Ruth Fitton

Workshop 11th-15th August 2025

Ruth Fitton is a celebrated English artist renowned for her exceptional portraiture skill and ability to evoke profound emotion through her work. Her paintings strive to leave the viewer breathless and full of questions, pushing beyond the well-worn narrative of passive, dependent figures to create a dynamic world of action and relatable choices. Each character she paints has their motivation and drive, drawing the audience into their stories and considering the complexity of their emotions and decisions.

Fitton also masterfully captures the subtleties of human expression and the unique essence of her subjects, creating portraits that feel both timeless and deeply personal.

In addition to her accomplishments as a painter, Ruth Fitton is also an engaging teacher who is passionate about fostering creativity and skill in others. She frequently leads workshops and shares her expertise in classical techniques, guiding students in developing their technical abilities and artistic voice.

https://www.ruthfitton.com/

Gareth Reid

Workshop 22nd – 26th September

Belfast-born artist Gareth Reid has carved out a formidable reputation as one of the most compelling portrait artists of his generation. Trained at the University of Ulster, Glasgow School of Art, and the Florence Academy, Gareth’s work blends classical mastery with a striking contemporary edge.

His meteoric rise came in 2017 when he won Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year, triumphing over fierce competition and earning the honor of painting Graham Norton for the National Gallery of Ireland. Not content with that victory alone, Gareth went on to be crowned Portrait Artist of the Decade in 2023, after capturing Dame Judi Dench in a stunning charcoal portrait now set for display at the National Portrait Gallery, London.

A sought-after artist for high-profile commissions, Gareth was entrusted with painting King Charles III for Historic Royal Palaces in 2019. His work is held in some of the most prestigious collections, from the National Trust and The Royal Collection to The Old Bailey and Ralph Lauren.

With an unmatched ability to distill character into every stroke, Gareth’s portraits are more than likenesses—they are living, breathing narratives of the people he paints.