New · Portrait of a Dog Competition 2027 · Now open for entries · Submit your entry by 5 January 2027 · Enter now →
Pen-and-ink portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus, Portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus 2021
Child’s portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus, Portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus 2021

Unleashing the creative talent of children

Portrait-painting programmes and competitions for children aged five to sixteen, founded by the portrait artist Basia Hamilton.

New New in the Collection

Art Masterclasses in China

This October, Basia Hamilton led art masterclasses in Chongqing and Changsha, where young artists created portraits of Confucius. Explore the gallery to see their work and the masterclasses in pictures.

The group gathered at the masterclass, BeeMee Art Masterclass in Changsha 2026
HRH The Duke of Kent

Under the patronage of

HRH The Duke of Kent

The Portrait Foundation is honoured to count His Royal Highness among its patrons, in support of our work unleashing the creative talent of children.

Open for entries

Painting the people they love

Established in 2019 by world famous portrait artist Basia Hamilton, the Portrait Foundation is dedicated to unleashing the creative talent of children. This is achieved through art, working with schools across the world. The Portrait Foundation runs extensive programmes and competitions to engage children in painting.

The key programme is a range of events where children are tutored to paint a portrait of their mother. Mothers are the unsung heroes of humanity, and are goddesses in their children’s eyes.

Our Story

Child’s portrait of their family, Portrait of the Family 2019

Portrait of the Family

2019 · London

Walk the gallery

A long wall of the children’s portraits. Scroll along it, or open any work to see it close.

  • Child’s portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II, Diamond Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II Portrait Competition 2016
    View larger

    Diamond Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II Portrait Competition

    2016

  • Child’s portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus, Portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus 2021
    View larger

    Portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus

    2021 · London

  • Child’s portrait of their family, Portrait of the Family 2019
    View larger

    Portrait of the Family

    2019 · London

  • Child’s portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II, Diamond Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II Portrait Competition 2016
    View larger

    Diamond Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II Portrait Competition

    2016

  • Child’s portrait of their mother, Portrait of Mother 2018
    View larger

    Portrait of Mother

    2018 · Poland

  • Child’s abstract pastel drawing, Portraits Foundation 2020
    View larger

    Portraits Foundation

    2020

  • Child’s portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus, Portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus 2021
    View larger

    Portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus

    2021 · London

  • Child’s portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II, Diamond Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II Portrait Competition 2016
    View larger

    Diamond Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II Portrait Competition

    2016

  • Child’s portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus, Portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus 2021
    View larger

    Portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus

    2021 · London

  • Child’s portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus, Portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus 2021
    View larger

    Portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus

    2021 · London

  • A finalist’s portrait of their mother, Portrait of Mother London 2026
    View larger

    Portrait of Mother London 2026

  • Portrait of a mother by Łucja Słoninka, age 9, Portrait of Mother Scotland 2026
    View larger

    Portrait of Mother Scotland 2026

    Łucja Słoninka, age 9

  • Child’s portrait of their mother, Portrait of Mother 2018
    View larger

    Portrait of Mother

    2018 · Poland

  • Child’s portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus, Portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus 2021
    View larger

    Portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus

    2021 · London

  • Portrait of a mother by Alicja Dzienniak, age 8, Portrait of Mother Scotland 2026
    View larger

    Portrait of Mother Scotland 2026

    Alicja Dzienniak, age 8

Our Sponsors and Partners

  • The National Gallery
  • Basia Hamilton
  • British Poles UK
  • Tydzień Polski
  • Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków
  • Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk
  • Embassy of the Republic of Poland in London
  • The Royal Castle in Warsaw
  • Lubomirski Castle in Lubniewice
  • Muzeum – Zamek w Łańcucie
  • Captain Cake