“CONFESSION" (PHOEBE)

Confession (Phoebe) is one of six paintings I made for my series, August Girls. The series was picked up by Gateway Gallery for a solo show in 2025.

I made the series from 6 months worth of life drawing studies, predominantly held in basements and repurposed sheds in London. Taking part in these studies, from Dulwich to Waterloo, was one of the most charming experiences of my life. I was, without exception, the youngest person at every study. I made friends with polite 60 year old charcoal artists and the nude women who posed for us.

This piece, like Albufera (Mina) was slightly different. I sent out a call to my friends that I was looking for more life models, to direct myself. I heard back from a few girls, including Phoebe, the subject of this painting. It was a really delightful experience, since Phoebe and I really didn’t know each other that well. It was an exercise in making a semi-stranger comfortable, and affirming to her that I could be trusted to make this sort of intimate work of her.