As part of my degree show submission in 2020 I chose to produce a series of portraits which explore certain stages of an individual's life, which expose their aspirations and desires for success.  Using my family and friends as sitters, I have been influenced by historical painting techniques, such as chiaroscuro, to pay homage to the old masters.  These paintings explore the ideas from an art term 'Trompe l'oeil' which translates to 'deceive the eye'.  Whilst achieving a likeness within a painted portrait, I am also aiming to achieve a convincing perspective.  The sitters shown are projecting different hand gestures, each gesture represents a different desire/reach for success within their current stage in life.