During the past month I was lucky enough to be the virtual artist in residence at the Bankside Hotel with Degree Art Gallery. I enjoyed every minute of the time this allowed me to explore the concept of singer songwriters and their different approaches towards the subject of isolation and solitude.

While we were in lockdown, I created eight portraits of musicians that I admire. I started with John Lennon and his song ‘Isolation’ and then the series evolved organically with the addition of Amy Winehouse, Thom Yorke, Sia, Freddie Mercury, Johnny Cash, Arlo Parks and finally Michael Kiwanuka.

On the last day of my residency, Arlo Parks shared my painting of her on her Instagram. I was so pleased that she liked it and it was the perfect end to a really rewarding month.

All paintings are available here https://www.degreeart.com/artists/anika-manuel