‘Larger than life’ art exhibition of photo-realistic portraits in Doncaster town centre

Caitlin Carroll, aged 20, from Bellevue, is a Fine Art and Craft student at Doncaster College and University centre.

She is holding an exhibition of her work entitled “Presence” at the New Fringe residence in the old Atteys Solicitors building, on Saturday, February 15.

She said: “I create larger than life portrait drawings which explore life experiences, memory, and age.

“I work with pencil, screen printing, collages, photography, and textiles to make pieces with a wow factor and fine detail.”

The portraits are photorealistic and based on Caitlin’s family, friends, and fellow university students - many of the models will be attending the event to allow attendees to compare them to their reflection in the art.

One-piece that will be on show is named ‘Vicky’ which is seven feet tall.

Caitlin said: “It took me about 30 hours to finish Vicky, she’s a really close friend so that piece means a lot to me.

“It’s really big and gives you that show-stopping feeling.

“I make the portraits so big because you just get more of an impact than working with small canvases.

“You can really see all the details really clearly and it allows me to portray emotion and create a connection with the viewer.

She is part of the Doncaster art group the New Fringe.

She said: “It’s thanks to this group that the art community can come together and hold events like this and the art fairs.

“People wouldn’t know about the art we do without them.”

Caitlin has always been interested in art and studied it through school but this will be her first exhibition.

“I never had the space or means to put on an exhibition before but now I’m at the university I have been able to put on this show.”

Caitlin teaches art at Hallcross Academy one day a week and has aspirations of becoming an art teacher full time.

The event will run from 12 - 4pm.