News: light, shadow and likeness

Demo held: Monday 2nd February 2026

Stewart Beckett specialises in oil portraiture, focusing on capturing the sitter’s character and essence through careful use of light, form, and the face's sculptural qualities. Drawing inspiration from human connection and emotion, Stewart aims to create meaningful portraits. 

During a live demonstration with volunteer Brenda, Stewart began by sketching the face and central features on a mid-grey painted board, using broad, fluid brushstrokes. The initial palette included a blend of black, white, and chromium green for the hair, complemented by a generic light skin tone. He emphasised starting with the lightest tones and considering their relationship to surrounding areas, noting that early stages involve a degree of uncertainty.

Stewart then developed depth by introducing contrasting light and shadow, beginning with the eye sockets, using a purple-and-orange mix, enhanced with cerulean blue and an orange-red. Similar techniques were applied to the nose and its shadows, maintaining loose strokes, with highlights on the forehead in yellow and white. The transition at the hairline was refined, followed by a rough outline of the shoulders to anchor the head within the composition.

Further definition was achieved by accentuating the ridge between the eyes, darkening the skin tone to a pinkish-brown, and refining the relationship between the hair and the face. Under the eyebrows, lighter tones were applied, and the placement of light reflections was carefully considered to maintain an authentic yet flexible appearance. Stronger marks in cerulean blue and black were placed around the collar, with pink and purple tones for the neck and violet for shadows. Final detailing was executed with a small brush, adjusting elements as needed. Unfortunately, the portrait was not finished that night, requiring additional days to complete.

The Artist

Hampshire based Stewart has taken part in both Landscape and Portrait Artist of the Year and has recently been elected as an associate of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters. 

Stewart is a seasoned visual artist, standing at the intersection of tradition and contemporary expression, weaving a captivating narrative that transcends the transient allure of invention. In a world where the relentless pursuit of the new often overshadows the treasures of the past, he takes on the noble responsibility of preserving the profound wisdom that propels artistic evolution.

Visit Stewart's website here.