BRUSHES WITH FAME
As the nation’s favourite weatherman Tomasz Schafernaker reveals his impressive artworks, we look at other celebrities with a passion for painting
THE man who was voted the nation’s favourite weatherman earlier this year has revealed himself to be a talented artist as well. Over the past few weeks Tomasz Schafernaker has posted a series of lifelike portraits of famous faces on social media.
Working from photographs the 38-year-old has produced studies of Dame Judi Dench, in all her sparkly intensity, and Harrison Ford’s weatherbeaten features, to say nothing of an accomplished portrait of Will Smith.
Each picture takes up to 60 hours to complete and they have landed Tomasz – who studied art at A-level – a children’s book deal.
“I was always an artist. I did art at school but I did quite well in my science exams and that led me on to meteorology at university,” explains Tomasz. But he is not the only celebrity who likes to express himself through art.
So what explains the appeal of painting and why does it make so many people happy? “Painting is an activity with a tangible result,” says artist Juliet Davey. “Exercising our creativity can give us an outlet from our daily routines, help us express emotions and boost our happiness levels.
“It is hard to dwell on troubles once in the flow of a painting. It has the power to engage you so fully, bringing you in to the present moment.”
Here we look at some other famous names who like to pick up a paintbrush as a counterpoint to their normal daily pursuits.