Andrew Read

Available for sale from Big Sky Fine Art in the English county of Dorset, this original painting is by Andrew Read and dates from 2012. <br> The painting is supplied mounted within a glazed frame (which is shown in these photographs).<br> This painting is in superb condition. It wants for nothing and is supplied ready to hang and display.<br> The watercolour is signed and dated lower right.<br> <br> Andrew Read is a self- taught artist based in Newport. He specialises in the more traditional side of art and is best known for his portraits of high profiled personalities.<br> <br> Andrew started sketching at an early age. Fascinated by capturing faces and expressions Andrew developed his style using pencils rather than paints. Throughout his school years he soon became known for his artistic skills. The teachers were so impressed with the likeness that he captured in the portraits they regularly displayed his artwork in the main entrance of the school.<br> <br> At the age of 16 Andrew held an exhibition that gained media attention via BBC news and newspapers, giving his career the push that it needed. He also won 1st prize for a canal sketch in the 'Exhibition of Young Artists' at the National Museum in Cardiff.<br> <br> It wasn't until he was in his twenties that he started painting local scenes and landscapes working with watercolours and oils. He is currently experimenting with the medium, working in even greater detail to develop a style that will give his finished artwork an impression that it has been painted in oils rather than watercolours.<br> <br> Today Andrew continues to draw with graphite and coloured pencils especially when working on commissions for clients who have requested a family or pet portrait. He has held many successful exhibitions around the country taking regular commissions from clients and in particular on a number of occasions has been commissioned by The Derwent Pencil Co. for his graphite work. His work featured in their “Best of British” box set for 2012.<br> <br> Andrew's artwork has been purchased by various clients from around the world. He also works on regular monthly designs for an American cross-stitch company and as a book illustrator.<br> <br> This original painting of Tom Jones was the winner of the Free For All contest run by Fine Art America. Sir Tom has expressed his approval.<br> Prints and cards of this work are available online, but this is the original.<br> This work was also shown as part of a Welsh Icons exhibition at the Gallery in the Square in Usk earlier this year to great acclaim.<br> <br> The wonderful subject of this painting, Tom Jones, was born Thomas Woodward in Treforest in 1940. He later changed his name to Tom Jones and became Wales’ most famous musical export. After over fifty years in the business he is as brilliant and popular as ever and is truly The Voice!