Hand-painted oil portrait to honour, celebrate and memorialise loves ones. Robert Moutrey is a highly skilled, professional portrait painter who works collaboratively with his clients to create unique works of art.
When I first encountered Géricault’s Raft of the Medusa, I was struck less by the spectacle than by the silence inside it — the aching pause between hope and despair. That feeling stayed with me. Years later, I began working on Scène de Naufrage, not as a copy or homage, but as a contemporary echo of that moment.
Recently, while working on a project involving Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, I managed to carve out 45 minutes to visit the National Portrait Gallery in London. My main purpose was to see her portrait, but I couldn’t resist a quick run around to take in as much as I could. Even in such a short time, I left inspired and energised by the artistry on display.
Recently, I took a quick trip to the Manchester Art Gallery, where I had the chance to revisit some classic works by William Holman Hunt, John William Waterhouse, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and others. It’s always a pleasure to dive into such a rich collection of art, and this visit offered plenty of moments to reflect on technique, storytelling, and the enduring beauty of these works.
When Captain Rich Hill approached me to create a portrait, it was a privilege to commemorate his years of service in the army. Having served a term in Africa, Rich had returned to the UK to start a new chapter with his family. He wanted a painting that would honour his time in the military while reflecting the transition to his new life. Through our conversations and collaboration, we worked to create a portrait that captured the duality of his experience—his time in service and the new path ahead.
Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin’s story is one of courage, determination, and groundbreaking achievements. She was the first woman in over 300 years to serve as Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons and the first black woman appointed as Chaplain to the Queen. Her life represents strength, grace, and the ability to break barriers within long-standing institutions. Inspired by her remarkable achievements, I began working on a Rose Hudson-Wilkin portrait to honour her legacy. The striking reference photograph, taken by Anita Corbin, provided the foundation for this meaningful project.
The O’Hagans—comprised of Sue, Dave, their son Daniel, his wife Eleanor, and their dog Millie—are a family full of warmth and personality. When I set out to create their family portrait, it was another step in building my portfolio of family-focused work. This piece was particularly challenging because it was based on a composite of multiple photographs. Despite these difficulties, I aimed to bring cohesion and harmony to the painting while reflecting the unique dynamics of this family.
Portrait of Ms Tomiri & Ms Ida Joy-Reed. Oil on 9mm birch ply panel with handmade fine marble dust ground. ‘Tommi & Ida’ is part of a small collection where I de-prioritise the drawing phase with a view to prioritise value and colour when using secondary resources. I want to speed up my drawing and […]
In August 2022, while visiting Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival, I carved out some time to explore The National Gallery of Scotland. Among its treasures, one painting captivated me entirely: John Singer Sargent’s Portrait of Lady Agnew of Lochnaw. Seeing this masterpiece in person was an unforgettable experience, offering insights into Sargent’s exceptional technique and his ability to evoke both beauty and power in his work.
Small portrait of Wilfred ‘Wilf’ Birley Brown. Oil on 9mm birch ply panel with handmade fine marble dust ground. ‘Little Wilf’ is part of a small collection where I de-prioritise the drawing phase with a view to prioritise value and colour when using secondary resources. I want to speed up my drawing and likeness abilities, […]
In July 2022, I had the privilege of visiting the Wertheimer Family Portraits exhibition at Tate Britain. Seeing John Singer Sargent’s portraits of the Wertheimer family gathered in one space was a deeply impactful experience. Not only was it incredible to witness the scale and cohesion of this series, but it also offered unparalleled insight into Sargent’s techniques and artistic philosophy.
This complimentary brochure offers insight into the portrait process, the types of portraits available, and what it’s like to collaborate on a handcrafted oil painting. Save it for future reference or begin your portrait journey today.