Christopher Cole is a highly successful artist with over 40 years of professional experience. His Classical training included a thorough grounding in the techniques of the Flemish & Italian artists of the Renaissance. He exhibits regularly, and has an international following with paintings in collections in England, throughout Europe as well as in Australia, the USA, South Africa & Japan. Clients come from all walks of life but share a taste for paintings full of warmth & character.
Christopher enjoys the challenge of creating an original portrait or painting that will be a work of art to be enjoyed for generations to come. He works in acrylic, oil, pastel, ink & watercolour and specialises in drawing and painting from direct observation, bringing both traditional techniques and contemporary style to his acutely analysed interpretations.
About Christopher
If you are looking for art that is unique or painted to your personal requirements, take a look at this website and if you like what you see contact Christopher directly via the form below, or the 'Contact' page.
Major Portrait Commissions
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The Rt Hon J Enoch Powell MBE
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Emma Wilson & her spaniel
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Ambassador Sir John Wilton
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Entrepreneur Joanna Gray on her thoroughbred horse
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High Court Judge Sir Christopher French
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Jane French
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Garter King of Arms Sir Colin Cole KCB KCVO
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Lady Valerie Cole
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Lord Justice of Appeal Sir Christopher Staughton
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Chairman of Suters, Cyril Suter
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Judge Joseph Butler-Sloss
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Dr Mike Dickson
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Film & TV Director Christopher Morahan & actress Anna Cartaret’s daughters Rebecca & Hattie
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Master of the Worshipful Company of Constructors, Tony Appleton
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Journalist Olivier Perrin
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Headmaster of Alleyn's, Derek Fenner
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Berkley Portman
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Jewellery Designer Frances Ward
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Master and Mistress of the Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers, John & Barbara Lightowler
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Master of Dulwich College & Director of the Goodenough Trust, David Emms OBE
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George Pitt with his family & their vintage car
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Caroline Pitt
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Richard & Leslie Agutter & family
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Christine Searle JP
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Mary Bridger & her Jack-Russell
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Admiral Sir Christopher Myngs
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Godfrey & Hazel Jacobs & family
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Archaeologist Laurence Keen
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Poppy, Flavia & Freddie Pritchard with their animals
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The Rev Tom & Mrs Annabel Holme
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Alan & Linda Westall
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Richard & Janet Martin . . . and many more
All have been thrilled with their paintings. Some have cried tears of joy at seeing their loved ones captured on canvas.
Here are a few of their comments:
"A remarkable likeness" "Highly original" "You have caught her exactly as I see her" "A beautiful painting"
Exhibition History
Royal Portrait Society: In 1982 the first portrait Christopher ever submitted to the Royal Society of Portrait Painters was accepted for their exhibition at the Mall Galleries. He still shows there when he finds time.
One Man Exhibitions: Christopher has had artistic success over a long career. He has had four sell out one man exhibitions in Mayfair and Belgravia (1985-91) and another in New Malden (1992). He has continued with Studio Shows (1997–2012) & “In an English Light” at Haslemere Museum (2008). It was the most successful show that year so he was invited back as soon as he could paint enough new work for “A Very Selective Perspective” (2010) and “Spectrum of Light” (2014).
Group Exhibitions: Christopher has exhibited every year since 1980 in galleries throughout England, from Hampshire to Yorkshire and from Cornwall to Kent. He has shown work at Gallerie Black in Lausanne, Switzerland, as well as at the South London Gallery, several times at the Chelsea Arts Club, Gagliardi Gallery & many other prestigious venues in London. He has also exhibited every year since 1985 at Painters’ Hall in the City of London & for the last 8 years at Vivartis in Surrey. This is in addition to his commissioned work which has kept him continuously busy for the last 40 years.
National Acclaim: in 2006 he was short-listed for the Lynn Painter-Stainers £15,000 art prize with “Tall Tree Triptych”.
The Painters Company: Christopher was elected into the Company in 1984. In 2008 Christopher painted a 31” x 16” portrait in oils of Ernie Brocklehurst, the Beadle of the Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers as a demonstration during their Exhibition, “Art in the City”. Most of the painting was completed in just 3 hours. It now hangs at Painters’ Hall as well as his portrait of Sir Colin Cole and his painting of "The Painters Company Processing on St Luke's Day" which has over 60 identifiable portraits on a panel only 18" x 24".