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Portfolio for Luke Shepherd - Commissionaportrait
Too traditional to be taken seriously at Art College, yet too gifted to be ignored, Luke Shepherd has always made portrait busts, working directly in the clay without the need for preliminary drawing. He became recognised early in his career as a portrait sculptor with his distinguished and enduring bust of the late George Thomas - the Rt. Hon. The Viscount Tonypandy, speaker of the House of Commons 1976-84. The bronze was selected from over 14,000 entrants for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and also for the Academie des Beaux Arts, Paris and subsequently purchased for the public collection of the National Library of Wales.
With a long string of successful public and private commission, Luke has re-introduced a renaissance style approach based on time-honoured skills combined with minute observational detail. He is one of the few sculptors’ fully versed in bronze casting having received a diploma from the Royal College of Art Foundry Course. This enables him to maintain the finest quality and subtle detail in his portrait work.
Luke is much in demand as both an artist and educator for the Royal College of Surgeons of England where he teaches portrait modelling to plastic and maxilofacial surgeons. Luke's flare and ability is above all for portrait sculpture, admiring great artists such as Rembrandt, Michelangelo and the Impressionists. He is a member of the South West Sculptors Association and lives in rural Devon with his wife, Aga and studio.
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| Birth date |
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1961
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| Introduction |
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Too traditional to be taken seriously at Art College, yet too gifted to be ignored, Luke Shepherd has always made portrait busts, working directly in the clay without the need for preliminary drawing. He became recognised early in his career as a portrait sculptor with his distinguished and enduring bust of the late George Thomas - the Rt. Hon. The Viscount Tonypandy, speaker of the House of Commons 1976-84. The bronze was selected from over 14,000 entrants for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and also for the Academie des Beaux Arts, Paris and subsequently purchased for the public collection of the National Library of Wales.
With a long string of successful public and private commission, Luke has re-introduced a renaissance style approach based on time-honoured skills combined with minute observational detail. He is one of the few sculptors’ fully versed in bronze casting having received a diploma from the Royal College of Art Foundry Course. This enables him to maintain the finest quality and subtle detail in his portrait work.
Luke is much in demand as both an artist and educator for the Royal College of Surgeons of England where he teaches portrait modelling to plastic and maxilofacial surgeons. Luke's flare and ability is above all for portrait sculpture, admiring great artists such as Rembrandt, Michelangelo and the Impressionists. He is a member of the South West Sculptors Association and lives in rural Devon with his wife, Aga and studio.
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| Education |
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1984 - 1985 Royal College of Art, London.
Diploma Apprenticeship in Lost Wax Bronze Casting.
1980 - 1983 South Glamorgan Institute of Higher Education
Fine Art Degree course, Cardiff
1979 - 1980 Foundation Course S.G.I.H.E., Cardiff
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| Awards |
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Jan-Apr 1988 Welsh Arts Council Masterclass Grant for 12-week study in traditional bronze casting, engraving and gold plating in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Apr 1987 Winner of Livewire Award for Business Enterprises as Artist
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| Selected Commissions |
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Billy Connolly - Comedian, commissioned by Billy's management
John Reid Enterprises Ltd.
The Late Rt. Hon Viscount Tonypandy, George Thomas - speaker of the House of Commons 1976-84.
The Rt. Hon the Lord Crickhowell, Nicholas Edwards -
Longest standing Cabinet Minister throughout Thatcher Government
Leo Abse - Labour front bench political figure of the 1960's and 70's
Stuart Burrows - Welsh Tenor.
The late Sri HWL Poonja, The famous Indian Sage. Modelled in his 84th year at his home in India.
Memorial relief of the Late Kenneth Loveland -
Music Critic, Journalist and Raconteur
The late Peter Powell - renowned painter and architect.
Memorial statue of the late Sylvia Jackson
Philip Madoc - Actor.
William Squire - Shakespearean Actor
6ft Buddha statue, Lucknow, India Dec 1994
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| Group Exhibitions |
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Nov 2007-08 Keviks, Devon (SWSA)
May 2004-06 Delamore House, Devon
Aug 2003-4 Art Farm Project, Devon
July 2003-07 Dartington Arts Centre, Devon (SWSA)
May 2004 Buckland Abbey, Devon SWSA
Dec 2002 Oriel Washington, Cardiff 2002
Nov 2002 Dodiscombleigh Art Exhibition 2002
Aug 1990 Heads, Hands & Feet, Margam Sculpture Park,W Glamorgan
Jan 1990 West Wharf Gallery, Cardiff
Jan 1989 Pelter Sands Gallery, Bristol
Nov 1988 Royal West of England Academy
May 1988 Contemporary Portrait Society, London
April 1988 St Davids Hall, Cardiff
Mar 1988 Academie des Beaux Arts, Paris
Jun 1987 Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, London
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| Solo Exhibitions |
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Public Collections
National Museum of Wales
National Library of Wales
South Glamorgan County Council
University of Wales
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| Artist's Statement |
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I have always made portrait busts and I see myself upholding traditional values of art. I work with minute modifications until both client and myself are fully satisfied with the finished clay, before proceeding with the casting. I employ a fine balance of strong draughtsmanship, sensitive observation and overall an immense enjoyment of being with people. I set my goals high and strive for perfection.
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| Statement |
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At the end of the modelling sessions many of my clients tell me how relaxed and enjoyable they have been. There is no need to keep absolutely still, on the contrary, it is time for numerous teas/coffees and good conversation. Movement and shuffling to remain comfortable are encouraged and if the work is done in your home, you will have the use of your most comfortable chair.
I will take approximately 10 hours of your time. This can be divided into 6 x 1.5 hrs, 5x 2 hours or 4 x 2.5 hours over a period of no longer than a month. Photographs will be used to minimise your labour, but the process cannot be rushed. If the time-honoured skill and judgement of modelling is to fully capture your appearance, then sittings rather than photographs are essential. A skilled eye can always detect the difference between work done from sittings or from photographs. I invite the client (and their family) to take an active role in informing me of their opinion as to the resemblance of the developing clay, at each stage of the sittings. This helps ensure that everything is considered.
Framing for relief wall plaques (see photo of Kenneth Lovel and Memorial) is integral to the design. The site of the finished piece is always considered at the outset of the work.
Most clients favour modelling sessions in the comfort of their own home. This involves choosing a good light room with space to place the dais and manoeuvre the modelling stand together with ample plastic sheeting to protect the floor! Studio visits to Devon are also possible. |
| Travel nationally |
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Yes |
| Travel internationally |
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Yes |
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| Prices |
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| Portrait Format: |
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Head and Shoulders |
From £ |
9000 |
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$ | 11000 |
The
Prices quoted are for the standard mediums of oil on canvas and bronze
(in
the case of sculpture).
For other media, prices may vary, please enquire
directly with us for more specific quotes.
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| Press Quotes |
"Brilliant Portrait Artist was how the press described Luke Shepherd...."
Livewire Magazine.
2006 International Journal of Surgery
2005 Devon Today
2004 British Medical Journal
2003 The Sunday Times Colour Supplement
2003 The Times
2001 BBC Spotlight News Feature
2001 Carlton TV News Feature
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