Information
Biography
Self-Portrait Donated to National Portrait Gallery, for 150th Anniversary Mystery Portrait Gala 2006
Mary Jane Ansell has been a finalist in the prestigious BP Portrait Award in 2004, 2009, 2010 and 2012 and was subsequently commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery to paint Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou. Exhibiting regularly with the Royal Society of Portrait Painters and a member of the CBPP Contemporary British Portrait Painters she is based in the UK and shows internationally with recent group and solo exhibitions in London, New York and Los Angeles.
Her works feature in private and public collections world wide including commissions for the permanent collections of The National Portrait Gallery UK, Brighton and Hove Museums, The Bennett Collection and Joe Lewis Collection where her work in installed on the super yacht Aviva.
She was an award winner in the 2020 - 2021 15th Annual Arc Salon and featured in the exhibition Women Painting (All over the world) held annually at MEAM - Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona Spain in 2021. At the 2022 LA Art Show writing for Mutual Art Michael Pearce described her as “England’s finest figurative painter” and in 2017 she was named one of the “Top 100 Figurative Painters Working Right Now” by Buzz Feed.
Her work has featured on the covers of numerous magazines including American Art Collector and a number of recent novels, including New York Times bestselling author Tiffany Baker’s Gilly Salt Sisters and on Adam Ant’s recently released album: Adam Ant is The BlueBlack Hussar In Marrying The Gunners Daughter.
With a love of intriguing narratives and in catching a contained but dramatic moment Ansell's work draws influences from a multitude of inspirations, her sitters become characters imbued with a narrative that Ansell says develops collaboratively as she works with them, at times autobiographical , drawing memories from childhood or her response to the current complexities of politics and issues of gender, drawing too from the language of classical portraiture to the world of haute couture and with an appreciation for a refined technique that evokes the past but with a resolutely modern viewpoint.
After 25 years living near to the sea in Brighton UK she and her partner of 29 years, Richard, a musician have recently moved to the dramatic scenery and isolation of the Welsh borders, near Snowdonia. An area rich in ancient legend and inspiration.
She mentors aspiring artists on a one to one basis online and in person when possible.
Commission
Commission
Commissioning a figurative painting or portrait with Mary Jane is a rewarding and collaborative experience. She welcomes the opportunity to discuss your individual requirements with no obligation.
Initial Consultation
The process begins with an initial consultation via phone or email to discuss the vision, preferences, and specific requirements of the piece. Once these have been established, an in-person meeting is typically arranged, lasting between 2 to 4 hours. Clients are welcome to visit Mary Jane’s studio; however, meetings are often preferred in the client’s home or chosen environment. This allows for a deeper understanding of the surroundings and an opportunity to discuss elements such as location, clothing, and any meaningful objects to be incorporated into the composition.
Working from Photographs
When an in-person sitting is not possible, such as in the case of international clients, Mary Jane can work from high-quality photographs. In such cases, arrangements can be made for a professional photoshoot under Mary Jane’s direction to ensure the best reference material is captured. Clients will receive guidance on lighting, composition, and other essential aspects to achieve images that align with the artistic vision. Existing photographs may also be considered if they meet the necessary artistic and technical standards.
Personalised Artwork
Clients may also commission bespoke works that incorporate meaningful narratives, specific models, interiors, or symbolic elements. Mary Jane collaborates closely with clients to ensure the final piece reflects their vision while maintaining the artist’s distinctive style.
Framing
Standard framing is included with all commissioned works. Specific framing requests can be arranged at an additional cost.
Travel
Mary Jane is available for commissions both within the UK and internationally. Travel expenses are not included in the commission fee and will be quoted separately based on location and requirements.
Timescale
The timeframe for completion varies depending on the complexity of the piece and Mary Jane’s existing exhibition and commission commitments. While efforts will be made to accommodate specific deadlines, clients are encouraged to enquire well in advance if they have a particular date in mind.
For further inquiries or to discuss commissioning a painting, please contact Mary Jane here.
Collections, Exhibitions and Publications
Collections:
National Portrait Gallery, UK - Portrait of Sir Stelios Haji-Iannou
Brighton and Hove Museums UK - Portrait of Henry Allingham
The Lewis Collection - portrait commission - view collection
The Bennett Art Collection - view collection
New Salem Museum - Massachusetts view collection
Fort Wayne Museum of Art 311 East Main Street Fort Wayne IN 46802 view collection
Upcoming Exhibitions
2026 - June - 5 July Contemporary British Portrait Painters Exhibition - The Department Store Brixton London
2026 - October Solo Exhibition - Arcadia Contemporary 421 West Broadway New York, NY 10012
Solo Exhibitions
2024 - 12 - 29 September Solo Exhibition - Love’s Bright Armour - Arcadia Contemporary 421 West Broadway New York, NY 10012
2021 - 20th March - 17th April Solo Exhibition - Recent Paintings - Arcadia Contemporary 421 West Broadway New York, NY 10012
2018 - 18th Aug - 31 Aug Showcase at RJD Gallery, Bridgehampton, NY 11932
2017 - 10th June - 8th July Corey Helford Gallery - Los Angeles, CA 90033
2015 - 18th June - 10th July Arcadia Contemporary 51 Greene Street New York, New York 10013
2013 - 23rd - 28th September Fairfax Gallery Gallery 27 Cork Street London.
2010 - 30th September - 12 October Fairfax Gallery, 5 Park Walk, Chelsea, London SW10
2009 – 10th – 26th September Fairfax Gallery, 5 Park Walk, Chelsea, London SW10
2007 – 14th – 29th September Fairfax Gallery, 5 Park Walk, Chelsea, London SW10
2006 – 15th June – 1st July Fairfax Gallery, 5 Park Walk, Chelsea, London SW10
Prizes and Awards selections
2022 – Royal Society of Portrait Painters Exhibition. Mall Galleries, Pall Mall, London.
2020 - 2021 15th Annual ARC Salon - Enchanted Living Magazine Award Winner.
2018 - 10th - 31st May Royal Society of Portrait Painters Exhibition. Mall Galleries, Pall Mall, London.
2014 - September 20 – November 30 - Contemporary Realism Biennial - Fort Wayne Museum of Art Indiana USA
2012 - 2013 – 3rd November to 27 January BP Portrait Award 2012 Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh
2013 - 9 February – 19 May 2013 Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter www.rammuseum.org.uk
2012 – BP Portrait Award. National Portrait Gallery (from 21 June - 23 September 2012)
2010 – BP Portrait Award. The National Portrait Gallery, London.
2009 – BP Portrait Award. The National Portrait Gallery, London.
2008 – Threadneedle Figurative Prize. Mall Galleries, Pall Mall, London.
2007 – Royal Society of Portrait Painters Exhibition. Mall Galleries, Pall Mall, London.
2005 – Royal Society of Portrait Painters Exhibition. Mall Galleries, Pall Mall, London.
2005 – 1st Prize – Sussex Open Award for Painting, Brighton and Hove Museum and Art Gallery
2005 – Shortlisted for The Art of Love prize, LondonArt, Oxo Wharf Gallery, London.
2004 – Selected for The Daily Mail Not the Turner Prize.
2004 – BP Portrait Award. The National Portrait Gallery, London.
2004 – Prize winner at The Art of Love exhibition, LondonArt, Arndean Gallery, London.
Group Exhibitions
2025 - The Distinctive Eye - Singular Visions in Contemporary British Painting - Panter and Hall Gallery, Pall Mall, London, curated by Mary Jane Ansell
2025 9th Aug - 9th Sept 2025 Five and Under Group Exhibition ARCADIA CONTEMPORARY NEW YORK 421 West Broadway New York, NY 10012
2025 26 June - 5 July Contemporary British Portrait Painters Exhibition - The Department Store Brixton London
2023 16th - 19th February LA ART SHOW - ARCADIA CONTEMPORARY www.laartshow.com
2022 26 June - 5 July Contemporary British Portrait Painters Exhibition - The Department Store Brixton London
2022 19th - 23rd January LA ART SHOW - ARCADIA CONTEMPORARY www.laartshow.com
2022 - 10th - 31st March "THE NEW ROMANTICS" GROUP EXHIBITION ARCADIA CONTEMPORARY39 EAST COLORADO BLVD. PASADENA, CA 91105 626-486-2018 ARCADIACONTEMPORARY.COM
2021 - 8th March - 12th June Women Painting All Over The World - Celebrating International Women's Day, showcase of International Women Artists MEAM - European Museum of Modern Art
2020 - Sat 11th - 27th Jan - Portraiture 2020 ARCADIA CONTEMPORARY39 EAST COLORADO BLVD. PASADENA, CA 91105 626-486-2018 ARCADIACONTEMPORARY.COM
2018 - Sat 18th Aug - Five and Under at ARCADIA CONTEMPORARY39 EAST COLORADO BLVD. PASADENA, CA 91105 626-486-2018 ARCADIACONTEMPORARY.COM
2016 - Oct 8th – Nov 20th Women Painting Women RJD Gallery, Bridgehampton, NY 11932
2016 - From August 27th 10th - Anniversary Show opening Corey Helford Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 90033
2016 - Dec 10th – 31st 2016 12 By 12 In 12 ARCADIA CONTEMPORARY, Culver City, Los Angeles
2014 - April 24th - May 14th Contemporary Romanticism." - Arcadia Contemporary, 51 Greene Street New York, NY 10013 http://www.arcadiacontemporary.com
2013 - 23rd - 27th January LA ART SHOW - Arcadia Gallery www.laartshow.com
2013 - January - Fairfax Tunbridge Wells Group show.
2012 - 15th - 18th November The Affordable Art Fair Singaporewww.affordableartfair.com/singapore/
2012 - 16th June - 5th September Summer Exhibition - Fairfax Galleries, Norfolk and Tunbridge Wells
2012 - 18th - 22nd January, London Art Fair Business Design Centre, Islington London
2011 - 18th - 20th November The Affordable Art Fair Singapore
2011 - 5th – 8th May New York City, Affordable Art Fair (7W 34th Street)
2011 - May 7th - June 4th, New Masters: Classical Figure with a Contemporary Approach SUBLIMINAL PROJECTS 1331 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90026
2011 - 15th – 22nd Jan: London Art Fair, Business Design Centre, Islington
2010 – 19th – 24th October – Affordable Art Fair, London Battersea Park – Fairfax Gallery
2009 – Until Jan 15th – Christmas Exhibitions at Fairfax Gallery, Chelsea, Tunbridge Wells and Norfolk.
2008 - 23 – 26 October Affordable Art Fair – with Fairfax Gallery www.affordableartfair.com
2008 – Threadneedle Figurative Prize 20 Aug – 6 Sep, Mall Galleries, London
2008 – July – August Fairfax Gallery Norfolk Summer Exhibition
2008 – 14th June – 30 August Fairfax Gallery Tunbridge Wells Summer Exhibition
2008 – 27 to 30 March. Glasgow Art Fair with Fairfax Gallery
2008 – 16th -20th January London Art Fair Islington. Stand G27 with Fairfax Gallery
2007 – Nov – Jan 2008 Christmas Exhibition, Fairfax Gallery, 23 The Pantiles,Tunbridge Wells, and Fairfax Gallery, Burnham Market, Norfolk
2007 – 6th – 11th November – Amsterdam Affordable Art Fair – Fairfax Gallery Stand
2007 – 16th – 21st October – Affordable Art Fair, London Battersea Park – Fairfax Gallery
2007 – 16 June – 30th July – Summer Exhibition, Fairfax Gallery, Tunbridge Wells
2007 – 14th – 30th August – Summer Exhibition, Fairfax Gallery, Burnham Market, Norfolk
2007 – 26th April – 13th May Royal Society of Portrait Painters Exhibition. Mall Galleries, Pall Mall, London.
2007 – 17th – 22nd April: Glasgow Art Fair
2007 – 1st – 4th March, Form at London Olympia with Fairfax Gallery
2007 – 15th – 22nd Jan: London Art Fair, Business Design Centre, Islington
2006 – 23rd Nov – Jan 2007, Christmas Group Shows, Fairfax Gallery, Tunbridge Wells, Chelsea and Burnham Market, Norfolk.
2006 – 19th to 22nd Oct Affordable Art Fair, London
2006 – 23rd Sept – 15th Oct, Human Figure Group Show, Fairfax Gallery, Tunbridge Wells.
2006 – April 6th – 9th Glasgow Art Fair, George Square, Glasgow, with The Fairfax Gallery
2006 – From Feb 28th National Portrait Gallery, 150th Anniversary Mystery Portrait Gala
2006 – Jan 18 – 22nd London Art Fair, Design Centre, Islington,with Fairfax Gallery
2005/2006 – 29th Nov – 10th Jan Christmas Exhibition, Fairfax Gallery, 5 Park Walk, Chelsea, London SW1
2005/2006 25th Nov – 10th Jan Christmas Exhibition, Fairfax Gallery, 23 The Pantiles,Tunbridge Wells.
2005 – 20th-23rd Oct – Affordable Art Fair, Chelsea, with Fairfax Gallery.
2005 – 23rd Sept – 15th Oct – Human Form Exhibition, Fairfax Gallery, 23 The Pantiles,Tunbridge Wells.
2005 – 16 July – 15th August – Summer Exhibition, Fairfax Gallery, 5 Park Walk, Chelsea, London SW1
2005 – (from 23rd July) – Summer Exhibition, Fairfax Gallery, Burnham Market, Norfolk
2005 – June (8 – 12th) – artLONDON, Chelsea, with Fairfax Gallery.
2005 – May. 10th Anniversary Exhibition, Fairfax Gallery, The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells.
2005 – April – Royal Society of Portrait Painters Exhibition. Mall Galleries, Pall Mall, London.
2005 – April – Fairfax Gallery Chelsea Launch Exhibition, 5 Palk Walk, Chelsea, London.
2005 – March – Sussex Open, Brighton and Hove Museum and Art Gallery
2005 – Jan – Century Fine Art, Windsor. Berkshire.
2004 – Nov – Fairfax Gallery, The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells.
2004 – Nov – Brighton Art Fair, Corn Exchange, Brighton.
2004 – June – The Daily Mail Not the Turner Prize. The Mall Galleries, London.
2004 – June – April 2005 BP Portrait Award 2004, The National Portrait Gallery, London.
2004 – March – Correlation, The Old Seager Distillery, Deptford.
2004 – Feb – The Art of Love exhibition, LondonArt, at Arndean Gallery, Cork Street, London.
Publications
International Artists Magazine - issue #148 Cover feature December/January 2022
Beautiful Bizarre Magazine - issue #36 March 2022 Cover feature
Adam Ant - (cover) Adam Ant is the Blueblack Hussar in Marrying the Gunner's Daughter (Jan 2013)
Tiffany Baker - The Gilly Salt Sisters (cover) (may 2012) ISBN-13: 978-0446194235
BP Portrait Award 2012 – NPG Publications (2012) ISBN: 978 1855144569
500 Portraits - National Portrait Gallery - (2011) ISBN: 978 1 85514 448 4
BP Portrait Award 2011 – NPG Publications ISBN: 978 1 85514 449 1
Luxure Magazine Interview Feature – Spring 2010
Art of England Magazine Article – October 2009
Artists and illustrators Magazine – Interview – September 2009
BP Portrait Award 2009 – NPG Publications (2009) IBSN 9781855144033
Latest Art Article 2007
The Shropshire Magazine. Interview – July 2006
BP Portrait Award 2004 – NPG Publications (2004) IBSN 1 85514 3445
Television
BBC News Feature on NHS Portraits for NHS Heroes July 2020 - with Will Gomrich
Mary Jane appeared on CBBC’s Xchange programme, giving a live half hour portraiture master-class marking the National Gallery’s exhibition Making Faces. June 2004