Ruby Read is a young British artist based in London, known for her bold and expressive oil portraits. Her work explores themes of identity, self-perception, and societal ideals, through richly textured oil on canvas. Specialising in modern portrait painting and figurative work, Ruby creates original contemporary art that is deeply personal yet widely resonant.

Working primarily in oil paint, Ruby’s process is as tactile as it is visual. She builds thick, sculptural layers across the canvas, applying colour with a raw, impasto intensity. These physical marks reflect her commitment to the materiality of painting, echoing the energy and influence of artists like Frank Auerbach and Emilio Villalba. Her practice stands out among emerging portrait artists for its honesty, emotional weight, and expressive energy.

Art for contemporary home interiors

Centred predominantly on self-portraiture and the human figure, Ruby’s oil paintings challenge romanticised ideals, offering a more grounded and introspective view of femininity and character. Drawing from vintage postcards, retro fashion, and the cinematic atmosphere of classic British cinema, her subjects often feel suspended between past and present; familiar yet slightly surreal. These themes lend themselves effortlessly to interiors that embrace both tradition and modernity, making her work ideal original art for contemporary home interiors.

Original oil paintings for sale online

Ruby’s artwork is available to purchase directly online, with a selection of figurative oil paintings and self portrait oil paintings for sale. Her expressive, layered technique and distinctive style make each painting a one of a kind investment in original contemporary art. If you're seeking to enrich your space with thought provoking, tactile works by an emerging British portrait artist, Ruby Read’s art offers a compelling, timeless presence.