Inspirational self-taught writer and artist from Sallins hoping to set up company and website for stunning portraits

A talented Kildare artist and writer is set to start up his own website and company for his fantastic real-life portraits.

Pierce Jones, 24, is from Sallins and he has an incredible talent for painting and drawing realistic portraits of people and despite his dyslexia, he hasn’t let it stop him from fulfilling his dreams.

In recent months Pierce has created fantastic portraits of celebrities including actor Hugh Laurie and his own family.

Pierce often draws from real life and is inspired by his family

Pierce's drawing of Hollywood A-Lister Hugh Laurie famous for his performance in acclaimed drama 'House'

Pierce is inspired by his family including his partner and children

Speaking to KildareNow about his artwork, Pierce explained: “Since a young age I was always into the arts. When I was in Primary School they used to call me a clown, my Mother noticed and got me tested. I found out I was Dyslexic. I dropped out of Secondary School and no I'm not saying do it, it's not cool! But I taught myself how to write by reading a lot of books and taught myself how to draw people because everyone is different in their own way.”

Next up for talented Pierce he is hoping to set up his own website and a company for his portraits named JJ Portraits after his daughter Jada-Carter Jones.

Pierce said: “I didn’t succeed despite my dyslexia, but because of it. It wasn’t my deficit, but my advantage. Although there are neurological trade-offs that require that I work creatively [and] smarter in reading, writing and speaking, I would never wish to be any other way than my awesome self. I love being me, regardless of the early challenges I had faced. I want to share my story because Dyslexia is a Gift, not a learning disability.”