Despite being raised by distinguished painters, directing the Norwich School of Art and presently residing in major public collections such as the Tate and The Royal Academy, John Lessore places little value on accolades or artistic pedigree. When complimented on his work, Lessore responds with “I have a determined ambition to paint beautifully: and am still trying”. This could be simple modesty, but more likely stems from a realisation that painting is often a paradoxical process of catching up to moments that have already passed. The best of painters know to accept the challenge, but also the inevitability that it will never be achieved.