OF Lucy Coward-Whittaker (gb06-11) is an artist based in Essex specialising in portrait illustration. She produces contemporary, monochrome, ink and graphite portraits. Lucy has become involved with the #portraitsfornhsheroes movement on Instagram, which was started by artist Tom Croft and encourages artists to post their portraits of key workers in the NHS as part of a special virtual exhibition. At Felsted, Lucy was an Art Scholar, Corporal in the CCF, Netball Captain and Prefect. She was also a member of the Andrew Society and completed her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. After leaving school, Lucy studied Decorative Arts at Nottingham Trent University. Read more about her journey since leaving Felsted below and how to view and buy her artwork.

Lucy explains, “It was a true honour completing this portrait for Abdallah and his daughter, a healthcare assistant, working on the Covid-19 ward at Barnett Hospital in London. He was isolating away from his family with symptoms at the time of the portrait but I’m really pleased to say that he has made a full recovery and has returned to work.”

“I posted the original portrait to Abdallah's partner Amanda, who will give it to him as a belated birthday present when he eventually rejoins his family as he is still continuing to isolate apart from them until the pandemic is over. Abdallah has already seen the illustration over Instagram and sent me a lovely thank you message.” 

“Once I graduated, I was employed by fashion retailer Dorothy Perkins as a buying administration assistant for almost three years, though I felt that my own creative flare was not fully fulfilled. I then worked in recruitment for a year to save for travelling and left with my partner to travel around the world for a year. During this time I started to draw again, set-up my instagram page and took my commissions on the road.”

“When I returned home to Essex, I decided to build an art studio in the attic of my garage and start selling my artwork at markets in London. At the moment all the markets are shut due to the pandemic, so I’m relying on internet sales.”

You can usually find Lucy at Greenwich Market in London most weekends and the Rare Birds Market in Brick Lane on the first Sunday of every month. Virtual markets are being hosted on Instagram @greenwichmarket and @rare_birds_market. 

“As a young female artist, I aim to create powerful portraits that will inspire other females to feel good and live well. My product is a unique blend of old fashioned black and white portraits with a modern fashion illustration edge, a clean contemporary look and monochrome finish.”

Instagram: @lucycowardwhittaker 

Web: https://www.numonday.com/shop/lucy-coward-whittaker-illustrations/

Images subject to copyright © Lucy Coward-Whittaker