Mary Jane Ansell is an internationally celebrated British painter known for her exquisite figurative works that fuse classical techniques with contemporary narratives. She has been a four-time finalist in the prestigious BP Portrait Award (2004, 2009, 2010, and 2012) and her work has been exhibited in prominent exhibitions such as the Royal Society of Portrait Painters Annual Exhibition and The Threadneedle Prize.
Her paintings have been showcased worldwide, including recent exhibitions in London, New York, Los Angeles, and Singapore. Ansell’s works are held in private and public collections, including the National Portrait Gallery (UK), Brighton and Hove Museums, and the Joe Lewis Collection. In 2017, she was named one of the “Top 100 Figurative Painters Working Right Now” by BuzzFeed. Her art has graced the covers of magazines like American Art Collector and New York Times bestselling novels, as well as Adam Ant’s album Adam Ant is The BlueBlack Hussar In Marrying The Gunner's Daughter.
Ansell’s work is deeply influenced by narratives that capture fleeting moments imbued with drama and mystery. She draws from a wide range of inspirations—classical portraiture, haute couture, personal memories, and contemporary socio-political issues—collaborating with her sitters to develop characters that feel both timeless and modern.
After 25 years living by the sea in Brighton, UK, Ansell and her partner, Richard, recently relocated to the picturesque Welsh borders near Snowdonia. This new environment, rich with ancient legends and dramatic landscapes, continues to inspire her practice.
Arcadia Contemporary presented "Love’s Bright Armour," Ansell’s third solo exhibition, showcasing 18 new works that explore themes of resilience, protection, and female strength. Highlights included the “Lover’s Eyes” series and the title work "Love’s Bright Armour I," which was recently acquired by the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. in 2025 Ansell’s work will be featured in the upcoming "25th Anniversary" Exhibition opening in April 2025.
Public and Museum Collections
- National Portrait Gallery - UK
- Brighton Museum of Art - UK
- Fort Wayne Museum of Art - U.S.
- New Salem Museum of Art - U.S.