From the artist: I learned how to use the Bargue drawing method and applied it to my initial sketch of my self-portrait and later developed it further. I then blocked in major colours, focussing on skin tones and then later shadows and finer details. Afterwards I started layering different colours to create unique shadows and tones in the skin, finally I worked on details such as highlights in the eyes and hair. I feel extremely privileged to have won 1st place and appreciate you all at the Royal Scottish Academy and it has given me the confidence to keep trying challenging paintings.