About | Alastair Adams

Meet Alastair Adams

Portrait Artist.

Life as a portrait painter for Alastair Adams began post-University, after graduating with a degree in Illustration. The first portrait he painted was selected for the National Portrait Gallery’s BP Portrait Award exhibition. What followed has evolved into a 30-year career in commissioned portraiture, where his insight and observational skills have earned him an international reputation.

“One of the best institutional portraits I have ever seen, if not the best. It captures so many things, but especially the warmth and resolution Marvin brought to the role” – Jan Cunnngham, Fellow, Berkeley College, Yale University, USA about Alastair’s portrait of Marvin Chun.

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Beyond the portrait

Every great portrait begins with an even better story — a narrative woven into each brushstroke, capturing the essence of a person.

Every great portrait begins with an even better story.

Biography

In hand with his portraiture, Alastair has a long career as an academic, with experience spanning between teaching diploma-level drawing up to PhD level supervision. In addition to holding roles as an external examiner for The Art Academy and The Heatherley School of Fine Art, he has given guest lectures for several Royal Societies, including The Royal Society of Medicine and The Royal College of Physicians and also for Berkeley College, Yale.

After only six years of membership, he undertook the role of President of The Royal Society of Portrait Painters, the youngest in the Society’s history and has also acted as the charity’s Treasurer twice. He is currently a Trustee of the Federation of British Artists and the Mall Galleries in London and, most recently, was made an Associate Fellow of Berkeley College, Yale.

why choose Alastair?

Brushing with Brilliance.

30 years experience

The blending of artistry and academia elevates Alastair’s extensive figurative art portfolio within the world of portrait painting.

High Profile Commissions

A prestigious client list places your portrait alongside those of actors Richard E. Grant, Nick Frost and England Cricket Captain Sir Alastair Cook.

International Recognition

In addition to commissions for several Ivy League Universities, Alastair has painted portraits in California, Spain, Greece and Switzerland.

Biography continued

Blending both artistic and academic experience allows Alastair to paint naturally but with insight. His observational skills balance complex compositions yet capture the nature and character of a sitter. His portraits are often complimented as emitting light and warmth, capturing both personality and likeness.

To date, Alastair’s extensive portfolio includes writers, actors, the sporting world, politicians, leading academics and medical professionals. His working process aims to put the sitter at complete ease. by travelling to their location, be it Glasgow or Greece, both artist and subject work together to profoundly immortalise a moment in paint. With refined representation, every great portrait begins with an even better story, a narrative woven into each brushstroke, capturing the essence of the person.

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Ready to Commission?
Contact Alastair Today

Whether you're looking to capture a cherished personal moment or require a distinguished piece for an institution, Alastair's expertise ensures a result that is both authentic and timeless. To begin the process, please fill out the contact form on the left. We look forward to discussing your vision and making it a reality.