Robert Becket Portrait Artist

News

Rob Beckett's portrait of Dr Mo Mowlem featured in the BBC One TV programme “Star Portraits with Rolf Harris"

Broadcast at 7.05pm, Sunday 19th June

Being chosen to appear on the Star Portraits TV show with Rolf Harris was an opportunity not to be missed. It gave me a great insight into how other artists work, and, I think, part of the intrigue of the two series is in cleverly showing a wide range of styles.

I take many things in life in my stride and am quite gregarious but I was a little unprepared for the theatre of TV.

The main shoot day at Stormont was quite unnerving, although I must confess to feeling a little unnerved by the lights and cameras. Mo was reasonably compliant, very natural and relaxing to be with.

Rolf was the ultimate showman and had us in stiches for most of the day with his constant banter and singing — a truly amazing man, such enthusiasm...

Portrait of Mo Mowlem for BBC One TV programme Star Portraits with Rolf Harris

Click for full image

Little painting was acheived in Northern Ireland but I got some good photos and I continued with the painting over the next two weeks back home in the studio.

I had some issues with the minimum size required. Choosing a close up shot of Mo on such a large canvas meant having to work on a much larger than lifesize head which I found awkward. And given the choice, I would have preferred to have worked in oils. In the end I did my best and felt honoured to have had the oppportunity. I think I succeeded in capturing Mo with a typically wry and reflective style.