Part of my "nostalgia collection," "Alfie" stands out as one of my very first acrylic paintings that felt truly successful. During this period, I was drawn to capturing cute and cuddly toys, transforming them into wonderfully colourful and vibrant compositions that celebrate the joys of childhood.

This piece began as a direct observation, with me setting up my blue plush toy, Alfie, as a still life. To accurately capture his form on the canvas, I utilized the "artist's envelope" method. This involves sketching a network of angled, overlapping lines that define the subject's overall shape and internal proportions. It's a fantastic technique for developing observational skills and ensuring a fluid, rather than rigid, transfer from life. Once my charcoal sketch and guiding envelope lines were complete, I dove straight into blocking in the colours.

While Alfie's own light blues and darker mauves define his soft, cuddly appearance, I used artistic license and chose a bold, golden hue from my imagination to surround him. This decision was to inject dynamism into the composition, creating a vibrant contrast that makes the plush toy pop with lively energy.