Anthony Connolly Royal Society of Portrait Painters
Anthony Connolly RP is a celebrated portrait painter and a member of the prestigious The Royal Society of Portrait Painters. Anthony Connolly trained at Goldsmith’s College. He now lives with his family in Wiltshire. For several years he has exhibited at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters annual exhibition at Mall Galleries. Before becoming a full time painter Anthony taught for several years and still runs drawing and painting courses. He has a studio at his home near Salisbury but is always pleased to travel to work with his subjects in their own homes or elsewhere.
The Story of Portrait Painting
The process of making a portrait always begins with a discussion. Consideration is given to all the elements that the picture might eventually contain. The outcome will be a collaboration in some degree but finally the artist has to take responsibility for his work. I prefer to work entirely from life but I do realise that the sitter may not always be able to make the necessary commitment.
Consequently, I am prepared to make use of photographic reference together with actual sittings. In this scenario a substantial part of the painting can be completed in my studio. Sittings would be scheduled at different stages of the process and to suit the client. Once the proposal has been agreed a timetable will be set.
During the initial sitting I would typically make some sketches in oil or pencil to refine the proposal. If working just from life I would normally need about twenty-five hours to complete a half-length painting in oils. A drawing will normally require between four and six hours.
Commission
If are interested in a special commission for yourself or as a gift, we would be delighted to discuss further details, please contact us and we will be happy to help.
Events
We are very excited to announce that Anthony Connolly RP will be running Masterclasses in Life, Portrait and Still Life Workshops. The format, a busy working day, attentive personal tuition, enjoyable company and good food. The masterclass workshops will run for two or four days, 10am to 4pm, lunch and refreshments are included.
If you would like anymore information on the Masterclasses in Life, Portrait and Still Life Workshops, we would be delighted to discuss further details, please contact us and we will be happy to help.
All images ©Anthony Connolly
Awards
2016 The Drawing Award, RWA, Bristol
2015 shortlisted for The Valeria Sykes Award – New Light
2015 finalist -The ING Drawing Bursary
2014 The AXA Award for Drawing, RHA Dublin
2012 The Prince of Wales Award for Portrait Drawing
2009 The Changing Faces Prize
2004 The Prince of Wales Award for Portrait Drawing
Exhibitions
2016
LAGAN, Oakham School
Royal Society of Portrait Painters, Mall Galleries
Royal West of England Academy
Panter & Hall Gallery, London
Royal Ulster Academy
Royal Hibernian Academy
2015
Royal Society of Portrait Painters, Mall Galleries
Royal Hibernian Academy
The Discerning Eye Drawing Bursary – Finalist
2014
Royal Society of Portrait Painters, Mall Galleries
Royal Hibernian Academy, Dublin
New English Art Club Annual Exhibition
2013
Broken Meats, King’s College, Cambridge
Royal Society of Portrait Painters, Mall Galleries
Royal Hibernian Academy
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
WVAT
NEAC
2012
Royal Society of Portrait Painters, Mall Galleries
Royal Hibernian Academy
Lynn Painter Stainers Exhibition
2011
Royal Society Of Portrait Painters, Mall Galleries
Royal Hibernian Academy
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
Editions Picard ‘Drawings and Portraits’ – Paris
2010
Royal Society of Portrait Painters, Mall Galleries
2009
Royal Society of Portrait Painters, Mall Galleries
Elected Member of The Royal Society of Portrait Painters
Group Exhibition, Guggleton Gallery
© Images Anthony Connolly
