Custom Portraits by Hettie Rowley

Pets, People, and Special Moments

Thinking about commissioning a custom portrait for Christmas?

Portrait Commissions

I work mainly in soft pastel, watercolour, and gouache — each medium brings something different to a painting. Pastel gives rich depth and softness, watercolour has an easy, spontaneous flow, and gouache sits somewhere in between with its beautiful matte surface.Every portrait starts with a strong photo reference, but it never stays a copy for long.
 
Once I begin painting, I focus on light, tone, and presence — the things that make a face, or a gesture, feel real. I want the work to hold attention quietly, not shout for it.My portraits aren’t about perfection; they’re about character. I look for the honest, natural expression that tells you who someone is. The result should feel balanced, authentic, and alive — something that feels right every time you look at it.

Each piece is built carefully in layers, using professional artist materials made to last. I take time with every stage, from sketch to finish, so what you receive isn’t just a likeness, but a painting with its own quiet life.

If you’re thinking about commissioning a portrait — of a person, a pet, or a moment you’d like to keep — I’ll work with you to create something personal, considered, and made to stand the test of time.

About My Portraits:

Hettie Rowley in her studio in Newcastle NSW

Recent Commissions — People & Pets

Reviews

Amazing artist!! I got Hettie do two pieces and they are absolutely amazing!! Such an amazing experience from start to finish!! I would happily get Hettie to do more work in a heartbeat

Benjamin Croft

Hettie is the most amazing artist. I came to her with a picture, that was taken on an iPhone and not great quality and asked her to do a charcoal drawing of it. The finished product is incredible. She gave us a WIP update throughout the process to make sure we were happy and any constructive feedback we did have through this process was taken onboard. I am very happy and impressed with her work.

Anna Moore

Wonderful experience working with Hettie - very consultative and the end product was absolutely wonderful. Will use again and would happily recommend

Sameer Kassam

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