Andrew James
Artists & Illustrators|May 2019

Ahead of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters’ annual show, the society’s treasurer reveals his search for kindness and a love of charcoal.

Rachael Funnell
Andrew James

When did you become involved with the Royal Society of Portrait Painters (RP)?

Approaching the society first crossed my mind in 1998 when I was 27 and I had just won a major prize during my first opportunity to exhibit. I became a member in 2002 and I’ve been on the council since 2004.

We make decisions with regards to ensuring the charity and the traditions of the society are best represented in the work we do. Though we’re informed artists, we’re amateurs when it comes to running a charity. It involves lots of work, especially when selecting artists to feature in the annual show, but I get to meet lots of interesting people and it really feels like being a part of something of value.

Have you always been a painter?

I’ve always drawn. I would sketch copious amounts from about the age of 5, and I can corroborate that with the fact I have an identical twin who also did the same. That was a pattern maintained throughout childhood, but it wasn’t until I turned 17 that I jumped into painting. I actually taught myself and have never attended a class.

What are the keys to becoming a good portrait painter?

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