Q&A Paul Emsley

Read Stefan Hundt’s defense of the Kate Middleton portrait.

The artist behind the controversial Kate Middleton portrait, Paul Emsley grew up in South Africa. VISI was lucky enough to speak to him.

Paul taught drawing and painting at Stellenbosch University for 12 years before moving to the United Kingdom in 1996. In 2007 he won the BP Portrait Award, the most prestigious portrait award in the world, for his large-scale portrait of Michael Simpson. He is also responsible for arguably the most endearing portrait of Nelson Mandela – the only artist to have Madiba sit for him in person. 

How did you get into portraiture?

I have always drawn people but I never saw myself as a portrait painter. It’s only after the BP Portrait Award in 2007 that I have been doing this more often.

What makes a good portrait?

It is impossible to say. Interpretations of “good” are very subjective. Usually a portrait must look like the sitter but sometimes there is room for more experimentation depending on the approach of the artist.

What is it about portraiture that appeals to you so much?

I find the forms and shapes in faces interesting. They carry so much history of the person and of their ancestors. 

What is unique about your portraits?

I try to make an image beyond realism. Correct in detail but hopefully with something beyond that.

I have always loved drawing. The dryness of the paper and the chalk demand precision and exactness. It quickly exposes one’s weaknesses and mistakes, leaving no room for cleverness or tricks.

Which portrait artists do you most admire?

John Singer Sargent, Sir Thomas Lawrence, Augustus John, Holbein and Rembrandt; there are many more as well.

What is your favourite portrait by yourself, and another?

I suppose of my portraits the small drawing of Michael Simpson might be a favourite. I have always loved Holbein’s portrait of Georg Gisze.

Where do you work when making a portrait?

My studio, which is an average size room with two banks of powerful daylight bulbs. Because it is not a large room it is kept orderly.

What are you working on at the moment?

I am working on various flower drawings and animal commissions. I will also be starting a second portrait of Nelson Mandela this year.

Sanlam Private Investments art advisor Stefan Hundt writes a considered response to the Kate Middleton portrait. SPI have launched a National Portrait Award in South Africa. Find out more here.