PORTRAIT Wonderland

Contemporary artist Claire Luxton shares behind-the-scenes insight from her studio and explains how she creates one of her instantly recognisable fine-art portraits

- Claire Luxton

Difficulty level: Intermediate/Advanced

Time taken: 10 Hours

Art has always been so much more to me than just a picture, it’s a voice, a universal language that allows us to communicate on a uniquely emotional, visual and physical level. I have often thought that creativity has the ability to transcend the unspoken social barriers that are often in our way and open our minds to new perspectives and different ways of looking at things.

As a self-portrait artist, I haven’t been short of subject matter during lockdowns over the past two years. Using myself within my work has always been more about the process, physicality and the emotional toll, instead of just a picture of ‘me’. During this unique time, I have found my photography process coming full circle back to painting and sculpture, but this time, combining the sculpture and photography together, in a way I hadn’t thought about before.

‘Burn At Both Ends’ explores the point where fantasy and the truth collide. A simple yet complex portrait that pushed me to challenge my creativity and took me to some uncomfortable places. But with discomfort comes growth, creative flow and ultimately some of my most interesting work. I hope you find your own wonderland of inspiration from the process.

What you’ll need

DSLR or mirrorless camera

Flash with large umbrella or soft continuous light

Tripod

Photoshop

Wireless remote or self-timer

Burning ambition

Claire’s ‘Burn At Both Ends’ project explores the point where fantasy and the truth collide, through simple yet complex portraits