FOR the second year running, a portrait by artist Andrew Parker has been selected for inclusion in the Royal Society of Portrait Painters annual open exhibition at Mall Galleries in London.
This year's work is a touching pencil drawing of his father that not only captures his likeness but is a sensitive depiction of encroaching age
The Society's portrait competition is open to any artist over 18 who compete to exhibit work alongside members of the group. This year the exhibition of some 200 portraits will consist half of members' work while the remainder will be made up of a selection taken from more than 1000 submissions.
Last year Parker submitted an oil painting of his mother, this year's work is a touching pencil drawing of his father that not only captures his likeness but is a sensitive depiction of encroaching age - capturing his father's melancholic, almost mournful expression.
Founded in 1891, The Royal Society of Portrait Painters was formed by a group of artists frustrated by their perceived elitism of the Royal Academy. Early members include John Everett Millais, George Frederick Watts and James McNeil Whistler. The group is now a registered charity with the Queen as patron.
Stockport born Parker has worked as a graphic designer since graduating from Stockport College but returned to his first love of fine art ten years ago. Basing himself in Vernon Mill Artists' Studios in Stockport, he mainly works on nudes and portraits predominately in oil paint.
Royal Society of Portrait Painters Annual Exhibition www.therp.co.uk. 9-24 May, Mall Galleries, The Mall, London, SW1. www.mallgalleries.org.uk. Andrew Parker www.andrew-parker.co.uk
