Portraits painted by Penny Richardson in Gouache, Soft Pastel & Oils.
Capturing Souls & Smiles: Portraiture with Heart
When I sit before a blank canvas or sheet of paper, I feel the weight—and the wonder—of possibility. A portrait is more than a likeness. It’s a pause in time; a story told without words. As a People & Children Portrait Artist, I strive to catch the spark, the little gestures, the subtle expression that make someone unmistakably themselves.
Why Portraits Matter
In our fast-moving world, there’s something deeply comforting about slowing down, studying the face and form of someone we love. A child’s fleeting innocence. A loving grandparent’s gentle strength. These are moments you can’t press “pause” on—but I can. I can hold still the look in the eye, the tilt of a head, the quiet confidence in a younger self. That’s the magic of portraiture.
Portraits connect us across time. Years from now, the photograph might fade or be lost—but a painted portrait becomes part of the story, part of a home. It keeps alive the sense of “this was me, this was them, this is who we are.”
My Approach & Mediums
I work across several mediums—gouache, soft pastel, oils, watercolour—each bringing something different to the way personality, light and emotion are conveyed.
- Gouache offers vibrancy and crispness: ideal for catching youthful energy or bold contrast.
- Soft Pastel gives warmth, softness and texture to gentle expressions.
- Oil allows me to build depth, richness of colour, and subtle shifts of light—perfect for capturing the character in adults or older children.
- Watercolour brings a lightness and fluidity, great for more spontaneous, delicate moments.
Some portraits are rendered in black & white to emphasise form and expression above colour. Others embrace colour to evoke mood, warmth and personality.
Oil Portrait in the style of Lady Madame de Gléon Portrait
Commissioned by an interior design client for his client at Six Stories Soho London.
Portraits in Black & White
The Process: From Commission to Canvas
- Consultation & Chat – It begins with conversation. You tell me about the person you’d like portrayed—what you see in them, what you love about their character.
- Reference & Photography – I use photos to capture the best likeness.
- Sketching & Composition – Early sketches help me find posture, gaze and tone.
- Medium & Palette Selection – Warm or cool tones, soft or vivid colours—all chosen to reflect personality.
- Painting & Detailing – Each layer reveals more of the subject’s essence until the portrait feels alive.
What Makes a Great Portrait
A great portrait doesn’t just replicate—it resonates. It balances emotional honesty, light and shadow, and simplicity of composition to let the person’s presence shine through.
Why I Love Painting People & Children
Each face tells a story: hope, experience, laughter, memory. Children bring spontaneity and innocence; adults bring depth and wisdom. To see someone’s essence in pigment and brushstroke is what drives me every day.
When you commission a portrait, you’re asking for more than decoration. You’re asking for legacy—a visual memory anchored in your home. I would be honoured to help you capture it.