Girl's Head in Profile with Cap on
1964
Uglow, Euan
All of Euan Uglow’s paintings developed from an intense scrutiny of his chosen subject matter, frequently taking months, and even years, to reach completion. He used the small measuring marks seen here to record forms, commenting that ‘they are to do with what happened today, yesterday and the month before. It’s a chart or diary of what happened, while still trying to keep to the idea of what the painting is.’ In Girl’s Head in Profile with Cap On, every detail, from the hairstyle to the folds of drapery, is painstakingly considered and precisely placed by the artist: the blue and white panels of the cap guide our eyes to appreciate the contours and ovoid shape of her head, with its broadness on the crown and striking profile. Uglow did not undertake commissioned portraits, preferring to use models, but noted: ‘I paint heads, but I never think of getting it to look like anybody.’