Welcome to the website of
contemporary portrait artist
Marcus Callum
Marcus Callum, is a gifted portrait artist, skilled in creating stunning portrait paintings in oils from photographs or real-life subjects. Celebrate a distinguished career or pay tribute to a cherished loved one with a portrait commission. As a classically trained artist, Marcus specialises in crafting individual, family, and professional portraits.
LUMINOUS REALISM IN CONTEMPORARY PORTRAITURE
Experience the captivating fusion of traditional academic painting and contemporary themes with Marcus Callum, a distinguished, multi award winning portrait artist known for his attention to detail and personalised approach. With decades of experience and a lifelong passion for his craft, Marcus specialises in creating original artwork, including custom portraits from photos, that carefully align with each client's unique vision. His portfolio ranges from family portraits to professional corporate portraits, each piece demonstrating a dedication to excellence and artistry.
Employing meticulous 'Old Master' inspired painting techniques that span from hours to several months, Marcus crafts visually stunning masterpieces that exude emotional depth and energy. Immerse yourself in his unique artistic vision.
As Marcus says, "My portraits are not only a likeness but a history of moments fused into one image, a history of feelings in response to the subject."
PORTRAIT COMMISSIONS
Embark on a creative journey with Marcus who will be happy to guide you through the exciting process of commissioning a portrait and creating your own unique masterpiece. Marcus is always available to answer any questions about the process or pricing, just get in touch:
It all starts with a quick chat to understand more about your vision. Marcus prefers to paint from his own photos and references so live sittings are entirely optional. Marcus will then provide a precise quote, and with a deposit, he'll be ready to set things in motion. In approximately eight to ten weeks, your masterpiece will be ready, and throughout this period, Marcus will keep you updated.
You'll get photos and videos of your portrait for approval, and Marcus will request final payment when you're delighted with the outcome.
Once the painting has dried, Marcus will ship it directly to your doorstep. Be ready for the emotional rollercoaster that comes with unveiling your portrait! And if you love the painting (we're sure you will), Marcus can create another masterpiece for you, or even replicate the original.
Commissioning a portrait artist might seem overwhelming, but with Marcus, it's a delightful experience. Marcus is a distinguished portrait artist with impressive skills and a passion for creating something truly extraordinary. Whether you're instantly drawn to his work or need expert advice, Marcus is here to ensure you get exactly what you want, without any stress.
It's not solely about the final piece. The journey of commissioning a portrait can be a deeply enriching and satisfying experience. By working closely with Marcus, you're given the chance to share and develop your vision for the painting, guaranteeing that the completed work is not only unique but also a true reflection of your family.
Marcus is excited to start this creative journey with you, ensuring that your commission will deliver a stunning result. Throughout the process, he'll keep you updated and answer any questions. So, why wait? Commission a portrait today and let Marcus help you create a masterpiece that you'll cherish for years to come.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
“Marcus Callum’s painting has an arresting luminosity that matches the sensitivity of the treatment of his subject; a virtuosic demonstration of contemporary realist portrait painting.”
Dr Andrew Frost, Shirley Hannan National Portrait Award 2018 judge on Marcus's winning portrait | Art Guide Australia | October 29, 2018
"National Portrait Gallery senior curator Dr Christopher Chapman described “Wrecking Ball” as a “compelling example of the possibilities of contemporary portraiture. While the sitter is outwardly recognisable, at the same time the portrait gives a very strong sense of a resourceful inner life and the sense of flux that characterizes selfhood. The artwork has been filtered and processed in a particularly inventive way. A very deliberate sense of perfected craft."
Nicholas Forrest | BLOUINARTINFO | October 02, 2015
"Marcus Callum is an exciting addition to Trinity College's significant art collection... a multiple finalist in the renowned national Archibald Prize; an achievement that has assured his position as one of Australia's leading contemporary figurative realist artists."
Campbell Bearstow, Dean, Trinity College | University of Melbourne
"I would also single out Marcus Callum's work... virtually as good as anything that might have come out from the Parisian Ecole des Beaux-Arts under the tutelage of David or Ingres."
Eugene Barilo von Reisberg 2013 | Charles Nodrum Gallery, Director BvR Arts Management
WHY COMMISSION A PORTRAIT ARTIST?
Are you considering a unique and touching way to remember your family and close ones? Look no further than a family portrait by Marcus Callum, an artist acclaimed for his portrait work. Owning a family portrait, particularly one created by an artist as renowned as Marcus, provides a unique sense of fulfilment. A commissioned portrait painting can eternalise a significant moment in time and create a keepsake for the future.
Oil paintings, with their enduring and timeless appeal, have been a favoured medium for portraits. They offer more than a snapshot; they portray an entire period of someone's life. A family portrait, in particular, is a tangible celebration of your loved ones and as a treasured work of art, it can constantly remind you of the familial bond.
There's a myriad of reasons to commission a portrait artist. Perhaps to immortalise a special phase in a child's life, to honour a loved one's achievements, or maybe to mark life's milestones such as a wedding, an anniversary or a birthday. A portrait painting is an enduring tribute to such moments, cherished for a lifetime.
A portrait painting by Marcus Callum delves beyond surface appearances and captures the essence of an individual, memorable achievements, passions, and unique personality traits. Such a piece of art becomes a valued heirloom, passed down through generations.
Investing in an oil portrait painting guarantees that it will retain its original charm for centuries to come, creating a lasting legacy. Both families and corporations have turned to portrait artists to create paintings that commemorate significant events, celebrate achievements, or express sincere appreciation for an individual.
ABOUT PORTRAIT ARTIST MARCUS CALLUM
Marcus's portraits stand out for their psychological insight, intricate detail, subtle colour transitions and skilled use of light. His acute eye for detail sharpened over many years of practice, has earned him a place among the top portrait artists in the field. He produces elegant, enduring paintings that accurately capture the essence and likeness of your loved ones.
Marcus began his classical training in 2008 winning a scholarship at the esteemed Julian Ashton Art School in Sydney. With several major portrait commissions already under his belt, Marcus was nominated as a finalist in the prestigious Archibald Prize, Australia's highest honour in portrait art, for three consecutive years. This period of enrichment and growth provided Marcus with invaluable skills and set him on a path to emulate the revered Masters whose work inspires him, such as Sargent, Velasquez, Vermeer, and Rembrandt.
In 2015, Marcus received a major scholarship to the world-renowned New York Academy of Art. He won Australia's third most lucrative portrait competition, the Black Swan Portrait Prize (now the Lester Prize), in 2015 and in 2018, he secured the Shirley Hannan National Portrait Prize, Australia's leading award for realistic portraiture. Currently working out of the UK, Marcus continues to refine his abilities, evolving into a portrait artist who can not only perfectly capture physical likenesses but can also reach deep into the soul of his subjects. His work seizes fleeting moments, leaving behind a legacy for future generations. Marcus has perfected the art of creating oil portrait paintings from photographs, including posthumous portraits, capturing their personality and essence as if he had known them for a lifetime.
If you are searching for a tailor-made, unique portrait crafted by a seasoned and professional artist, Marcus is your ideal choice. His sharp eye for detail and distinct artistic style ensures that his portraits are timeless pieces of art to be treasured for years to come.