The subject of this double portrait founded the Sydney Peace Prize. He is also a (retired) professor and an author and activist. He's a friend of a friend of mine. When I met him, I decided that a portrait of him sitting quietly would not represent him as he is. He's got a very mobile face that expresses his interest, his dedication, his excitement at an idea, his humour and so forth - all of which makes him a great subject. I was tempted to put about 10 different images of his face and include some hands, as they are part of his activity as he talks or listens intently. Two overlapping portraits with different aspects him and big hands seemed the best way to capture some of him. I wasn't interested in a photo-realistic portrait, but I particularly wanted to try to catch his expression and the intensity in his eyes. People coming through my studio ask about him, who is is, and they often respond quite strongly the painting so I think I've managed some of my goal.