"I’m currently in the final year of my Fine Art degree here at Norwich University of the Arts. Throughout my degree, I have explored what I can achieve with paint. I choose to paint realistically because I aim to trick the viewer into questioning whether the painting is a photo or not, this also helps make the concept clearer to the viewer. I usually do vivid still life paintings of flowers, fruit and other foods, but I always add an unusual twist. Usually this is an element of confusion, disgust or danger amongst the compositions. I like to explore the relationship between seduction and repulsion in my work.

I feel very privileged to be chosen to paint Barry Butler’s portrait for NCFC. I haven’t painted a portrait since my first year at NUA, but it was a challenge I was excited to take on! I decided to collage the portrait painting of Barry onto a white backdrop and then onto a green sheet of card to create a solid colour background. I felt this gave the portrait a scrapbook feel, almost like a sticker and I loved the boldness of the green and how it compliments the green in the badge."

Words by Cover Artist, Emilia Symis

To further celebrate this seasons Portrait of an Icon cover artwork, we've released print editions of every piece which are available to buy now from our online shop.