5 Popular Portraiture Artists You Should Know
Portraits have been an important art form throughout history. A symbol of social status and self-expression, they were once the only method for capturing the look and persona of a human. Continue reading to discover five contemporary portraiture artists currently enjoying a surge in popularity. Plus, check out this week’s curation, Popular Portraiture, for more!
1. Andrew Neilan
Andrew Neilan is a Brisbaine-based contemporary artist who is self-taught and began painting in 2017. His style involves mixing primary colours on solid painted canvases, creating abstract portraits without distinct facial features. Andrew’s intuitive approach results in artworks with a vibrant energy that collectors find irresistible, thanks to his impasto technique.
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Faceless abstract impasto portrait painting by Andrew Neilan.
2. Rebecca James
Warrnambool-based artist Rebecca James has an undeniable compulsion to paint. Once she starts, she finds it difficult to stop. Through her unique talent and perspective, Rebecca invites viewers into a world where everyday moments and the beauty of raw, intense emotions converge seamlessly. Her artworks offer viewers relief from their worries and concerns.
![](https://bluethumb.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/thumbnail-1400-9999-rebecca-james-listing-bluethumb-3d13-1024x666.jpg)
Reclining Woman with Cat by Rebecca James.
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3. Kurt Engledow
Perth-based artist Kurt Engledow explores nostalgia, sexuality, and masculinity through his popular portraits. His paintings blend contemporary cinematic aesthetics with neo-realism, depicting snapshots of everyday life from a bygone golden era. Capturing moments frozen in time, Kurt explores the subtleties of human emotional responses and prompts contemplation.
![](https://bluethumb.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/thumbnail-1400-9999-kurt-engledow-on-the-dock-duplicate-bluethumb-c454-1024x1024.jpg)
On the Dock by Kurt Engledow.
4. Tetyana Khytko
Sydney-based artist Tetyana Khytko weaves intricate narratives of emotion and introspection through her paintings. Born and raised amidst the vibrant culture of Kyiv, Ukraine, Tetyana’s artistic journey began with a childhood fascination with caricatures. Symbolism permeates Tetyana’s art; each element serves as a metaphor for life’s journey, anxieties, and dreams, inviting viewers to decipher the allegories woven into her canvases.
![](https://bluethumb.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/thumbnail-1400-9999-tetyana-khytko-strictly-confidential-bluethumb-59a1-743x1024.jpg)
Strictly Confidential by Tetyana Khytko.
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5. Wendy Joyce
Perth-based artist Wendy Joyce captures the ephemeral dance of light and water. Balancing the roles of an artist and a dedicated competitive swimming coach, her unique perspective is enriched by her profound connection with water. Wendy’s fascination with light and its interplay with water is palpable in her masterful compositions.
![](https://bluethumb.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/thumbnail-1400-9999-wendy-joyce-listing-bluethumb-cdde-785x1024.jpg)
On the Surface by Wendy Joyce.
Check out this week’s curation, Popular Portraiture, for more amazing artwork. Plus, click below to hear an art collector’s tips to commission the perfect portrait!
I love that you have Kurt, Rebecca and Tetyana in your blog – I absolutely love them and love seeing their new art on the website. Im so pleased the team at Bluethumb agrees!! Thank you for sharing!
Eve x