Commissioning a Timeless Portrait​​
To commission a portrait is to take part in one of the most enduring traditions in western art. Long before photography, painted portraits served as records of presence, character, and lineage—created not for a single moment, but for generations. Alastair Brown works within this tradition, producing oil portraits that combine disciplined technique with a thoughtful sensitivity to the individual sitter.
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Each portrait is approached as more than a likeness. It is a considered study of form, light, and character, shaped through careful observation and an understanding of classical portraiture. The aim is to create work that feels both honest and lasting—rooted in tradition, yet attentive to the present moment.
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​The Commissioning Process​
Commissioning a portrait by Alastair Brown is a collaborative and considered process. Alastair works closely with his clients to ensure that their vision is captured in the commissioned artwork. From the outset, time is taken to understand the needs of the client and sitter to provide the , ensuring the final work reflects them with accuracy and respect.
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During the initial introduction Alastair will help guide the client, working together to form the artistic direction the planned piece. Discussing composition, narrative etc. From there Alastair will create a series of compositional sketches, allowing clients to provide feedback and make adjustments as needed. once the composition is agreed the painting process may commence.
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Live Sittings or Working from Photographs​
Portraits may be painted from life or from photographic reference, depending on individual circumstances. Live sittings allow Alastair to observe the sitter over time capturing changes of expression, gesture portraying a true reflection of the subject in a calm and relaxed setting. These sessions are conducted in a calm and relaxed setting, helping the sitter feel at ease. When working from photographs, Brown draws on his training in anatomy, light, and form to move beyond the limitations of the image. The goal is not replication, but interpretation—creating a portrait that retains presence, depth, and humanity.​​
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From Study to Finished Portrait​
Each portrait develops gradually through clearly defined stages. Careful drawing establishes proportion and structure, followed by successive layers of paint that refine form, colour, and tonal relationships. Throughout, decisions are guided by classical principles of composition and harmony, ensuring coherence and balance. The focus remains on clarity and restraint, allowing the character of the sitter to emerge naturally rather than through embellishment.
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Oil on Canvas: A Classical Medium​
Alastair Brown works primarily in oil on canvas, a medium valued for centuries for its depth, richness, and permanence. Oil paint allows Alastair to render subtle fur textures and natural light, which combined with careful observation of light and form allows Alastair to capture a true likeness with precision and warmth. Through patient layering and measured brushwork, surface and structure are brought into quiet balance. These elements lend the portraits a sense of calm realism and depth.
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​​For Charcoal Drawings
​Alastair's charcoal drawings are works of art in their own right. He skillfully combines the use of charcoal and chalk on toned watercolour paper, working with light and darks to give his drawings depth and dimension. uses high-resolution reference images to create these works.
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For more information about the process, sittings, timelines and materials please visit FAQ .