Lucian Freud at the National Portrait Gallery

Lucian Freud has always been one of my favorite artists so the prospect of going to see the exhibition of his body of work was tantalising!
It truly did not disappoint.
It showcased the incredible range of the individuals that he painted, from criminals to the former husband of Camilla Parker Bowles.

 The Brigadier 2003-4

The highlight of the exhibition for me was being able to see the early works of Lucian Freud as it is these works that do not translate so well to the printed image. Their incredibly precise treatment renders them slightly oppressive when printed. In person they are unfailingly brilliant with intricately rendered features, the most notable of which are the eyes.

One of my impressions of the works on display is that the only figures that look truly happy in the images are the animals, with whom he had a great affinity.

If you fancy brushing up your knowledge before the exhibition then as per a previous post I recommend Martin Gayford's book. http://articulatelondon.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/recommended-read.html The portrait that this focuses on is included in the exhibition.