Isabella.

By Paul D Robertson

Bitumen on canvas, 120 x 120 cms.

sold

This is one of my first big successful bitumen pieces, from third year university I think. I did it from life, quite quickly and I fancied the hell out of the model. She was Russian or something else Eastern European and she wore deep red lipstick and cool weird hats to pose for us.

I was sober and single at the time. The newly sober on the single scene - I didn't have a CLUE what to do. Before I had sobered up, I would say that 99% of my erotic encounters I had been at least partially drunk (Catch 22 -my most erotic adventures have happened whilst I have been too drunk to remember them properly, but if I had not been so inebriated, they may well not have happened at all.)

So I was pretty scared of talking to girls sober, and I did not pursue the glorious Isabella. I don't know if there is a rule about artists not asking out their models (If there is I know Picasso ignored it. Lecherous bastard) But I have gone out with a couple since then so perhaps not.

If you are out there, Isabella (I am not sure if that is her name damnit) and you happen to see this EMAIL ME IMMEDIATELY.

I eventually sold this piece to a girl I did subsequently go out with. She was a sweetheart and appreciated the piece.

And here is me about 6 years ago lookin' kinda sheepish posing in the very first exhibition that I had - at South Perth Library. Ah... I don't have white stuff on my suit - that is on the analogue photo that I scanned.

Wow. I look young!