The life of an artist is not always lucrative. To help make ends meet, I found a part time job as a receptionist in a Cranbrook salon, and the dynamic owner Gabby is the subject for this painting. 

Starting a business is an exciting moment. The bold portrait captured the mood as Gabby embarked on a new venture with her business partner, Sara. Their Purdy and Power hair and beauty salon in Cranbrook, Kent is now well-established, a leading local salon which attracts customers from near and far. 

I loved the interior of the shop and the reflective surfaces and mirrors, so those became a feature of the painting. This is one of the largest portraits that I have produced, and I struggled to get it in the boot of the car. My husband never fails to remind me of this when I start a painting!