The question of why humans feel the need to create art, has probably been discussed since the first cave painting,  or first bone was whittled.

For me, it’s about learning more about the subject than can be gained by simply looking. As an artist I form a connection with my subject. When I paint a portrait or a figure, I’m endeavouring to understand them, and to make an emotional connection with them. What are they thinking, how are they feeling, can you see their joy, can you feel their pain?