aliellis.com

I paint portraits from life

I get a huge amount of satisfaction from being a portrait painter because it offers peace and solitude, whilst constantly feeling involved with the client and sitter. It’s their personality, quirks and conversation that I aim to put into the portrait. I seek to create a powerful image for the client and to make the process a memorable one which continues each time they look at the portrait.

I spent 10 years in the corporate world as a chartered accountant, leaving the profession to start a family seven years ago. There was always a burning ambition to become an artist bubbling away in the background, and now I am in the fortunate position to be able to pursue that ambition on a professional basis.

Have a look at some of my current paintings in the gallery and at the painting timeline for an overview of the portrait painting process.

If you are thinking of giving portraits as a present and have a birthday or other special date in mind, pop in your email address now and I'll get back to you immediately so we can work out if it's at all possible.

Portrait Painter Ali Ellis

gallery

  • Portrait of Felix McIntyre, 24”x24” oil on canvas
  • The Artist on Horseback, 17”x21” acrylic on board
  • Portrait of Orlando Stanley, 20”x20” acrylic on canvas
  • Darcey with Daddy, 20”x20” acrylic on canvas
  • Portrait of Grace Stanley, 20”x20” acrylic on canvas
  • Tide at Porthcawl, 24”x18” acrylic on canvas £300
  • Portrait of Geoffrey Palmer, Actor, oil on canvas
  • Late afternoon at the Beach, 24”x18” acrylic on canvas
  • Cairo:The Market, after David Roberts, 8”x12” Collage of newspaper and watercolour on card
  • Portrait of Geoff in the Community Shop at Lee Common, 36”x24” acrylic on canvas
  • ‘New Polzeath in February’ 14”x10” Oil on canvas £250
  • Portrait of Jon Swain, Barrister and Chairman of The Lee Cricket Club, 20”x24” oil on canvas
  • Self Portrait, 8”x12” charcoal and rubber
  • Cousins I, 24”x18” acrylic on canvas
  • Child eating Ice-cream
  • Cousins II, 17”x21” acrylic on board
  • Revd David Burgess, St John the Baptist (C of E) Parish Church, The Lee, 24”x36” oil on canvas
  • Study 1 of Merce Cunningham, 10”x13” acrylic on paper
  • Study 2 of Merce Cunningham, 10”x13” acrylic on paper
  • Portrait of Camille Buisson, 12”x16” acrylic on canvas

You'll want to know what my style of portrait painting is, so this gallery shows some example portraits for you. I usually paint in acrylics or oils on canvas, painting quickly with expressive brushwork and a clean colour palette.

A lot of my time is reserved for painting portraits to commission, but I do also enjoy painting landscapes, seascapes and figurative paintings experimenting with a variety of media.   Some are for sale, so do have a look.

There are a few testimonials dotted in amongst the painting descriptions, so you can read how others found the experience of commissioning a painting or perhaps sitting for one. I hope they'll encourage you to find out for yourself about commissioning a portrait.

timeline

This is the usual process of commissioning a portrait. Just click the headings for details of each stage.

see an overview for the enquiry stage see an overview for the commissioning stage see an overview for the first sitting see an overview for the second sitting see an overview for the third sitting see an overview for the presentation stage
picture of the timeline for commissioning a painting

Any initial queries you might have about lead times, fee structure, media, etc. are answered following your enquiry.

Detailed discussion of your requirements, preferences and timescales, by telephone or preferably face to face. Here we would set appointment times and an approximate date for completion. We'll fill out a Commission form and a 50% deposit is taken, which you can pay by cash, cheque or bank transfer.

Typically this will be 2-3 hours where preliminary sketches would be done, and we'd make some final decisions regarding pose. Numerous photographs are taken and, time permitting, I will usually start the portrait.

Typically 2-3 hours again, and properly in to portraiture. Breaks are included in all sittings for the sitter to be comfortable and relaxed, especially for portraits of children.

Usually this is the final sitting, and lasts up to 2 hours. At this stage, I am happy to discuss the painting with you and make any necessary minor amendments. Which means yes, you can see it now!

If acrylic, the painting will be presented varnished in matt, gloss, etc. If oil, the painting will be presented unvarnished and after 6-9 months the paint will have sufficiently hardened for it to be returned to me so I can varnish it for you.

currently...

My family and I moved to the beautiful island of Guernsey in January 2011, so plenty of inspiration around.  My studio is finally set up and I am now available for commissions.  

I have a couple of projects in the pipeline (more to follow on these) and I have just submitted a portrait in the BP Portrait Awards competition at the National Gallery, so fingers crossed...

contact

Commissioning a portrait is easier and less intimidating than you might think, so don't worry!
Just pop your email address into the box at the top and I'll send some information.

If you're a painter, artist, exhibition organiser or gallery owner yourself, or have another reason to get in touch, just or call me on 07781 141930. I look forward to hearing from you!

All Rights Reserved © 2011 Ali Ellis, Cherrytrees, Colborne Road, St Peter Port, GY1 1EP.

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