We only moved here two years ago, so I can’t call myself a Bristolian, but I’d only ever heard good things about the city. My wife was offered a teaching job here, so we decided to make the leap. Since then I’ve found out just how creative the place is and the fantastic art scene: the Arnolfini, the RWA gallery, Spike Island, Sparks, The Island – plus all the little studios.
I feel incredibly lucky to have had one of my paintings, Diane (2025), selected for this summer’s Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London. I had entered this competition more than six times before and got shortlisted, but never seemed to be selected. Like many artists, I visited every year, dreaming that perhaps one year I’d get lucky. This year, just under 1,500 entries from 63 countries were judged. I got shortlisted and delivered my painting from Bristol to London in February, not knowing that the selection process had now reduced to 200. Three days later, I received an email confirming I had been selected to the final 52 artists. I shouted, I cried, I called my wife on her mobile (although she’s a primary school teacher, so she got the news several hours later).
I find inspiration everywhere, Bristol is a very independent kind of place, tolerant of all kinds of people and nationalities. I can’t really put my finger on what makes a good sitter for a portrait. I have no filter and can talk to anyone about anything, and often people open up to me and I have had some great conversations. I spotted Diane selling vintage clothing in her stall at a Saturday market held in Windmill City Farm opposite my studio: the inspiration for my portrait now in the National Portrait Gallery. I turned a corner and there she was sitting quietly stitching some tartan fabric.
No two people are the same; just like each of us have a unique and individual signature that we write. We may all have the same physiognomy: eyes, ears, nose and mouth etc. But there are countless tiny differences. This gives us character and personality and an identity all of our own! I try to ‘make faces’ on the two-dimensional surface of a canvas to give the illusion you are looking at a three-dimensional human face. It’s a challenge and great fun for me.
It’s hard to pick just one portrait that is especially memorable; they all have meaning and were great pieces to work on. One of the most satisfying I would have to say is a small painting of my wife Tamzin. I had taken photos of her on one of our adventures out to Ham House and Garden (a National Trust 17th-century museum). She sat meditating in a small summer house in the garden. We both like this painting and it means a lot to us.
When I need to step away from Bedminster studio to recharge, I head to the countryside around the city with my wife; we call them little adventures. We love Tyntesfield and walking along Snuff Mills. We don’t drive, so rely on public transport or walking. Since moving here, we’ve also visited Bath, Frome, Swindon, Portishead, Wells and Glastonbury – just to name a few spots.
Visit the National Portrait Gallery in London to find Martin’s painting Diane at the free Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Exhibition until 7 October. You can find him at BV Studios in Bedminster and visit his website martinjessup.myportfolio.com
Martin with his portrait Diane
