Image: RP Alastair Adams, ‘Dr Adrian James’ Reflecting on the portrait of Dr Adrian James A recent project sought to better understand the Royal College of Psychiatrists portraits by speaking to the sitters and the artists. Like many other medical Royal Colleges, the RCPsych displays portraits of past presidents; a mark of esteem of their…
Image: RP Tim Benson, ‘Adam Pearson’ Oil painting of Addiscombe actor Pearson in Mall exhibition Full article on Inside Croydon’s website With peer-reviewed paintings chosen through the discerning eye and instinctive sensitivity of other artists, “the exhibition arguably showcases the very best painted portraits in Europe – both by established portraiture artists and by…
Image: Frances Bell in her studio in Northumberland PAINTER FRANCES BELL ON EARLY STRUGGLES, THE YBAs AND AI ART Full article on The Standard’s website Meet prize-winning painter Frances Bell: ‘I wanted to be a traditional artist – that was my passion’ The artist on how she went from the…
The Gentleman’s Journal By Jonathan Wells Wednesday 11th January 2023 You can keep your front-facing cameras and countless megapixels — because real portraits can’t be found on your camera roll. Instead, commissioned portraits are intricately inked and painstakingly painted works of art; much more than a ‘mode’ on your smartphone. These portraits are personal; handcrafted heirlooms-in-waiting that…
Top ten artists in 2022 The most sought-after artists for portrait commissions 2022 were ascertained through data gathered through the Royal Society of Portrait Painters Annual Exhibition. This exhibition is a one-stop shop for commissioning a portrait because a consultant is present to help with commissions, and guide through the 200 recent portraits to choose…
Commissioning a Portrait | The Sitters’ Perspectives Patrick Nisbett and his wife Susan contacted Annabel Elton, head of commissions here at the RP, after deciding to have a portrait painted in place of a gravestone. With Annabel’s care, help, and in-depth knowledge of a huge array of artists and their work, the Nisbetts chose to…
Commissioning a Portrait | The Sitters’ Perspectives Emma Wesley explains the importance of telling the sitters’ stories and how portraiture is a collaborative process. This really captures the care she puts int creating a meaningful connection with her sitters so their characters are accurately portrayed in her work. The best portraits are a collaboration between…
Portraits of High Sheriffs; in conversation with three artists For those who are not familiar with it, the office of High Sheriff dates back to the 10th century with the height of its significance under the Norman kings. Nowadays, the role of High Sheriff is an independent, non-political, Royal appointment. Whilst the High Sheriff’s…
Frances Bell and her commission to paint portraits of two children Frances Bell ‘Portrait of a Younger Girl’ Frances Bell ‘Portrait of a Girl’ Frances Bell recently completed two beautiful portraits of little sisters. She was chosen as the right artist for this commission using the services of our consultant, Annabel Elton.…
In the spirit of gift-giving and Christmas, we spoke to Lee Fraser who recently commissioned a portrait for his partner, Sage, ahead of her birthday. The portrait is of a pair of trainers. Lee commissioned Andrew James to create the piece. It was a wholly collaborative and exciting process; giving someone the gift of…