Artist's Statement

"Drawing has been an evolution from a lifetime of artistic curiosity and experimentation. It’s like I've worked backwards from the traditional path of starting with basic drawing skills and progressing to oil painting. My experience was the opposite in that I ended rediscovering the simplicity, beauty and complexity of drawing. What attracted me to it was a latent desire to have more control over my expression and pencil is the perfect tool to achieve this.

I chose portraiture because of its challenging nature. The quest for a perfect likeness has become an obsession not just because I’m a perfectionist at heart, but because the slightest error in portraying the unique characteristics of an individual renders the work simply ‘un-characteristic’ and therefore disappoints the recipient.

The distinctive technique I’ve perfected is more akin to the art of sculpting rather than drawing. It is a combination of precision drawing or mapping, followed by complete coverage of the surface in a mid-tone. Then I carefully ‘sculpt’ out the highlights and add to the darker areas. I have a unique way of finishing which is similar to varnishing in the way it brings the final drawing to life. I love to share my passion and enthusiasm for my technique by teaching others, whether professional artists or beginners".
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Alan's work is held in private collections in the UK, USA, Australia, Columbia, Germany, Switzerland and Ireland including Irish Government and Museum collections. He has created several works for donation to charities including portraits of Rory McIlroy, Paul & Garry O'Donovan, Keith Wood and Ronan O'Gara.

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