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 from.
The most sought–after portrait artist of 2022 …
Frances Bell, received the most enquiries. This builds upon the accolade she received last year in the form of the £20,000 Williams Lock Portrait Prize.
For her ‘Portrait painting is a deeply personal and intimate process, made so exciting by the breadth of the sitters one meets.’
Frances Bell ‘Femi’
Frances Bell ‘Gillian’
Portrait Painters of International Standing
Antony Williams and Miriam Escofet stood out; in addition to the recent portraits, they also exhibited the portraits they were commissioned to paint of Her Majesty the Queen as part of our jubilee celebration.
Antony Williams ‘Her Majesty the Queen’
Miriam Escofet Portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II
Miriam Escofet ‘Portrait of Nicholas Priestley’
Antony Williams ‘Gyles Brandreth’
Strong track record for commissioned portraits.
Mark Roscoe, Simon Davis, and David Cobley are regularly among the top artists, and this year is no exception. They have exceptionally strong and long track records of successful commissions for individuals and institutions.
David Cobley’s portrait By the Pool brought delight to many. It was commissioned by a family that loved the process and the final result, commenting, ‘We’re absolutely over the moon with the work he’s created. Not only does it capture the brief perfectly it’s such a warm loving piece full of unveneered family laughter and fun; I know it’s something we will always enjoy and treasure.
Mark Roscoe RP, Cardinal Vincent Nichols
Simon Davis ‘Shapla’
David Cobley ‘By the Pool’
Classical Style is popular for portrait commissions this year
Phoebe-Louise Stewart-Carter ‘Twenty-Two’
Frederick Albrow ‘Martina’
Interestingly, half of the artists in the top ten work in a classical style, having trained in Florence. Phoebe-Louise Carter and Frederick Albrow, both trained at the Florence Academy of Art; and Frances Bell, Phoebe Dickinson and Isabella Watling all trained at the Charles H Cecil Studios.
Phoebe–Louise Stewart–Carter, a recent graduate who had never exhibited with us, also won a commendation for classically inspired portraiture from the Burke’s Peerage Foundation for her self-portrait Twenty-Two.
Phoebe was deeply honoured saying ‘The exhibition caused a ripple effect for my work as I continue to get acknowledgment months after the event.’
Phoebe Dickinson ‘Girl in a Pinafore’
Isabella Watling ‘Irene’
Commissioning a portrait
Our commissions service runs throughout the year to help you from the first thought to the final piece. Please contact our consultant, Annabel Elton, for advice without commitment or a free consultation.
List of the top ten portrait artists 2022
France Bell RP AROI
David Cobley RP
Simon Davis RP
Miriam Escofet RP
Mark Roscoe RP
Antony Williams RP NEAC
Frederick Albrow
Phoebe Dickison
Phoebe Stewart-Carter
Isabella Watling
