A Local Hero

March Club Night was a real treat, with Vincent M Brown, a Bristolian through and through, visiting us to give an inspiring and entertaining demo of a portrait in acrylics

Vincent started with an explanation of his background. His mother was an artist, and encouraged him with his obvious natural artistic talent, which was spotted at an early age at junior school. As young as age eleven years he was getting portrait commissions and started exhibiting his work. Many of his early portraits were of his parents - because they were there. Other portraits are typically of his family and friends. Vincent explained that he liked to have meaning to his portraiture, such as this self- portrait depicting a message of homelessness.

Sitting Man 111 Acrylic on canvas. Winner of the Bath Art Prize 2025 People’s Choice Award

Working primarily in acrylic or watercolour, Vincent was elected a member of NAPA (National Association of Acrylic Painters) in 2025. His work has won many awards, and been exhibited in prestigious exhibitions throughout the world, including four times at the National Portrait Gallery. He has been twice a competitor on Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the year.

Vincent explained about the Zorn palette and how this has led many of his paintings. He was also full of admiration for some of the old masters like Jan Van Eyck, Rembrandt and John Singer Sargent.

Hawthornes 11 (Self and family) Acrylic on Board

For this evening, Vincent chose to paint a portrait for us from a photo of a characterful older man. Wrinkles are good as they give structure to the face. But don’t add too many !

Vincent started off by painting a structural tonal underpainting using acrylic paint diluted with glazing medium. Within a few quick strokes a recognisable image emerged, and then the face took shape.

He made it look so easy ! This demo was going to inspire me - or should I give up now ?!!

The finished tonal underpainting.

Then it was tea break. We had a closer look, and browsed through his artworks and materials. Some time to chat and ask questions.

During the 2nd half, Vincent went on to explain and show us how to add colour by glazing. Diluting paint with water or glazing medium to make thin washes. Layering this with paint builds up the translucency, adding depth and interest. We were amazed that some of his works could have 30+ layers.

The artwork being glazed.

Time had run out and time to go home, but an incredible achievement in only 1 ½ hours. What a great evening.

Anyone interested in learning more should visit Vincent’s website to read his bio and see his work.

To find out about weekly art lessons and workshops visit Brown’s Art Centre:-