Staedtler Mars Lumograph pencils for tone, make-up brushes for smooth shading, and a Mono eraser to bring out highlights.

Once completed, the original will be available for purchase, along with high-quality prints for those who would like to own a piece of the finished work.

In March 2026, I had the incredible opportunity to spend a week in Florence, Italy, immersing myself in the traditional techniques of classical oil painting at Apollon Art Studio. Surrounded by centuries of artistic history, I learned the foundations of classical painting, from careful preparation and drawing to layering, colour, light and glazing techniques. Being able to study these methods in Florence was an unforgettable experience and gave me a deeper appreciation for the patience, craftsmanship and discipline behind the Old Masters.

During the course, I created my own study copy of Raphael’s La Velata, one of the masterpieces of the Renaissance. In just 12 hours of painting, I applied the techniques I had learned to recreate the work, challenging myself to capture its delicate modelling, subtle colours and timeless expression. It was an incredibly rewarding experience and one that has inspired me to continue exploring classical oil painting alongside my own artistic style. Now I just need to finish it!

Displaying my work at the Brisbane Street Art Festival was a really special milestone in my artistic journey. I had the opportunity to exhibit three of my graphite portraits featuring three iconic voices of the grunge era - Chris Cornell, Kurt Cobain and Layne Staley. Each portrait was created with my signature focus on realism and fine detail, capturing not only the likeness of these musicians but also something of the emotion and character they brought to their music. Being able to share these pieces with a wider audience and see them displayed as part of Brisbane’s vibrant street art community was an experience I’m incredibly grateful for.