New commissions attract heartwarming response

In the past month, two commissions from Neil Minchington of Bridgend have created some unexpected interest.

The first was a request to paint former Pontypridd skipper Nathan Strong, where I used a confrontational pose – imagine my surprise when the recipient posted a picture of himself holding the figures, over 360 individuals responded!

The second commission was a head and shoulders shot of a Bridgend, Wales & British Lion legend, Gareth Williams, who sadly passed away last year.

As the original image was in black and white, it was a challenge to bring to life a 30 year old photograph into full colour, by hand painting.

Neil Minchington presented the figure to Gareth's wife, Claire Williams. The reaction was heart-warming.

“A true likeness of one amazing man! I will treasure it!”