Please introduce yourself. What inspired you to pursue a career as an artist? Did your time in France impact your artwork?

I'm Charles Moxon, a portrait painter. Ever since I can remember, I've been captivated by drawing and painting. By the age of 7, I had made up my mind to become an artist. I had some amazing art teachers during my school days in the UK who truly sparked my inspiration. I lived in France during my teenage years. While my time in France didn't directly influence my painting style, it did open up a whole new world of living in different places, which is now a major part of my artistic journey as I move for commissions.

*"Sharmadean Reid MBE" Oil on Panel, l2x 10 inches*

What intrigues you about portraiture? How have the painters of the 17th century influenced your artistic expression?

Portraiture is absolutely fascinating to me. It allows me to immerse myself in another person's world, understanding their character and translating that connection onto canvas. The intimate scale, radiant luminosity, and meticulous attention to detail found in 17th-century Dutch paintings have had a profound impact on my own artistic approach and vision.

Who is your favorite artist? If you had the chance to sit next to them right now, what burning question would you ask?

Vermeer. The way he plays with subtle colors and transitions of light is simply incredible. If I were fortunate enough to sit next to him, I would probably ask him if I could just watch him paint. Just imagine the inspiration and joy of witnessing Vermeer work.

How do you capture the essence of an individual in your work? As well as establishing the perfect composition, what is the importance of the sitter's attire?

In attempting to capture the essence of an individual, I find that spending meaningful time with them is paramount. When I have the opportunity to visit my sitters, I often stay with them for several days, allowing us to forge a deeper connection. This enables me to grasp their personality, understand their unique story, and translate that essence onto the canvas. Just as Henri Cartier-Bresson famously emphasized the importance of finding the perfect moment in photography, I believe portrait painting entails capturing numerous moments that collectively reveal the true essence of the sitter.

When it comes to the sitter's attire, I collaborate closely with them to select the most suitable option. We aim for something timeless and relatively understated, allowing the focus to remain on the face. By choosing attire that doesn't overpower the portrait, I can emphasize the facial expressions, capturing the emotions and nuances that convey their individuality. The sitter's clothing becomes an essential element that complements the overall composition, ensuring the face takes center stage and communicates their unique story.

*"Harriet Harman MP" Oil on Canvas, 24xl8 inches*

Thinking about your most recent portrait, where did you start? Tell me about your creative process.

In my most recent painting, I had the privilege of depicting a delightful young girl from San Francisco. I spent several immersive days with her family, getting to know her on a deeper level, and capturing her personality. Over the following months, I meticulously worked on the painting, employing a traditional approach with a Bruneille underpainting. Layer by layer, I carefully built up glazes of color, allowing the portrait to gradually come to life.

Who has been your favorite subject to paint, and why? Is there anyone who you aspire to paint in the future?

Every individual I have the opportunity to paint brings a fresh sense of excitement and discovery. It's difficult to pick a single favorite, as each sitter presents a new adventure, allowing me to explore their character and story. If I were to dream, I'd love to have the opportunity to capture the remarkable spirit of someone like Roger Federer. His grace, charisma, and significant impact on the world of sports make him an inspiring muse.

Do your paintings reflect you as an individual? Your hyperrealist portraits are so detailed, would you say you're a perfectionist?

My paintings indeed serve as a reflection of my personal artistic journey. They embody moments of stillness and contemplation, capturing the essence of human connections. As for being a perfectionist, I do tend to have an eye for detail, striving to create hyper realistic portraits that capture the subtle nuances of my subjects.

What have been your greatest achievements so far in your career?

Being selected for prestigious exhibitions such as the BP Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery and the Royal Portrait Society has been a significant honor for me. Equally rewarding has been the privilege of painting prominent figures like Colin Jackson, Levi Roots, and Harriet Harman—each representing different realms of achievement. These collaborations have enriched my artistic growth and allowed me to connect with extraordinary individuals. However, I believe that my true measure of success lies in the impact my art has on people's lives and the ability to continuously evolve as an artist.

*"Levi Roots" Oil on Panel, l2x9 inches*

Why do you think art is important in society?

That’s a tough question. From my perspective, art allows me to create a profound connection with others, documenting that connection in the most beautiful way possible. It has the capacity to evoke emotions and inspire introspection. Art has the potential to leave a lasting legacy, hopefully leaving the world a more beautiful place.

https://charlesmoxon.com/

ARTIST INTERVIEW: Charles Moxon