IRISH ARTIST COLIN Davidson is the man behind that huge portrait of Ed Sheeran which was unveiled today at the National Portrait Gallery in central London.

The Belfast-based artist met Ed and had him pose for three hours in 2015 for a number of sketches and reference photos after meeting Sheeran’s father who is an art historian and curator. He painted two portraits, one for a private collection and one for the gallery in London.

Yesterday Ed Sheeran shared the portrait on his Instagram:

Davidson wanted to portray the youthful side of Ed Sheeran as well as capturing him as experienced beyond his years, making him appear a bit more serious than his usual self. He “hopes this will give the viewer a glimpse into the source of Ed’s unique creativity”.

The artist also said that it was “a true privilege getting to know Ed and his family”.

Davidson has been commissioned for a number of other high profile portraits, including Angela Merkel’s cover of Time Magazine:

This painting of Jamie Dornan:

A 2013 portrait of Brad Pitt:

And everyone’s favourite leaving cert playwright, Brian Friel:

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