This series of portraits is of different Democratic candidates for the 2020 election in the United States. I was experimenting with a new set of paint brushes, and building up a grainy, airbrushed look by painting colour onto monochrome.

Beto O'Rourke, Texas Congressman.

Process detail from the first portrait of Beto O'Rourke:

The second image turned out a bit smoother, and softer but used a similar painting techniques.

Kamala Harris, California Senator.

This next portrait of Bernie Sanders was the most difficult, because he is both more iconic and well-known than his counterparts and because he is significantly older, and the addition of more details, wrinkles, spots, etc, made the portrait darker.

Process details; first, I add layers of black and white lines, then blur and smudge them into smooth shadows and highlights on the base layers of skin undertones and hair. Second, spraying on layers of grainy colour to add warmth, shadows and depth.

The last portrait is my favourite of the series.

Elizabeth Warren, Massachusetts Senator.

Thanks for viewing, comment and let me know what you think.