PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST
Alexandra G. INTERNATIONAL ARTIST & LGBTQ ART
“I have a passion for painting the human form and it was through the Adonis Art Gallery in London that I first attained international recognition and was thrilled to be one of only six female artists in the world chosen to have art published in the pioneering book ‘100 Artists of the Male Figure’ celebrating the male form. I also firmly believe everyone has a right to be true to themselves, so therefore respecting all sexualities and ethnicity - I endeavour to offer quality, diverse and relatable art.” — Alexandra G.
I met artist Sandra Grashion-Cowley, also known as Alexandra G, at an open studio event at Banks Mill Studios where she was assisting her daughter Vanessa in her studio. I was instantly captivated by her dynamic sense of style. I found her appearance stunning and just knew I had to photograph her at some point.
I had envisioned the backdrop for Sandra’s portrait session to mirror that of a painter’s art studio. Failing to find any second-hand painter’s drop cloths, I opted to buy new ones and add paint splashes myself to achieve the desired aesthetic. A friend of mine had a gorgeous hand-painted table in her gift shop that had captured my attention for more than a year. Confident that it would perfectly complement the theme, I made the decision to buy it.
Sandra arrived with a couple of her paintings and some props from her studio, setting the scene perfectly. I incorporated an antique wooden stool and a pair of vintage step ladders in the foreground to enhance the depth of the portrait.
Hand painted table by Chloe Kempster / Gift shop Gaysey Maisey