Tattoos: a Part of the Figure? (Lex)

During this session with Lex, her tattoos were an element to consider rather than something to ignore. The intern says: Rather than treating the tattoos as details to be copied or ignored, Stephen has experimented with simplifying selected motifs and weaving them into the composition. In the paintings, colour, line and pattern allow the tattoos to become part of the visual rhythm of the figure, while the five-minute drawings reduce them to a few economical marks that identify the sitter without dominating the pose.

Lex reclining I, by Stephen Clively, acrylic on oil sketch paper, 59.4 cm by 42cm, 2026

The intern says: This long reclining pose stretches diagonally across the page, creating a relaxed composition anchored by the patterned black drapery. Rather than remaining confined to the body, several tattoo motifs continue onto the drapery beneath the figure, blurring the boundary between figure and ground and extending the rhythm of the composition. Broad passages of warm flesh colour contrast with the cool blue background, allowing the figure to remain the dominant focus.

Lex reclining II, by Stephen Clively, acrylic on oil sketch paper, 59.4 cm by 42cm, 2026

The intern says: This reclining pose is built around a strong triangular arrangement of the bent leg, drapery and supporting arm. The tattoos are selectively described, adding movement across the torso and limbs while remaining subordinate to the larger design. Clear contour lines and simplified planes of colour give the portrait an economy that suits the limited working time.

Lex seated, by Stephen Clively, acrylic on oil sketch paper, 59.4 cm by 42cm, 2026

The intern says: The upright seated pose places greater emphasis on the head and upper body. Rather than describing every tattoo individually, the painting suggests them through speckles of blue paint flicked onto the artwork, as well as deliberately dripped linear marks, allowing them to become part of the painting's surface rather than literal decoration. The restrained blue background and pendant necklace provide quiet counterpoints to the warm flesh tones. The flicked and dripped paint introduces an element of controlled chance. This is not gestural in the Abstract Expressionist sense because the marks remain subordinate to the figure, but they loosen the descriptive role of paint. Instead of saying, "this is the tattoo," they suggest its visual energy. This provides a more interesting solution than painstakingly reproducing every tattoo. It keeps the emphasis on the portrait while acknowledging that the tattoos are an important part of Lex's appearance.

Lex from behind, by Stephen Clively, charcoal, conte crayon and soft pastel on cartridge paper, 59.4 cm by 42cm, 2026

The intern says: Seen from behind with arms raised, this drawing concentrates on the elegant sweep of the spine and shoulders. Charcoal establishes the principal forms, while white soft pastel introduces subtle highlights. Small passages of red-brown conte crayon warm the figure and suggest the underlying flesh, adding a gentle counterpoint to the monochrome drawing. Simplified tattoo motifs reinforce the pose without distracting from its overall rhythm.

Lex seated on podium, by Stephen Clively, charcoal and white soft pastel on cartridge paper, 59.4 cm by 42cm, 2026

The intern says: This quick drawing captures the asymmetrical seated pose with economical, confident lines. The necklace and a handful of tattoo shapes are selectively included, giving the portrait its individuality without interrupting the larger flow of the figure. Broad areas of untouched paper help keep the drawing open and uncluttered.

Lex seated on a chair, by Stephen Clively, charcoal and white soft pastel on cartridge paper, 59.4 cm by 42cm, 2026

The intern says: The final drawing relies on decisive contour lines to establish the seated pose before a few charcoal accents define shadow and weight. Selected tattoos appear as graphic motifs across the torso and thigh, contributing to the composition rather than acting as detailed decoration. The result is a concise study that balances observation with simplification.