Alexander Millar

After moving to Newcastle-upon-Tyne as a youth, Alexander became fascinated by the men of the town - termed 'Gadgies' - and sought to capture them in his own unique way.

The figures' shoulders and shoes are exaggerated to symbolise the industrial age, whilst their shadowy shapes are obscured to highlight the faceless men who ran the factories all over the country. Powerful sunrises suggest a bright future. 

To give the background a ghostlike quality, the underpainting is predominantly blue and then each subsequent layer is warmer than the last to lift the painting and create the illusion of mist. Once complete, the dark figure leaps out of the canvas. 

Alex adds: "I always work in natural light. There is nothing better than being able to sit outside with a glass of wine or whisky with classical music playing in the background. It's at times like that inspiration kicks in."