Biography

Louise Pragnell’s portraits are renowned for their depth, precision and ability to capture the essence of her subjects.  Her commissions range from individual portraits of notable public figures, to large-scale group portraits that have garnered widespread recognition, establishing her as one of the UK’s leading contemporary portrait artists.

On 28th January 2025, Pragnell unveiled her 2.5 metre painting of Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, commissioned by the Saddlers Livery Company in the presence of HRH. Other recent portraits of public figures include personality Jeremy Clarkson, and British politician William Hague.

Combining classical techniques with a modern sensibility, Pragnell’s oil on canvas paintings balance historical artistry with contemporary relevance.

Pragnell studied MA Fine Art at Edinburgh University and Edinburgh College of Art, graduating with a Distinction in painting, and was awarded the Andrew Grant Bequest scholarship. She then completed her classical training in Italy, at the Florence Academy and then at Rebecca Harp’s portrait atelier, Piazza della Republica.

 

For almost 20 years Louise has worked as a portrait artist, working from live sittings in oil on canvas. She has twice exhibited portraits in the BP Award Exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. One of these paintings ‘The Murdering Misguided Queen Cassandra’ was acquired by the Groucho club to join their renowned collection of British contemporary art.

 

Louise has undertaken a number of military commissions, including her portrait of His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, which hangs in the Cavalry and Guards Club.   She has also painted the Chief of Defence Staff, General Sir Nicholas Houghton, and the former Chief of General Staff, General Sir Peter Wall and General Sir Jim Hockenhull Commander of Strategic Command.

 

Louise has completed a number of large-scale group portrait commissions.  Her three-metre long portrait of 32 Irish Guards Officers, was presented to Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales on St. Patrick’s day 2023. Previously HRH the Princess Royal unveiled a large group portrait of 25 officers of the Household Cavalry, at the Trooping of the Colour. The painting hangs in Knightsbridge Barracks.