Classically trained both at The Florence Academy of Art and The Repin Academy of Art St. Petersburg.
My story
Alexander Talbot Rice is an accomplished portrait painter who specialises in the classical techniques of the genre.
He learned these techniques through a rigorous apprenticeship, which included training at the prestigious Florence Academy of Art in Italy, as well as the State Repin Academy of Art in St Petersburg. These experiences have made him one of the very few artists in the world to have been classically trained at both institutions. Alexander's skill and expertise have earned him many accolades throughout his career, including an Honorary Professorship of Fine Art. His paintings include notable portraits of HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, which were featured in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery's "Great Britons Exhibition" in 2007. He has also received numerous commissions from other members of the Royal Family, business leaders, and leaders in the arts.
Portrait of an Artist
Filmed for Viking Cruises, these lectures convey first hand accounts of my journey as an artist, from my training in Florence and St Petersburg to drawing rooms of The Royal Family and tribal elders in Afghanistan.
1984-1989. Alexanders love for art began as a child and was fostered by a wonderfully eccentric art teacher named Mrs Rothery, at a very repressive and strict prep-boarding school in Sussex called Temple Grove. Aged thirteen Alexander gained the top Art Scholarship to Stowe School in Buckinghamshire.
1991-1995. Enters Durham University, gaining BA Hons in Politics Philosophy and History. On graduating decides to pursue a career in Fine Art by training in Italy.
Florence
1995-2000. Against his families will Alexander gained a scholarship to train as an artist in Florence at The Charles Cecil School and The Florence Academy. It is here he first hears about The Repin Academy of Fine Art in St Petersburg.
St Petersburg
2000-2002. Is one of the first Westerners to study at the Repin Academy, where he was able to combine 19th century Academic tradition, with techniques preserved in Russia, from the Dutch Renaissance, as well as Russian Impressionism.
Royal Commissions
2002-2007. Is commissioned to paint HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, HM The Queen which was exhibited at The National Portrait Gallery Washington in the 'Great Britons Exhibition'.
Afghanistan
2009-2014. Founds Art Scholarship initiative in Wales. Is made Hon Prof of The Repin Academy. Travels to Afghanistan and founds Afghan Rugby Federation where he finds perspective as a war artist, embed with The Welsh Guards and Yorkshire Regiment in Helmand Province. Paints Lady Thatcher and HH Pope Benedict XVI.
Russian Ballet
2014-2018. Artist in Residence at Stowe School.Paints in Russia from the Mariinsky Ballet for first London Exhibition “Making Dreams Reality”. Unveiling of equestrian painting for Hong Kong Jockey Club and second exhibition in London, supporting ‘Veteran’s Aid’.
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