Phyllis Dupuy

… grew up in Montreal, graduated from McGill University and went on to teach art in northern Ontario. She came to London to study ceramics and soon developed a reputation for her colourful, finely thrown porcelain vessels. First shown by Henry Rothschild in Kettles Yard, Cambridge, her work was soon being exhibited all over the UK and abroad, including the Middle East and Japan. Cate Blanchett chose some of these pieces to feature in the film, “Notes on a Scandal”.

A lifelong passion for oil painting led her to further study at Heatherleys in Chelsea, where her skills in portraiture soon became evident. Commissions were quick to follow and have included two Principals of Queen’s University in Canada and the novelist, Louis de Bernieres and his family.

Phyllis’ portraits have been exhibited at the Chelsea Arts Club, the Royal Commonwealth Society, the Chelsea Art Society and the London Sketch Club. She has twice been pre-selected for the BP Portrait Award.

As well as portraits, she paints subjects which allow her to explore colour and the way it is affected by light and translucency.

Commissions include:

Queen’s University, Canada
Louis de Bernieres – Novelist
Lord and Lady Bessborough
Donald Sammut FRCS
Sandi Rhys Jones OBE
Roderick Rhys Jones – Imperial College
Myrtle Allen – Ballymaloe House

The Portrait

One or two sittings are required, and can take place in a favourite location, indoors or out. Sketches are backed up with plenty of photographs, allowing a transient moment to be captured along with an excellent likeness. The effective use of colour and attention to detail helps to bring the painting to life. The interaction between sitter and artist is evident in the finished portrait.