Episode 56 of ‘All About Art’: The Experience of Sitting for a Portrait - In the Studio with Beau Gabriel

This episode is a bit different because All About Art is a podcast all about demystifying the professional arts sector by speaking to amazing people in different roles in the arts - But I also love to do episodes that touch on various themes within the industry, and this time it’s more unconventional.

I recently went to visit Beau Gabriel, a London-based artist, in his studio to sit for a painting. This was my first time sitting for a painting and it was really fun to experience this while also taking my mics with me to record it for you listening in.

If you get bothered by background noise, I suggest you skip forward a tad because in the first 10 minutes, you can hear Beau prime his canvas and paint brushes while he me how to pose.

In a casual interview format, listen in to hear us talk about underpainting and pigments, what it feels like being a sitter, and so much more.

To set the scene a little bit while you listen, we were standing in Beau’s studio in East London with the natural light of a very cold Sunday in November. Beau had his easel set up and a monochrome pallet of oil paint to create the underpainting of my portrait. I was standing across from him with a chair in front of me on the back of which I was resting my hand, and I had a little space heater facing me to keep me warm because of what felt like freezing temperatures, quite typical for artist studios in London in the winter. 

This painting will take a few more sessions to complete, so be sure to follow All About Art and Beau on Instagram to see it when it's finished. (linked below!)

You can check out Beau’s works on his Instagram here: www.instagram.com/beaugilfillan/

and his website here: https://www.beaugabriel.net/about

You can support All About Art on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/allaboutart

ABOUT THE HOST:

I am an Austrian-American art historian, curator, and writer. I obtained my BA in History of Art at University College London and my MA in Arts Administration and Cultural Policy at Goldsmiths, University of London. My specializations include contemporary art, specifically feminism and artificial intelligence in artistic practice, as well as museum policies and arts engagement.

Here are links to my social media, feel free to reach out:

• Instagram @alexandrasteinacker

• Twitter @alex_steinacker

• and LinkedIn at Alexandra Steinacker-Clark

COVER ART: Lisa Schrofner a.k.a Liser www.liser-art.com
Assistant Production: Leanne Dennis