portraits

Selected portrait paintings in oil, pencil, bronze and marble by UK portrait artist Matt Harvey.

I trained in Sculpture but make a variety of artwork in various mediums. I am naturally drawn to carving stone, but I love the gorgeous quality of oil paint and use techniques inspired by Baroque and Classical artists which I feel allow oil paints natural qualities to shine. Each piece is a collaboration with the sitter and we work together as in a dialogue to create the art, the sitter and commissioning person offering feedback, which I respond to until the sitter is happy. I work from life and also from photography. I paint portraits in single sittings, and also love working in stages in the studio. I love the optical effects of glazing oil paints. My drawings reflect my love of carving and I use a cross hatching technique which for me mimics the process of carving and refining stone. My work as a portrait artist is all to a high technical standard and made using the best oil paints and materials. For prices and frequently asked questions visit Commission a portrait.

Pencil portrait of a beautiful woman using cross hatching technique by UK portrait painter and artist Matt Harvey
Portrait of Kate – pencil
Portrait commission of a girl in Pencil by Matt Harvey, UK based portrait painter and artist
Maddie – pencil
Portrait commission in pencil of a young girl, by UK Portrait artist Matt Harvey
Alice – Pencil
Pencil drawing using crosshatching technique of baby twins, a Portrait commission by UK artist and Portrait painter Matt Harvey
Twins – pencil
Portrait painting commission of a young man in oil on canvas using the grisaille technique by Matt Harvey
Dai
A Portrait painting commission in oil using the glazing technique. The Portrait depicts two young boys and their dog titled the Three Musketeers. By Portrait painter and artist Matt Harvey.
Alex Ben and Oscar, the three musketeers
Oil full figure portrait painting commission of a girl using the grisaille technique it indirect painting by UK portrait artist Matt Harvey
Romily
Oil portrait painting commission using the grisaille technique by Matt Harvey, UK portrait painter and artist
Portrait of a girl – link to description of process
Oil painting commissioned as a gift of a family standing by the sea at sunset, painted by Matt Harvey UK portrait painter
Family at sunset
Commissioned painting in oil celebrating a young couples engagement. Using the glazing technique. Showing them sitting on a sofa laughing, showing off her ring. By UK Portrait painter and artist Matt Harvey.
Anna and Simon – Engagement portrait
Oil Portrait painting using the grey technique of a young female Cellist. Painted by UK based Portrait painter and artist Matt Harvey.
The Cellist – Linked to description of process