Portrait painter - artist who paints portraits
Get an insight into what a portrait painter does and how an established contemporary portrait painter approaches being an artist
Portraiture is the art of capturing the essence of a person, and the portrait painter is the one set to perform the task. As Oscar Wilde put it. ”Every portrait painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist, not of the model”. This page explores the history of the profession, the technical dimensions of the craft and the path to becoming a professional artist. You will read about challenges in the studio, reflections from contemporary portrait painter Johannes Nygren.
Portrait painter - What is it?
A good portrait painter is characterised by his or her ability to look beyond the exterior and convey the inner essence of the individual. It's not just about reproducing physical features, but about capturing a personality, a temperament - perhaps even a life story - in a single moment. Portrait painters often have a well-developed eye for detail: how light falls across cheekbones, how a hand is held, or which gaze reveals something deeper. Technically, this requires a strong understanding of anatomy, colour and composition, but also an intuitive sense of the person behind the face. Many of the greatest portrait painters have also had a particular gift for storytelling - where each brushstroke contributes to a greater whole, like a visual biography.
Definition of portrait painter
A portrait painter is an artist who specialises in creating depictions of people - or sometimes animals - with the aim of capturing both likeness and character. The portrait can be realistic, stylised or expressive, but what they have in common is that they focus on the individual as the subject.
Portrait painters often work in traditional techniques such as oil, acrylic, watercolour, pencil or charcoal, but can also create digital portraits. Working from photographs, live models or a combination, they require both technical expertise and psychological empathy.
A portrait painter's commission can be private (e.g. family portraits), public (official portraits of people in social positions) or artistic (for exhibitions and collections).
Examples of historical portrait painters
Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
- Known for Mona Lisa, perhaps the most famous portrait in the world.- Titian (Tiziano Vecellio) (ca. 1488-1576)
- Italian Renaissance master, known for his portraits of popes, emperors and princes. - Giuseppe Arcimboldo (1526-1593)
- Italian artist known for his surrealist portraits made up of fruits, flowers and objects. Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669)
- Dutch master of self-portraiture and light/shadow technique (chiaroscuro).Diego Velázquez (1599-1660)
- Spain's court painter, known for Las Meninas and its portraits of royalty.Hans Holbein the Younger (1497-1543)
- German artist known for his accurate portraits of the English court, such as Henry VIII.John Singer Sargent (1856-1925)
- American-British artist who created elegant portraits of the 19th century elite.
Egon Schiele (1890-1918)
- Austrian Expressionist with distorted, edgy portraits charged with psychology and sexuality.Frida Kahlo (1907-1954)
- Mexican artist known for his emotionally charged self-portraits.Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun (1755-1842)
- One of the foremost female artists of the 18th century, court painter to Marie Antoinette.Lucian Freud (1922-2011)
- Modern British painter, known for his raw, psychologically intense portraits.Chuck Close (1940-2021)
- American artist who combined photographic realism with abstract techniques.
Examples of contemporary portrait painters
- Lynette Yiadom-Boakye (United Kingdom)
- Creates portraits of fictional characters. Her characters feel classic but are full of mystery and introspection. - Jordan Casteel (USA)
- Known for painting friends, family and strangers from his neighbourhood in Harlem. Uses bright colours and strong lighting. - Leng Jun (China)
- Hyper-realistic master who creates portraits so detailed they look like photographs. His control of the brush and precision of skin tones, fabric and light are world-leading. - Jenny Saville (United Kingdom)
- Working in large format, she often focuses on bodies, femininity and realism with an almost brutal expression. Her style is both expressionistic and anatomically advanced. - Amy Sherald (USA)
- Portrays African-American individuals in muted greyscale with colourful backgrounds. Known for the portrait of Michelle Obama. - Mr David Kassan (USA)
- Master of realistic painting with a strong sense of skin transparency, age and texture. Often works with older people and conveys deep humanity. - Zhenya Gershman (USA/Russia)
- An artist with a deep psychological charge in her portraits, often focussing on eye contact and inner emotions. - Well-known Swedish portrait painters are:
Karin Mum Andersson (born 1962)
Mr Bo Larsson (born 1956)
Helene Billgren (born 1952)
The portrait painter - history of the profession
Antiquity and the Middle Ages - portraits as symbols of power
The oldest known portraits come from ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire. Back then, the purpose was often religious or political - to show power, eternity or divine status. Portrait painters in these cultures often worked anonymously, as part of larger studios or decorative traditions.
In the Middle Ages, art was commissioned by the Church and the individual was rarely the centre of attention. Portraits were mostly in the form of idealised saints or donor figures in religious works.
The Renaissance - the heyday of portrait painting
In the 15th and 16th centuries, with the Renaissance, everything changed. The human individual took centre stage. Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Hans Holbein and Raphael became famous precisely for their portraits - and portraiture became a coveted profession, especially among Europe's royalty and nobility.
Portraits became not just depictions, but symbols of power, wealth, virtue or learning. The artist was seen as both craftsman and intellectual interpreter.
17th-18th centuries - the emergence of the profession
During the Baroque period and beyond, portraiture became increasingly accessible even to the growing bourgeoisie. There were many professional portrait painters, often trained at academies or as apprentices to masters.
At the same time, some artists began to push the boundaries of likeness and ideals - studying psychological expression, the effects of light and the uniqueness of the individual. Portraiture became an independent art form.
End of the 19th century - the advent of photography
The advent of photography in the 19th century radically changed the role of the portrait painter. Many thought painting would die out - but instead it was transformed. Portrait painters began to work in a more artistic, symbolic and interpretative way, rather than just depicting.
Artists such as John Singer Sargent or Anders Zorn showed how portraiture could combine technical brilliance with a vivid expression.
20th century to today - from elite to everyday
During the 20th century, portraiture became a marginalised niche in contemporary art, but it survived both as a public art form (e.g. state and rector portraits) and in the private sector. At the same time, a strong tradition of amateur and hobby painting grew, often inspired by classical techniques.
Today, portrait painters work both traditionally and digitally, often freelance and with their own marketing platforms. Clients are still looking for something unique - a work of art that captures a person, not just a photo.
Portrait painters as a profession today
Working in portraiture as a profession is both a passion and a constant journey of discovery. Every human being and every animal is unique, and it is precisely this diversity that makes the work so exciting. Exploring and capturing each individual's character, expression and presence in the image is a challenge I love. It's not just about reproducing a face, but about interpreting and understanding what makes that person special.
Problem solving is a big part of the process - and a fun one. Sometimes it takes creative thinking to find the right expression, especially when reference material is limited. It can be a challenge to really understand what a person or animal looks like if the images are few or don't show everything I need. But those moments force me to think more artistically and intuitively, and often lead to more vivid results.
The technical side is another aspect I really appreciate. I often switch between different techniques and mediums - sometimes acrylics, sometimes digital or pencil - depending on the feeling the image requires. Some subjects are more suited to a particular technique, and it is both challenging and stimulating to constantly find the right mode of expression.
Meeting customers is also an important part of my job. I need to be able to listen to what the customer expects and communicate clearly about the image to find the right one. It is also fun to see when they see the finished portrait as it is not uncommon for customers to get emotional. There is something special about creating something personal that means a lot to someone else.
I also appreciate the freedom of the profession. I am in control of my time and the way I work, which gives me both creative freedom and a sustainable working life. As long as I meet my deadlines, I have full control over the process - and that suits me perfectly.
Portrait painting is a free, vibrant and constantly evolving craft where every assignment is a new adventure.
Train to become a portrait painter
Training to become a portrait painter is more accessible today than ever - whether you choose to take a traditional course or learn on your own through all the great resources available online. The path to becoming a portrait painter can look different, but in my experience, here are the three key elements that will help you develop - both as an artist and as a professional.
1. artist - find your artistic expression
Becoming a portrait painter is not just about learning the technique - it's also about developing your own visual language and sense of expression. Many people start by attending a preparatory art school at a folk high school or private courses, where you will have the opportunity to explore different materials, work with models and develop your way of seeing. If you want to go further, you can apply to an art college, where you get a broad artistic education and the chance to develop your unique expression. But you can also get a lot of mileage out of free tutorials, e-books and online courses - the internet is a goldmine of knowledge if you have the discipline and curiosity.
2. Classical painting - master the technology
To paint realistic portraits, especially when working from live models, you need a solid technical knowledge. Classical painting focuses on proportions, anatomy, light, shadows and colour management - the basics that make a portrait feel alive and believable. You need to practice a lot and study the masters, whether in a classroom, a studio programme or via YouTube and digital courses. Knowing the technique gives you the freedom to create freely.
3. entrepreneurship - be visible and make a living from your art
As a portrait painter, you are also self-employed, and that requires you to learn the basics of entrepreneurship. You need to know how to build a brand, create visibility online and in the real world, and not least - how to charge for your work. Many artists undervalue their work in the beginning, but with the right knowledge, you can charge in a way that reflects both the time and value of what you create. Being visible on social media, creating a portfolio, having clear price lists and understanding how to treat clients are as important as painting the portraits themselves.
Whether you choose to follow the classical route or build your skills yourself, the key to becoming a portrait painter is a combination of artistic development, technical training and business acumen. It's a journey - but an amazing one.
Take a course with a portrait painter
Would you like to learn how to paint portraits for real - with both feeling and technique in focus? Portrait artist Johannes Nygren regularly holds courses in portrait painting. You'll learn the essentials of creating your own portraits from an established portrait painter with long experience of capturing the uniqueness of each face!
In this course, you'll get a solid foundation to stand on. You'll learn the fundamentals of every portrait - how to build a face with shape, proportion and expression. We'll cover technical skills, such as choosing brushes, colours and mediums, and how to take your painting to the next level with simple tricks.
A large part of the course is about how to create likeness - what it is that makes a portrait feel like that particular person. You'll also get tools to make smart simplifications that strengthen the expression, without losing what's important.
We'll talk about colour, light and design - how you can use colour, contrast and composition to create a vibrant and well-balanced portrait.
This isn't just a painting course - it's a deep dive into the art of seeing, interpreting and creating. Come and develop your portrait painting skills with a professional artist who will share techniques, tricks and inspiration!
Challenges for a portrait painter
Working as a portrait painter involves several exciting but challenging elements. Client contact and managing expectations require responsiveness and clear communication. Pricing and time can be difficult to balance - portraits take time, but also need to be financially sustainable.
Technically, it takes a lot - ”seeing right”, capturing small differences between people, whether you're painting from a model or live. It's also about finding the balance between high quality and efficient work - without compromising on emotion or likeness. Sometimes it can also be a challenge to see how a portrait could be fantastic in a certain technique and level of detail, but the client doesn't have room for that budget.
The hidden dimensions of portraiture
”A portrait is a painting where there is something wrong with the mouth.” John Singer Sargent (one of the most recognised portrait painters in history)
Portrait painting has a complexity that often escapes the casual eye. At first glance, it seems simple: a depiction of a human being. But beneath the surface lie layers of psychology, philosophy and artistic introspection.
The portrait painter is more than a craftsman - he is an interpreter of the true and objective, but what is truth in a face? An expression is a moment, a face is a memory. Choosing what to show is a moral, psychological and aesthetic decision. The portrait becomes a mirror, but not always a flattering one. The relentless judgement of the commissioner hangs over every brushstroke - because what really determines whether we like a picture of ourselves? Is it the resemblance? The kindness? Or perhaps the illusion of what I wish I was?
In a world where portrait painting is a marginal activity, often relegated to hobbies and sidelines, those who devote themselves to it professionally are left outside the larger art scene. Yet this is one of the most concentrated encounters between artist and human being. Rarely is it so clear that art is about seeing - for real.
Working with live models, where the gaze meets the gaze, involves a psychological intrusion that is both intimate and vulnerable. The artist looks, the models are looked at - alive or dead - and in this looking there is a strange closeness, sometimes almost magnetic, bordering on the erotic. A face, a look, can evoke desire, emotion, a desire to understand or possess.
Can you be open-minded when painting a face? And is that even desirable? A face is always interpreted through the artist's inner filter - and perhaps it is there, in that very interpretation, that art lives.
The dream of the virtuoso, the perfect portrait, is also a curse. What if one day you really succeed? If everything is right - the feeling, the colour, the expression - is there anything left to strive for? Or is it precisely in the incomplete that the artist can continue to live and grow?
The portrait painter is constantly balancing between the desire to do something new and the desire to be liked. Those who commission a portrait often have their own inner image - a desire for control. But control can be a shackle. It can prevent the portrait from becoming something more than an image.
In the end, we are faced with the eternal question: is it possible to capture the soul? Or is it just our own longing for meaning projected onto a painting? Perhaps it is not the soul we see in the portrait, but our own reflection. A feeling. A sense of something greater.
Portraiture has lost some of the magical glamour it once had, but it remains a window to the inner self. And perhaps that is precisely why it continues to fascinate.
Interaction with the model
There are many similarities between photographing and painting portraits live. Here are some similarities in the interaction with the model that are worth mentioning.
1. trusting relationship
To capture a genuine expression, the subject must feel safe. An open and respectful contact between portrait painter and model creates the conditions for relaxed, vibrant images. The artist's ability to communicate calm, presence and interest is crucial.
2. communication and guidance
Most people need clear and positive guidance during a live session. The portrait painter's ability to explain what is happening, give simple instructions and at the same time read the model's reactions affects both the expression and the experience.
3. body language and expression
Capturing a portrait is all about micro-signals - gaze, posture, small nuances in facial expression. A good portrait painter observes and subtly influences these by setting the right mood, asking questions or letting silence speak.
4. Presence and timing
Good portraits require presence from both parties. The portrait painter must sense the moment - when to let go, when to catch a laugh, when to wait. Timing is not just technical, but emotional.
5. Purpose and interpretation
The portrait is shaped by what it is meant to convey. A professional artist interprets the purpose - be it a formal portrait, an artistic interpretation or a personal image - and guides the subject so that the expression harmonises with the goal.
Why hire a professional portrait painter?
Hiring a professional portrait painter is a choice that offers both peace of mind and quality. Here are three key benefits:
1. quality stamp: When you choose an established portrait painter, you get someone who has been trusted by others. You can expect likeness, technical skill and an appealing artistic expression - a portrait that truly captures the character.
2. communication: A professional artist has the experience to listen to the client's wishes, ask the right questions and create an image that reflects both the person and the purpose.
3. Craftsmanship with care: A hand-painted portrait is unique - unlike mass-produced images, it has been created with conscious choices, time and presence. It is a work that carries both value and emotion.
How do you go about hiring a portrait painter?
In a few simple steps, you can hire me - Johannes Nygren - as a portrait artist to complete a personalised handmade portrait.
How to hire a portrait painter
You contact me with your idea, preferably with a photo or reference material.
We discuss format, technology, price and delivery time.
I create a proposal or sketch, which you approve before I start the final portrait.
Your portrait is delivered - ready to frame, or with a frame if you wish.
Johannes Nygren - established portrait painter
For almost 20 years, portrait artist Johannes has painted portraits of animals and people both live and from photographs. Hundreds of clients around Sweden and abroad have hired Johannes to create personalised portraits in various techniques.
Go ahead and hire Johannes as your portrait painter
You can easily send a non-binding booking request by contacting Johannes by email or using the form. It is also possible to just call and discuss an arrangement.
