Amelia Webster is a contemporary realist portrait artist whose work explores authenticity, identity and human connection through portraiture.

Working predominantly in oils, Amelia creates paintings that celebrate ordinary lives while documenting the stories of the people and communities that shape contemporary Britain.

Inspired from an early age by Renaissance painting, Amelia has always been drawn to the technical discipline of oil painting and its ability to tell stories. Her work combines classical techniques with contemporary narratives, preserving the traditions of portraiture while reflecting modern life. Alongside her work in oils, she has a deep affinity for charcoal, continually refining her practice through the study of colour, observation and technique.

After graduating with a BA (Hons) in Painting, Drawing and Printmaking from Plymouth College of Art (now Arts University Plymouth) in 2017, Amelia completed a Foundation in Art Therapy in 2018. She now works from her studio at Pottery Court, where conversation forms an essential part of her creative process. By taking time to know each sitter and understand their experiences, she creates portraits that explore identity as much as likeness, resulting in paintings that are both technically accomplished and deeply personal.

Amelia is currently developing an ambitious long-term portrait project exploring the lives and practices of women artists connected to Devon. (see news page for more info)

Her work has been exhibited both locally and nationally. Amelia was featured on Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year in 2019, was awarded the Emerging Artist Prize at Devon Open Studios in 2021, was a finalist in the Women in Art Prize in 2021 and The British Art Prize in 2022, and was longlisted for the Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award in 2024.

Alongside her studio practice, Amelia teaches portrait painting classes for all abilities and regularly delivers workshops and demonstrations for art groups and societies throughout the South West.

Portrait commissions are always welcome.