An Artist's Commission

Jeremy Houghton’s artwork is distinctive and collectable, earning him an international reputation with galleries and art collectors alike. He operates from his studio here in the Cotswolds and I was delighted to be asked to photograph him at work a few months ago. The resulting images will be used in his forthcoming book ‘An Artist in Residence’ published later this year, which covers his time for a list of high profile commissions including official artist for 2012 Olympics, the Wimbledon Championships as well as the royal residences of Windsor Castle and Highgrove.

He’s a prolific creator and his creative space is covered from floor to ceiling with layers of his flamboyant canvases. Although his works are lavishly colourful, we felt a monochrome approach to the photographs would be more powerful, contrasting well with the luminosity of the paint.

I find photographing subjects in their own environment results in the most natural and true reflection of their personality; as though I’m glimpsing a moment of their lives through a window. This is further reinforced with the black & white format which removes any distractions of colour and instead becomes a study of the person.

I managed, to my amazement, to come away from the photoshoot clear of any stray paint splashes on my clothes - always a hazard of the job!