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Off Season, Margate, 2026

I exhibited these 2 paintings in The Off Season festival at Ghost Papa, an independent record shop in Margate. Oli and Melinda are 2 of my oldest friends. I consider them as family and if I was going to move into portraiture, what better place to start than with friends you know and love the most.

The show was a full-circle moment where I could place Melinda in a record shop that she is very connected to and bring Oli into the mix as a mutual friend and band member. Both Melinda and I were in Oli’s band for a couple of years a long time ago. I am so proud of some of the recordings that we produced together,

They both played at The Margate Arts Club over the road from Ghost Papa during the Off Season weekend

Melinda,

2025, Oil on Canvas, 106 × 142 cm

I met Melinda working at the Embassy Bar in 2002 on The Essex Road in London. Our paths have crossed many times since. When I moved down to Margate , Melinda was already here.

I wanted to paint Melinda part at home, part in her studio, as she has made both of these spaces uniquely her own. Melinda is amazing, a creative powerhouse, and a generous friend. I painted her looking down into her world. I wanted to cature her vulnerability which is what I love about her and what makes her performances so good.

Oli,

2025, Oil on canvas, 106 × 104 cm

I was at school with Oli for a bit before moving to London and living in squalid house shares, which gave us the space to pursue our creative pursuits. Oli studied Japanese and wrote songs.

Oli has always been supportive of my paintings and many other friends’ careers as artists. His house is decorated with all of our work. He too is a vulnerable and generous soul, he sat in this chair for ages with my daughter telling poo jokes for me to capture the expression that I wanted from him.

This painting was used for his new album cover, which he wanted to record, perform and then lay his musical career to rest.

  • Oli's album cover for 'Been Waiting'

  • Ghost Papa record shop

  • Oli Chance performing at Margate Arts Club Jan '26

  • Melinda Bronstein performing Margate Arts Club Jan '26

  • Clare and Melinda

  • Clare and Oli

  • Off Season 2026, Margate