The gorgeous Alfred........  He was a pleasure to paint.
I loved painting his fur and getting the beautiful look in his eyes!
When I paint I normally have at least five paint brushes in my left hand....plus one in my right, I kind of look like Edward Scissorhands most of the time (he is a character in a film played by Johnny Depp for those who are too young to know....look it up!)
I use different shades of colours on each paint brush, this makes sure the colours do not get muddy...... keeping the painting sharp and detailed.  I am constantly swoping the brushes in and out of my right hand as I see the shades change in the fur......  If that makes sense!!
That is how I get the depth and movement in the fur. 
I wanted Alfred to pop, so I used a metallic gold oil paint for his background, it is very difficult to take a photo of him to show the full impact of the gold.......  It is stunning!
You are probably best to go and see him.......at the moment he is in The Stony Stratford Gallery https://www.stonystratfordgallery.co.uk/shop/anna-reed-alfred-16-12-oil-on-boardor message me to come and see him

  When I name my paintings I ask for suggestions on social media, I generally choose peoples names which are full of character.
I was chuffed when a few people suggested Alfred for this painting........  Alfred was my grandad's name so I thought it suited him perfectly. My grandad was such a funny man.....always the joker!  But unfortunately he developed dementia at the end of his life which was devastating for the family.  I thought naming this painting after my cheeky grandad was so fitting...............  partly because of his character but also because of the innocence in his eyes which appeared when dementia crept in and then took over. I also think he would find it hilarious that a painting of a gorilla is named after him!! 

I framed him in plain matt black, again it makes him pop out of the painting perfectly.............  I have always used the same framing company, they are fantastic at meeting my short time scales and demands!!!
​I like to do things a little differently sometimes and they are great at saying.........YES Anna, we will get that done (whilst rolling their eyes at me and laughing!!) You can't beat a good working relationship.......Thanks Picture Gallery you always do a top job!! https://www.picturegalleryuk.com/

  I have produced 50 limited edition prints of Alfred........  He has printed beautifully.  I am very picky when it comes to my prints, I always want to make sure the detail and the colours are just right. He is a cracking print.........
He measures 42.5cm h x 33cm w.
Each print is numbered, hand signed by me and includes a certificate of authenticity.
Limited run of 50 prints.
Alfred has been printed on portrait white acid free high calendared 285gsm fine art paper, meeting the highest museum quality giclee standard.

If you want to know any more details about Alfred then don't hesitate to contact me.......always good to talk!!