To create something from nothing — and know it will last forever — is a gift beyond measure.
Arranged as a surprise or planned together, based on photographs or sittings
at home or in the studio.
An optional invitation package offers a thoughtful way to announce the gift.
What's included
- Personal consultation
- Optional invitation box for gifting
- Photos or sitting (studio or home)
- Sketch and colour studies
- Hand-painted portrait
- Framing & delivery coordination
Your trusted collaborator
About Robert Moutrey
Robert Moutrey is a London-based figurative oil painter whose work explores the relationship between people, culture, and the enduring human condition. Self-taught and deeply rooted in tradition, his paintings balance psychological depth with a contemporary understanding of light, form, and texture.
- 20+ Years of Experience
- Bespoke Service
- Quality Materials
- One Point of Contact
Hear from Robert's clients
It was so much fun - he involved me at every stage, making it feel like a collaboration.
I ended up with a gorgeous painting and it had the desired effect, my sister cried with joy (and her dogs barked with alarm at their lifelike oil doppelgängers!)
I can’t recommend him enough!
Tell me your vision
Robert personally responds to every request.
Frequently Asked Questions
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If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Gifting a portrait begins with a conversation. You decide who the portrait is for and when you’d like it completed or presented. Together with Robert, you’ll agree the size, medium, and approach — whether the painting is created in secret, as a surprise, or with the recipient’s involvement.
Prices vary depending on the size and complexity of the portrait. A £300 deposit secures your place in the studio schedule and is deducted from the total cost. Once the approach is agreed, a detailed quote is provided for your approval before any painting begins.
Yes. Many clients choose to begin with photographs, especially when giving the portrait as a surprise. Robert can work entirely from reference images, or you can arrange a sitting later if the recipient wishes to take part in the process.
Yes. An optional invitation box can be created — a hand-assembled black presentation box with ribbon, wax-sealed envelope, and printed materials explaining the portrait process. It makes for a thoughtful, tactile way to announce the gift before the painting begins.
Every commission starts with a personal consultation to discuss ideas, tone, and setting. You’ll explore composition, scale, and colour preferences. This ensures the portrait feels both personal and appropriate for the recipient and occasion.
Robert can work from high-quality photographs, live sittings, or a combination of both. Some clients prefer the intimacy of sitting in person, while others choose to provide references taken at home or by a photographer. The choice depends entirely on comfort and practicality.
The full process includes a consultation, photographic references or sittings, preliminary sketch and colour studies, and the final hand-painted oil portrait. Framing and delivery are optional but can be arranged to ensure the gift arrives ready to display or unveil.
Most portraits take between 12 and 24 weeks to complete, depending on size and complexity. If the portrait is for a specific occasion, Robert will work with you to plan the schedule and manage expectations around delivery dates.
Yes. Many clients choose to keep the commission secret until the day of the reveal. In these cases, all communication, proofs, and delivery arrangements are handled privately with the gifter to preserve the surprise.
Once complete, the portrait can be framed to complement your chosen setting. Framing and delivery are arranged directly with Robert, ensuring the piece is professionally finished and safely transported — whether to your home or directly to the recipient.
