Kelvin Okafor

 An emotionally sensitive child, Kelvin was just eight years old when he discovered the artistic potential of the humble pencil. He was captivated by how a single shade of lead could produce such a vast array of tones and textures, effectively creating an illusion of colour. This early fascination remains with him today, fuelling a natural talent that is deeply intertwined with his acute emotional intelligence and a profound appreciation for the natural world.

Kelvin followed his passion for art and creativity, and graduated with a degree in Fine Art from Middlesex University in 2009. Over the next three years, he built a portfolio of more than 1,000 drawings. 

In late 2012, Kelvin began entering juried exhibitions, quickly earning several prestigious awards. A pivotal moment followed in January 2013, when his work at the Cork Street Open Exhibition led to a BBC News interview broadcast both nationally and internationally. This exposure served as the catalyst for his recognition as a leading portrait artist. Since then, Kelvin has made numerous media appearances and travelled extensively as a guest artist, all while continuing to expand his impressive portfolio.

"I usually choose my subjects based on how I feel emotionally towards them. I am captivated and inspired by the expressions we each make as human beings. I try to bring forth the inner essence and personality of a subject with hopes of promoting an emotional response in the viewer. I want them to feel challenged, inspired, enchanted, or reflective, I want the viewer to experience a sense of happiness, sadness or love when studying the portrait.”