Royal Society of Portrait Painters Annual Show 2016

Delightful exhibition at the Mall Galleries for this years shortlisted pictures for the Royal Society of Portrait Painters Annual Show.

As I think I may have said before thank goodness for colleges, companies and organisations which are still commissioning portraits of their great and good as it is producing some amazing work. Quite early on I was struck by a wonderful portrait of Lord Skidelsky the economist by Alastair Adams.  I have seen him both talk and be an audience member at the Charleston festival and this was not just a good physical likeness but seemed to sum up his character and presence.

There were some interesting poses such as Sam Dalby’s “Through Draft” of a man checking a chimney! Also some imaginary pictures such as Jeff Stuitiens’s “Imaginary conversation with Rembrandt” which shows him in Rembrandt’s studio with the man himself. I also liked Bob Last’s take Manet’s “Bar at the Folie Bergere” set in a modern coffee shop.

My favourite picture which I’ve added to this article was “Eighteen Winter Light” by Paul Brason of a young boy against white panels bathed in light from a window. Just stunning it pulled you across the room to take a closer look.

Closed on 20 May 2016

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