Raissis, Aris
Studio 3a, Delta House Studios
Figurative, portrait painter and teacher in traditional painting techniques on a one-to-one basis with over 35 years experience.
Aris Raissis was born in Cairo in 1962, and is of Greek origin. He studied at The Chelsea School of Fine Art followed by the Byam Shaw School of Art, graduating in 1985.
During his studies Aris developed a focus on figurative painting, portraiture and still life subjects, and which continues to inspire his work today. Referencing artists such as Van Dyke and Rembrandt, Aris’s consistent aim is to apply the techniques of the Old Masters, whilst addressing contemporary subject matter. Working in oil as well as charcoal and pastel as media, Aris’s work as a whole is underpinned by a continuing fascination for expressionism and realism, as ever evident in his sensitive portrait interpretations.
Aris’s work has been exhibited in numerous prestigious contexts, including at The Royal Society of Portrait Painters (1986) and with a number of renowned London galleries. He was also selected as one of the nine members of The British Federation of the Old Masters’ Society (1994). Aris’s high-profile commissions include a portrait of HRH Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia (1995). In 2018, Aris was commissioned by All Souls College University of Oxford to paint the portrait of Professor Abrahams (the first black Professor to be accepted at the college in 1959). The painting hangs permanently in the College dining hall among other dignitaries. In 2020, President John Kufuor (former President of Ghana), commissioned Aris to paint his portrait so that it would be presented to the Exeter College University of Oxford where he had studied for a certain period.
Aris works mostly upon commission and his paintings and drawings can be found in reputable collections throughout the world, including in Mexico, USA, Egypt, Italy, Spain and the UK.
Contact for lessons or commissions: Mobile: +44 (0)7956312708
Represented by Gladwell Patterson Gallery
