About Scarlett Lewis

Born in Blaengarw, Wales, Scarlett Lewis now lives in Swansea, Wales where she has completed a year of foundation art and design to which she now studies fine art at Swansea College of Art where she is in her second year. Scarlett Lewis is an artist whose exploration of portraiture is driven by a deep fascination with the human condition. Through her work, she seeks to honor the individuality and essence of her subjects. Scarlett captures the unique stories etched into each face by drawing from references such as photographs or live sittings. Her portraits reflect the richness of individual experiences and cultural backgrounds, offering viewers a profound connection to her subjects.

Her preferred medium is graphite, which enables her to achieve intricate detail in her work. She aims to evoke a sense of intimacy and authenticity, striving to honor the complexity of human emotion. Recently, Scarlett has expanded her practice to include commissioned portraits, a step that has deepened her connection with the people she portrays. Each commission becomes a collaborative journey, as she engages with clients to understand their vision and bring it to life.

Through her evolving practice, Scarlett Lewis is excited to share her passion for portraiture with a wider audience. She strives to create meaningful works that resonate on a personal level and hopes to craft something special for those who support her and her artistic journey.

FAQs from the artist.

How do I create portraits?

While I create portraits using photographs rather than meeting subjects in person, I strive to maintain a friendly and approachable process throughout. Before starting, I will discuss the details of your portrait with you extensively. Additionally, I offer you the chance to review a near-complete scan of your portrait, allowing you to suggest any adjustments you’d like.

What medium do I prefer to use?

IWhen creating portraits, I enjoy working with graphite, acrylic or waterpaints. Each medium offers a unique way to capture the subject's personality and details. For instance, I often use graphite for its ability to convey fine details and textures, while waterpaint allows me to experiment with bold colors and dynamic compositions. My choice of medium depends on the desired style and mood of the portrait.

How big are your portraits?

Depending on which medium I use. If I was to use graphite the portraits would vary between sizes of A5, A3 but mainly A4. However, my acrylic paintings can come in any size if I can find the right materials, for example; wood, canvas etc. And for my last medium, watercolour often tend to be A4 as I have not completely mastered the ability yet

What is a photo reference?

When creating a portrait from a photograph, the image must effectively replace having the subject present in person. This means it should be large and clear enough to capture a comparable level of detail. This page provides comprehensive guidance on the type of photo required to ensure a high-quality portrait.

So by able to have a clear photograph it helps me to create the best type of portrait.