Portrait Artist

“Summer Blues”

“Damo”
Portraits in Oil
Tim Burden is a contemporary artist specialising in portraits and figure paintings in oil. Tim is currently available for portrait commissions and gallery exhibitions across the UK and beyond.
The creation of art has fascinated Tim since he was a child. The expressive language of the body in its fluid form. Emotions flashing across faces. The challenge of capturing the essence of people.
The joy of analysing, studying and depicting the subtleties seen. A celebration of the depth and honesty of a one-to-one relationship, experienced in this case second-hand between subject and viewer.
Tim paints in oils and hangs his artistry on accurate drawing and traditional painting techniques. His influences include John Singer Sargent, Edward Hopper, Franz Kline and a number of contemporary artists.
Commission a Portrait Painting
When undertaking portrait commissions, Tim usually prefers to work from reference imagery rather than from life. A traditional studio sitting has the drawbacks of being slightly tedious and time consuming for the sitter! Tim has found that working from a reference photo, therefore, tends to work better. The pose and composition can be carefully considered prior to starting work on the painting. If possible, Tim likes to take the reference photos himself so he has creative control over the painting from the start.
Price will vary depending on the size and complexity of the painting. Size may depend on the intended display space for the painting, or the occasion the piece is being commissioned for.
Contemporary Realist Portraits in Oil
In Tim’s paintings there can be found a fine balance of realism and abstraction. Wispy brushwork with soft edges that give his paintings a romantic, dreamlike feel. Simultaneously, Tim observes his subjects intently to understand their exact proportions, and adheres to rigorous drawing to ensure he has recorded them correctly. While his approach is personal to him, Tim uses traditional colour palettes, mixing techniques and formulas in the creation of his work.
Whether painting a portrait for a client, or for a family member or friend, the journey for Tim is to create a work of subtle beauty and above all, a labour of love.
If you are looking for a portrait artist in the UK, please contact Tim to discuss your requirements with him directly here.