Lucas And Zoe

This artwork (oil-based coloured pencil on paper) is a celebration of this beautiful, loving family. Five-year-old Lucas and his baby sister Zoe are of mixed heritage. Their mother, Martine Kazenga, is from Rwanda. And their father, Paul Brown, is British.

Baby Zoe is the focus of love and attention from the entire family, with her brother’s right arm around her and her dad’s right hand supporting her head. Her gaze is fixed firmly upon her dad, looking as if she is keen to know him better.

Lucas is the central figure of this portrait. By hugging his baby sister, smiling towards his mum and holding his dad’s hand, he connects with every other member of the family in an affectionate and subtle manner.

It was a great pleasure and a privilege for me to be able to depict the love and affection that is in abundance in this family. And I found the process of drawing these two adorable young children, especially their clear and innocent eyes, a magical experience of self-purification.