A SOMERSET mum will spend 100 days creating a portrait of David Attenborough in honour of his 100th birthday.
Hannah Norman, an artist and member of the MIB International Minehead Group (Mums in Business), who runs art classes for children, said she has been ‘inspired’ by Sir David Attenborough.
She said: “Our Sir David Attenborough has inspired me as a busy mum of two, to slow down, by spending a hundred days on a hyper-realistic portrait leading up to Attenborough’s 100th birthday.”
She started the concept on January 29, working in Porlock Weir, Exmoor, using pencil work and graphite, which she said is ‘a perfect medium to produce hyper-realism’ – meaning ‘softly and respectfully’ portraying such a subject.
To achieve this, Hannah gained permission from photographer Laura Gallant to use a photo she took of Mr Attenborough in a ‘sombre pose’ with his eyes closed.
She said: “There is a lot behind somebody’s eyes, and whenever I draw a portrait, the soul is normally always portrayed through the eyes. So, to be able to convey such a powerful portrait with his eyes closed shows what an impact he has had simply by who he is.”
Hannah has been holding after-school clubs and teaching children how to draw realistically in pencil.
She said she wanted to show her students that she could challenge herself and do something important that takes time.
Hannah said: “When my 10-14-year-old students chose to draw wildlife portraits for their final project and were struggling to persevere through hours of single hair strokes, I decided to bring my portrait. They could see if they dedicate hours and months into one piece and persevere, then the results can pay off with something they are proud of.”
Read more:
One of Taunton's 'longest running' and 'most loved' shops is relocating
Taunton man launches campaign pushing for better bus links to healthcare services
Taunton man ran 865 miles in memory of woman killed in road accident
She added: “Sir David Attenborough has worked so hard to portray to the next generation the importance of every living thing for our ecosystem. In drawing them so tentatively and paying close attention to every inch of detail, it is an excellent form of mindfulness when we live in such a scary world and unpredictable future.”
When reflecting, Hannah noted that over the course of this journey, she has found it ‘quite emotional’ at times.
She said: “One day, while I was drawing him, sat on the harbour, a bug walked across his hand, and I found it quite emotional. This big, impressive portrait and this tiny bug summed up everything for me.
“So here he is, Sir David Attenborough 22x30, in progress. And his 100th birthday happens to be approaching, too, so now I am making it my aim to draw him within 100 days. Paying such close attention to every mark and fold in his mature skin, I can't help but have in mind everywhere he has been and everything he has seen throughout his incredible career. Thank you, Sir David.”
Share