About

Matt Murphy (b. Brighton, UK, 1977) is a professional artist specialising in watercolours, oils and acrylics. He is best known for his unique abstract portraits, created through a modern, non‑traditional approach.

With decades of experience, Matt has exhibited in London and across the UK, and his work has been featured in art magazines and podcasts. He has been a judge for Sussex Portrait Artist of the Year and has completed commissions for clients around the world.

Driven by a lifelong passion for painting, Matt is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and methods so that others can discover the joy of creating art for themselves.

To see his latest work and behind-the-scenes process, follow him on Instagram.

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Recent work

Watercolour, oil and acrylic portraits from the studio.

  • Portrait painting by Matt Murphy
  • Portrait painting by Matt Murphy
  • Portrait painting by Matt Murphy
  • Portrait painting by Matt Murphy
  • Portrait painting by Matt Murphy
  • Portrait painting by Matt Murphy
  • Portrait painting by Matt Murphy
  • Portrait painting by Matt Murphy
  • Portrait painting by Matt Murphy
  • Portrait painting by Matt Murphy
  • Portrait painting by Matt Murphy
  • Portrait painting by Matt Murphy
  • Portrait painting by Matt Murphy
  • Portrait painting by Matt Murphy

Learn my method

Four online video courses, each built around the same simple 9-step process. Study at home, at your own pace.

Let customers speak for us

from 137 reviews

Thank you, I feel empowered to paint portraits - no longer paralysed by doubt

Alice Langtree
something new

the instructions give a new way of painting a portrait.

Therese Cruz
Wonderful

I love your 9-step method, it is very interesting. I have applied it in several portraits as you can see on my Instagram profile. Thank you very much for sharing your method
@alfonsocaballero_watercolor

Alfonso Caballero
Awesome!

I really loved this course. For me it was the perfect amount of straight forward information. It was great to watch the process from start to finish. It was a really inspiring course. Well done. Thanks for sharing!

Julie Hoffman
Love it

Matt’s demo’s are very clear and easy to follow. This was fun and exciting class. A++

kelly reemtsen
A Different Approach

I loved Matt’s “reverse” process for this course. I applied it to a portrait and it turned out pretty good. Looked nothing like Matt’s but I was seriously into it when I was far along. I will definitely try again and adjust the things that were “off” with my first attempt. Just wish I could think like Matt. But alas, I think like me.

Constance Wolfe

Very informative and easy to follow. Thank you Matt!

Alan
Great course to break out of traditional approach to painting

This course got me to use a different palette than the one I was accustomed to and build the structure of the face in an abstract yet sculptural manner by adjusting the colors of the shading. It also got me to work from light to dark and made me see the construct from a fresh perspective. Highly recommended for beginners but especially for painters looking to break out of a rut!

Penny Georgionis
Oils made easier!

This is a brilliant course really made things easier when using oils.
I always thought oils was a difficult medium to use but it really isn’t.
Thanks Matt!

Vikki H
Course is great!

Really good course thoroughly enjoyed it.
Lots of great points and information given by matt.
Well worth the money.

Dora P
Exactly What I Needed

I liked this fresh, minimalist and simple approach to watercolors.

Joanna V.
You wont be disapointed!

Really really good course!
To the point and straighforward.
Highly recommend!

j.
Helpful course

Thanks Matt for a really helpful course.
Made me re think how to aproach a painting making things easier.
Give it a go.

C.
Opened my eyes to using oils

I’ve always used acrylics to paint with and been a bit scared to use oils. I thought I would give this course a go and it really settled my fears about using this medium.
Highly recommend!

P.A.
Good course!

Really good course if you want to learn a slightly different approach compared to other courses.
I found it easy to follow Matt’s guidance.

marcelo h.