The painting of miniature portraits was at its most popular in the 16th  century, but even then it was an exclusive possession.
 Portrait photography took over the task of capturing a persons true likeness and so portrait painting became outmoded and unnecessary.
 Digital photography and computer manipulation has brought photography into the same realm as painting - was the light really that golden, was her skin truly so unblemished and his eyes quite so intense?
 The right time, I thought, to undertake a new form of artistic exploration - perhaps 2007 is the perfect moment for miniature portrait painting to re-emerge.
 Each assignment is like a creative gift - an invitation to exercise my insight, pure observation and technical skill.
 At a maximum size of 8x11cms ( approx. 3x4inches), the miniature portrait offers a treasure of possibilities. The necessary restrictions set by the strict boundaries of size are a perfect playground for both artist and spectator.