Portrait of Stella Newton
- Artist: Tim Wheeler (Artists)born 1941
- Date: 1991
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Museum: The Courtauld Gallery
- Collection record: The Courtauld Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the “Portrait of Stella Newton” by Tim Wheeler, painted in 1991. The work is an oil on canvas that reveals the artist’s deft hand and a subtle sense of realism. Wheeler, born in 1941, had already established a reputation for capturing the quiet dignity of his subjects. In this portrait, Stella is positioned slightly off‑center, her gaze directed toward the viewer with a gentle, contemplative expression. The palette leans toward muted earth tones, punctuated by soft highlights that give the face a gentle luminosity. The brushwork is controlled, with fine, layered strokes that build texture without creating harsh lines. The background remains understated, allowing the figure to remain the focus of the composition. The overall effect is one of quiet intimacy, a snapshot of a moment that feels both personal and timeless. As a piece from the early ’90s, it reflects the era’s interest in a return to figurative painting, yet it retains a distinct sense of personal style that sets it apart. Whether you’re drawn to the subtle play of light or the calm presence of the sitter, this painting invites a close, thoughtful viewing.
See it in person
Portrait of Stella Newton hangs in The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House, London. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
