Alexandra Connor

For a number of years I studied the techniques of the Old Masters, learning skills used since the 15th Century. Many of my portraits have an under painting of egg tempera to give an added luminosity before I apply oil colour and glazes.

Last year I was invited to Russia to paint and completed three portraits, which are now hanging in the National Museum of Kashakstan.

The late Pietro Annigoni believed in my work. A quote from one of his many letters has always inspired me: "It is incredible what you have achieved. Go ahead, and work hard!"

I've exhibited in Aspreys, Bond Street; the Stephen Bartley Gallery, Chelsea; had a one woman show at the Marina Henderson Gallery, Chelsea; completed a series of portraits for a season at the Royal Shakespeare Company, which were exhibited in the RSC Gallery; and a one woman show at the Richmond Gallery, Cork Street, London.

I was invited to be included in Debrett's listing of Prominent People, in 2004.
This was awarded to me for my work as an artist and art historian.
Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (2004)
I was nominated to become a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in London in 2004.

My work has been collected in Europe, USA, and Japan, it has also been featured on TV, where I wa...

Harrogate Ladies College, Harrogate, Yorkshire.

Invited to Kazakhstan for two weeks to paint portraits and display my work. Painted three portraits, now exhibited in the National Museum.

One Man Show
Venue: Richmond Gallery, Cork Street

Exhibition of works from the Season at the RSC
Venue: ROYAL SHAKESPEARE GALLERY, Stratford on Avon, Stratford on Avon
These were a selection of portraits and paintings I was asked to do by the Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford on Avon. I painted Anthony Sher, Frank Middlemass, Kenneth Branagh and Brian Blessed, amongst others.

The paintings were exhibited in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre Gallery, and also in London in various other galleries.

Commedia dell'arte - one woman show
Venue: Marina Henderson Gallery, Chelsea, London
Solo exhibition set around the Commedia dell'arte, its stories and its characters.

Using my knowledge as an art historian and painter, I have written several books. Some of the thrillers I have also illustrated.

THE REMBRANDT SECRET
THE HOGARTH CONSPIRACY
THE GOYA ENIGMA
This was my thriller in which I recreated Goya's Black Paintings. The book was published by Quercus Publishers in 2014 and published in USA, France, Spain and Russia.
I also created - and sold - a composite painting of The Black Paintings, which ma...