Innate talent: Capturing complex faces

By Danielle Campbell-Lowe

Michael Griffith is a local portrait artist who understands that beyond the faces he so masterfully sketches are far more intricate details than just the wrinkled lines on a furrowed brow.
Griffith grew up in South Georgetown and attended South Ruimveldt primary and North Ruimveldt multilateral schools.
He began drawing sketches around the age of eight and by the time he was 14, Griffith was sketching faces with the first-class skill of a trained professional.
However, Griffith did not realise his talent until friends of his started to make encouraging comments and strangers praised his noteworthy ability.
As far back as he could remember, Griffith said the realisation that he was “really good” dawned on him after comparison of his drawings were done with other students in the classroom.
“It was only about three years ago that I started drawing professionally when I decided to make a business out of it,” Griffith disclosed.
Previously, Griffith worked as a watch vendor and was used to scribbling faces during his spare time.
“I would always have my paper and pencil and would sketch faces as people pass and some people would say, ‘Wow, how much would it cost to draw me’?”
Griffith is convinced that his ability is more innate and natural than from the constant practice sketches, given that he did not have any previous formal training.

However, the portrait artist recently underwent fine arts education when he took part-time classes for a year at the Burrowes School of Art.
Owing to Griffith’s hectic schedule of juggling family and work, he has found it difficult to pursue further training, but disclosed that given the opportunity, he would jump at the idea of studying art.
According to Griffith, he is not only interested in the faces but also the personalities beyond the surface of those smiles, to capture the real story behind the face.
Most persons respond with awe and astonishment on viewing Griffith’s pieces although he readily disclosed that there are a few critics. “But that comes with the territory,” Griffith pointed out.
He revealed that his sketches mostly start out with a sentimental attachment, where he would see the face of a person that would spark his interest in capturing them.
“I’m trying to move away from the simple look and try to capture more complex portraits such as elderly folks with wrinkles,” Griffith remarked.
“The way I see it, it tends to challenge your ability more than the usual, run-of-the-mill, everyday faces. It’s intriguing to capture old people,” he said.
Griffith’s role model is 26-year-old Latin Artist, Rubén Belloso from Spain, who is known for his ultra-realistic, pastel portraits. “I’m really captivated by his work.”
Rubén Belloso is a very talented classic painter who has a degree in fine arts from the University of Seville.
His paintings are amazing through power of expressions and rich in details. Belloso has won several awards for his shockingly realistic work.
Questioned on who was instrumental in fostering his ability and who the driving force behind him is, Griffith said: “My fiancée is always driving me into doing the best I can. She would look at people’s work and tell me, ‘but you can do that too’.”
Griffith has four other siblings; three brothers and one sister.
He likes fishing and is one of those guys who does not engage in sport, not even to watch the games on television.
His favourite shows are “Criminal Minds”, “Prison Break” and “Vampire Diaries”. “I like to see the deeper side of things. I like to study people’s feelings and analyse their actions.”