Robin Lee Hall: A Master of Egg Tempera and the Echoes of Legend

Robin Lee Hall (born 1962) stands as a singular figure in contemporary British portraiture, recognized for her unwavering dedication to the ancient medium of egg tempera and her profound connection to the enduring narratives of English folklore. Her artistic journey began with formal training at Central Saint Martins School of Art and Design and Kingston Polytechnic, culminating in a BA Honours degree in Fine Art – an education that instilled within her a meticulous approach to craft and a deep appreciation for tradition alongside innovation. Since 2004, Hall has pursued her artistic vocation with remarkable consistency, establishing herself as a prolific painter specializing in egg tempera portraits, a technique celebrated for its luminosity and longevity.

• Early Influences: Hall’s formative years were marked by exposure to the landscapes of Surrey and the broader cultural heritage of Britain. These surroundings fostered an interest in storytelling and visual representation that would later permeate her artistic practice.
• Royal Recognition: Her election as a Member of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters (RSPP) in 2008 represents a pinnacle of achievement, signifying acceptance into one of Britain’s most prestigious artistic institutions. This honor underscores Hall's commitment to upholding artistic excellence and engaging with the traditions of portraiture.
• The Ondaatje Prize: In 2010, Hall received the Ondaatje Prize for Portraiture and Gold Medal at the RSPP Annual Exhibition – a testament to her exceptional talent and contribution to the art world. The winning portrait, “Joy,” commissioned by Girton College Cambridge as part of ‘The People’s Portraits’ collection, exemplifies her ability to capture emotion and convey narrative depth within a single image.

Hall's artistic style is characterized by an extraordinary mastery of egg tempera painting—a technique dating back centuries that involves applying pigment mixed with yolk and albumen onto prepared gesso panels using brushes dipped in oil. This painstaking process demands patience, precision, and a profound understanding of color and texture. Unlike acrylic or oil paints, egg tempera resists cracking and yellowing over time, ensuring that Hall’s portraits retain their vibrancy and expressive power for generations to come. Her canvases are imbued with an ethereal glow—a result of the pigment's crystalline structure and its ability to fuse seamlessly with the gesso surface. This meticulous technique reflects a deliberate engagement with artistic history while simultaneously forging a distinctive visual language.

• Notable Exhibitions: Hall’s work has graced prominent galleries across Britain, including BP Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery and The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. These exhibitions provide invaluable opportunities for audiences to experience her captivating compositions firsthand.
• Collaborations: Her participation in Antony Gormley's ‘One and Other’ project—where she painted atop the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square—demonstrates Hall’s willingness to engage with public art and explore new creative horizons. This ambitious undertaking solidified her reputation as a visionary artist who transcends conventional boundaries.
• Teaching Roles: Hall serves as a lecturer at the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery, sharing her expertise and inspiring aspiring artists. Her commitment to artistic education underscores her belief in fostering creativity and cultivating appreciation for visual culture.

Beyond her technical prowess, Hall’s artistic vision is informed by a fascination with folklore—specifically the legend of Robin Hood. Like many British artists before her, she draws inspiration from tales of heroism, justice, and defiance against oppression. The enduring appeal of Robin Hood's narrative—his portrayal as a champion of the common people and his opposition to tyrannical authority—resonates deeply within Hall’s artistic sensibility. Her portraits often convey a sense of quiet dignity and resilience—qualities that mirror the spirit of the heroic outlaw whose story continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Through her unwavering dedication to egg tempera painting and her profound engagement with literary tradition, Robin Lee Hall has cemented her place as one of Britain's most distinguished portrait artists, ensuring that her legacy will endure for years to come.