About the Author

Lorraine Bewsey 16/03/08 - 20/04/08 Lorraine Bewsey was born and brought up in London, moved to Wales with her partner and two children, and now lives in the upper Swansea Valley. She gained a degree in illustration at Swansea Institute and a PGCE; and worked as a tutor and freelance illustrator before establishing herself as a portrait artist. 'Poet Portraits' is a year long project she initiated in November 2005 to paint twenty leading poets with strong connections to Wales. She says of her work: "Skill in drawing , in the subtle and accurate use of colour , are essential character of my subjects, but to be appreciated for the quality of line and tone, I want visitors to my exhibition to feel that the skill of an individual artist in drawing and painting is important. I want them to appreciate the continuity of artistic endeavour over the centuries" The portraits are executed in pastel, in a uniquely expressive hyper-realist style which has been greeted with universal praise by critics, curators, and the sitters themselves.