed to absorb and appreciate it.

In the painting, Edward kept the background light with gentle washes to echo the warmth of the sunlight, drawing the viewer inward. Against this background, the rich, darker tones of his face and skin created a sharp contrast. This allowed Shay to step forward from the composition while still feeling anchored in place by his surroundings.

Model: Shaleim Brown-Adkins