In pictures: Self-taught artist’s biro portraits

A self-taught artist has quit her job in the oil industry to draw portraits - with a biro pen.

Illustrations: Jodie Bews

Despite only using the technique for a year, Jodie Bews has already had her work exhibited in the north east of the country and has set up her own business.

Ms Bews, from Alford, Aberdeenshire, revealed that she only began drawing when working offshore, doodling on scraps of paper in her spare time.

“When I was offshore, I would draw things from my head on scraps of paper. I would doodle different eyes and peacock feathers.

“That’s when I started using biros because I didn’t have pencils or anything with me at the time. Then I thought I would start doing people’s portraits.

“It just kind of happened and the more I do it the better I seem to get at doing it. For me it’s quite an easy medium to use.”

Some of the more famous subjects of her portraiture include Jack Nicholson, Emeli Sande and Amy Winehouse.

A selection of her work is being exhibited for the first time through North East Open Studios, an annual event where artists open their galleries to the public.

Her work will be on display at the Tick Tock Play Cage in Alford until September 29.

• To see more of Jodie’s artwork, visit everlongart.com