Swapping Pen Strokes for Brush Strokes

Swapping Pen Strokes for Brush Strokes

Old Boy, George Groves (Sp ’17), has switched his pen for his paintbrush as he’s currently making a name for himself in the world of portraits. Having studied Art and Design for A Level under the watchful eye of Miss Ferguson, the artistic intrigue was always there, but it wasn’t until George presented a portrait to acting royalty, Idris Elba OBE, that he actually realised he could pursue a career in being a portrait artist. Since then, George has taken on a wide variety of private commissions, as well as telling stories through original works and sharing them with the likes of Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Major Tim Peake, and Billy Billingham MBE. Shortly, George will be joining Military Cross recipient Colour Sergeant Brian Wood to unveil his Official Portrait, where George has told a story of survival, betrayal, and perseverance.

Accompanied by a long list of notable sitters who visit George at his studio in Gerrards Cross, George has also enjoyed his residencies at Ham Polo Club and Henley Regatta, and he was delighted to be invited to exhibit at the Official Muhammad Ali Center in the USA.

George said: “People often ask, how do you choose your sitters? All I can really tell them is that I have a desire to tell fascinating stories, not only capturing a person’s character and likeness, but capturing what they represent, what they’ve been through, and the challenges they may face in the future.”

The portraits themselves are layered in rich oils, which allow him to tell a story through his marks. Although it can’t be captured in photographs, the texture involved throughout the paintings brings them to life, as he simultaneously introduces traditional portraiture techniques whilst illustrating a contemporary advance.

George, who is self taught, has the ability to work from both life and photographs and always takes great pleasure in getting to know the individuals who commission him. He says, “It’s important to me that my client enjoys the experience of commissioning a portrait, which is often a personal process; I aim to preserve a memory that will last long beyond a lifetime whilst also taking into consideration the aesthetic appeal of the artwork.”

To commission your own portrait, for yourself, or a loved one, contact George at george@officialgroves.com or to see more of his work go to https://www.officialgroves.com