Colourful, joyous and life affirming are not words that are always associated with contemporary portraiture, but then few artists have the imagination or upbeat style of the artist Lizzie Riches. Childhood visits to the National Gallery awakened her passion for painting and a particular trip to Audley End at the age of five ignited her lifelong interest in Elizabethan Portraiture.
With solo exhibitions across the globe, a raft of commissions and representation by Portal Painters since 1976 her creativity shows no signs of dimming. I love the way Lizzie uses costume to tell a story. I also relish the elements of still life and the natural world in her work which lend it a mythical quality! I caught up with Lizzie to talk all things portraits, and to find out what informs her unique style.
Lizzie Riches.
When where and how did your fasciation with portraits begin? When I was about six , my parents took me to Hatfield House and I fell utterly in love with the rainbow portrait of Elizabeth the first. I just wanted to be able to paint pearls.
The Rainbow Portrait c.1600 Hatfield House.
Which type of person commissions work from you? Always, commissions come from people other than the person being painted. Usually parents. Sometimes husbands. Not always fabulously wealthy. It’s a need to mark something in time.
What is it about portraits that speak to you ( and them) specifically do you think? We are so tuned to facial recognition for social / tribal/ safety reasons. It’s a powerful instinct. Whenever you see a face, it immediately provokes a story. Who is that person, what is their life like? What have they seen and done. What can I learn from them? It’s all a story.
Floregium - Lizzie Riches (image courtesy of the artist)
When was your favourite art produced? I have so many favourites. Today I might say sixteenth century Italy, two minutes later it could be Berlin in the nineteen twenties.
Why are portraits having a ‘moment’ now do you think? We are overwhelmed with images because of social media and modern technology. A painted portrait is a quiet way of making someone special,for them and for us.
Can you think of one stand out exhibition that you loved? Undoubtedly, it was the Giovanni Batista Moroni exhibition at the Royal Academy back in 2015. Never has the sentiment “ it blew my mind” been more heartfelt.
Giovanni Battista Moroni
Isotta Brembati, ca. 1555–56
Oil on canvas
63 x 45 1/4 in. (160 x 115 cm)
Fondazione Museo di Palazzo Moroni, Bergamo – Lucretia Moroni Collection
What is the biggest challenge that you face professionally? When I was young, it was the business of living between sales. Making a career as a painter is tough financially and there are many things that go by the wayside in the struggle to survive. Things like pensions! Finding good people to represent you is the key, so they can do the things you cannot. Like sell pictures. I have been incredibly lucky in that regard. Being content to lead a quiet life is a great asset.
Sylvanus - Lizzie Riches (image courtesy of the artist)
Which other artists inspire you? I am inspired by integrity of vision. Lucien Freud is painfully sincere. Being an artist is a difficult life and anyone who follows that course inspires me.
If you could ask any other artist just one question, who and what would it be? Anthony Van Dyck would be the artist and the question would be …. Would you show me how to do it?
Apollo - Lizzie Riches (image courtesy of the artist)
So I would like to commission a work form you, where do I begin? Look at what I have done before and be completely sure that you like what you see. I cannot change my style of work to suit your expectations.
Is there a painting that you have ever found difficult to part with? I have never, in my life , been reluctant to part with a painting I have done. The need to paint the next one completely subsumes any regret I might feel.
Athena - Lizzie Riches (image courtesy of the artist)
For more examples of Lizzie work you can head to Portal Painters and The Red Dot Gallery.
Nick Cox / Period Portraits July 2021.