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Portfolio for Matthew Stradling - Commissionaportrait
Trained to postgraduate level, Matthew Stradling has exhibited widely across London and completed many notable commissions including portraits of Marc Almond and Derek Jarman. The artist's work often explores themes of sexuality, gender and the divine to create images of iconic stature that have received much critical acclaim. |
Birth date |
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1963 |
Education |
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1981-1982 - Watford School of Art & Design
1982-1985 - St. Martin’s School of Art, 1st class Honours Degree in Fine Art
1987-1989 - University of Reading, Master of Fine Art |
Awards |
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British Academy Scholarship
Bosie Travelling Scholarship
Eaton Fund for Artists |
Selected Commissions |
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Marc Almond
The Princess Anita of Malaysia
Derek Jarman
Adventures in Motion Pictures Dance Company |
Group Exhibitions |
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Gallery K, London
The Fine Art Society, London
The Jill George Gallery, London
The Globe Centre, London
Manchester City Art Gallery
The Air Gallery |
Solo Exhibitions |
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Zoo Gallery, London
BAC London
First Out, London
Edge Gallery, London
Diorama Gallery, London
First Out Gallery, London
La Galerie des Figuratifs Expressionistes, Paris
The Adonis Gallery, London |
Artist's Statement |
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“I feel that my portraits divide into two categories. Firstly, ones that draw on elements of the fantastic, the mythological and the ideal. Inspired by the luxurious tableaux of the Renaissance masters, these portraits depict the sitter as rich and sensuous. Realism can be sacrificed for the sake of the harmonic unity of the piece and a sense of ideal beauty. Secondly, the other category I feel my portraiture fits into is more psychological. In these portraits the unique presence of the sitter is of great importance, the sense of humanity, dignity and of truth. In these works I try to pin down the essence of the individual, and to record their mortality in generous and positive terms.” |
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Statement |
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“I normally have an initial meeting with the client to discuss ideas for the portrait. If required, I will produce rough sketches of these ideas. At this point I arrange for a photo session to take place, this can take from half an hour to two hours. I then begin working on the portrait using the photos as reference with no real need for the sitter to sit again. The portrait can take up to three months to complete and the client is welcome to view it and suggest any alterations if need be. Occasionally I will ask the subject to sit again to add the finishing touches to the portrait. The commission does not come framed but I'm happy to offer advice on the matter.” |
Travel nationally |
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Yes |
Travel internationally |
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Yes |
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Prices |
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Portrait Format: |
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Head and Shoulders |
From £ |
3000 |
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$ | 4500 |
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Half Length | From £ |
4000 |
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$ | 6000 |
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3/4 Length | From £ |
5000 |
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$ | 7500 |
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Full Length | From £ |
8000 |
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$ | 12000 |
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Double Portrait | From £ |
5000 |
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$ | 7500 |
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Group Portrait | From £ |
7000 |
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$ | 10000 |
The
Prices quoted are for the standard mediums of oil on canvas and bronze
(in
the case of sculpture). For other media, prices may vary, please enquire
directly with us for more specific quotes.
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Press Quotes |
“The paintings themselves are sensual, occasionally ethereal and always elegant in a languid assured fashion... his work invites you to enter a divine glamorous world where... there is no blood, only pearl drops.”
— Cherry Smyth, Time Out
“Matthew Stradling’s paintings, redolent of richness, luxury and sexual ambiguity... explore difficult but intriguing territory with wit, skill, and insight, in a style of painting which is sharp and well focused.”
— Emmanuel Cooper
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