Business Details
Contemporary Portrait Art by Helen Bainbridge
We are a contemporary portrait studio dedicated to capturing the essence of individuals through deeply personal narratives. Our practice combines traditional techniques with collaborative processes, inviting subjects to contribute meaningful objects that enrich the storytelling. With over a decade of experience in art education and professional painting, we specialise in creating works that reveal layered histories through textured surfaces and layered mark-making.Our current focus involves documenting Middlesbrough's diverse communities through large-scale portraits, developed in partnership with local residents and audio artists. Every commission represents hours of dialogue and shared presence, ensuring the final artwork embodies both visual likeness and intangible character.
Services
Portrait Commissions
Community Art Projects
Narrative Portraiture
Artistic Collaborations
Personal History Documentation
Highlights and features
- We integrate meaningful objects into portraits for deeper personal narratives
- Our textured surface techniques reveal emotional histories through layered marks
- Specialists in documenting community diversity through large-scale portrait projects
- Combines 10 years art education experience with professional painting practice
- Collaborates with audio artists for multidisciplinary storytelling approaches
Services
Portrait Commissions
We create bespoke portraits through collaborative sessions where clients contribute personal objects and stories. Our process involves multiple sketching stages and textured surface techniques to reveal character depth. Each commission includes consultation, sitting sessions, and final artwork delivery with documentation of the narrative elements incorporated.
Community Projects
Our community-focused initiatives document local diversity through large-scale portrait series. These projects involve working with resident groups to explore shared histories and contemporary experiences. The process includes audio recordings and collaborative decision-making about visual representation, culminating in exhibitions that celebrate community narratives.
People
Helen Bainbridge
Artist & Founder
Contemporary portrait artist with MA in Fine Art, ten years art teaching experience, and professional practice focusing on narrative portraiture. Featured in SWA and RBSA exhibitions, with work exploring transience and personal history through textured surfaces.
Questions
How do portrait commissions work?
Commissions begin with consultation to discuss narrative elements, followed by sitting sessions incorporating meaningful objects. The process typically takes 6-8 weeks including preparatory sketches and final artwork creation.
What areas do you cover?
Based in Middlesbrough, we work with clients across Northeast England and accept select national/international commissions for large-scale projects.
Can I include personal items in my portrait?
Yes, we actively encourage clients to bring meaningful objects which become integral to the composition and narrative depth of the final artwork.
What techniques do you use?
We employ layered mark-making, surface abrasion techniques, and mixed media approaches to create textured surfaces that reveal emotional histories and personal narratives.
Reviews (2)
Lucy Cook
Oct 20, 2020
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Helen has helped us transform our family home in a way wed never have imagined. From the initial design discussions she totally understood our preferences and responded with a full house refurbishment scheme that has exceeded expectation. Shes been a pleasure to work with throughout, taking us outside our comfort zone when needed, but equally not precious about us challenging her suggestions. We trusted her good judgement on pretty much everything and the end result is fantastic, she helped us find the right balance between a quality contemporary look thats in keeping with the style of
Hazel Walker
Jan 22, 2020
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Helen has helped us develop our home over many years. She has a great eye for unique items that help your house feel like a home. She listens attentively to your requirements and comes up with pragmatic and elegant solutions. We would not hesitate to recommend her to any of our friends or family.
