This soulful portrait by British artist William Dennis Dring (1904-1990) depicts ‘Mary’ wearing a dark blue jumper and burgundy jacket. It was exhibited at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters and dates to 1963.

There’s a sense of movement in this piece - note the slightly open mouth, as if she’s about to talk, and the loose brushwork where her jacket meets the background.

Dring was a notable artist with several high-profile commissions including from the Royal Family. In 1972, he painted Charles III (when Prince of Wales) in his Flight Lieutenant uniform. In 1955, he was elected to the Royal Academy and his works are held in numerous public collections.

Signed, dated and framed.

Learn more about William Dennis Dring in our directory.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 21½” x 26” / 55cm x 66cm
Year of creation: 1963
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction highlight: £9,000 achieved for an oil painting in 1987.