Antoniette Preston is an Australian artist and illustrator with an incredible gift for bringing her subjects to life through photo-realistic portraits. In this interview, she shares her journey as a self-taught artist, starting from her teenage years when she first discovered her passion for art and became a highly sought-after creator today. Antoniette looks inside at her creative process, love for detail, and the challenges and rewards of capturing a person’s essence on paper. She also reflects on the recognition she’s received like being featured in Ann Kullberg’s CP Treasures, and what she’s learned from experiences like being a finalist in the Southern Buoy Portrait Prize. Antoniette reveals how art has shaped her life and the lives of those she connects with. She also advises aspiring artists to accept mistakes, stay patient, and find joy in their creative journeys.

Antoniette Preston is a featured artist in our book “101 Art Book: Animal Edition .” You can explore her journey and the stories of other artists by purchasing the book here: https://shop.artstoheartsproject.com/products/the-creative-process-book

Antoniette Preston is an Australian Artist and Illustrator. 
 Self-taught Antoniette prides herself on capturing a likeness of her subject 
with close attention to detail. 
 She began illustrating at the age of 13, selling professionally by age 20 and has been perfecting her work in oil paint and pencil ever since. 
 She is in constant demand for commission and illustration work. Beyond her own artistic pursuits, Antoniette is dedicated to nurturing young talent. By offering tailored art classes for children, she imparts technical skills and shares insights gained from her artistic journey. Antoniette hopes her contributions to her community serve as an inspiration to aspiring young artists. Her pursuit of excellence, combined with sharing her knowledge, ensures that her legacy as both an artist and a mentor will endure for generations to come.


1. As a self-taught artist, You’ve developed a remarkable talent for photo-realistic portraiture. What motivated you to focus on this style?  

My motivation to focus on photo-realistic portraiture stems from my deep fascination with the human face and the emotions it can convey. As a self-taught artist, I’ve always been driven by the challenge of capturing light, texture, and expression that make a portrait feel alive. Additionally, I’ve always been drawn to the idea of making something like a portrait come to life on a two-dimensional surface. I feel satisfied in pushing myself to replicate reality as accurately as possible. I see each portrait as a way of honoring the person, capturing something of their essence that might otherwise be lost in time.

I’ve always been driven by the challenge of capturing light, texture, and expression that make a portrait feel alive.

Antoniette Preston

2. Capturing a subject’s likeness with such precision requires incredible detail. What’s your process for bringing your portraits to life?   

I pay close attention to the smallest details and how light falls on different surfaces. I begin by sketching out the shapes and proportions, marking in the shadows and highlights. Once the outline is laid, I gradually build layers of color, shading, and detail, working from light to dark, constantly adjusting and refining as I go. I tend to use three brands of pencils: Artist Derwent’s, Prismacolor, and Faber-Castell Polychromos. The combination of these pencils layer beautifully, I vary the pressure to create different tones and textures. Patience is key in this process!

3.   Being featured in Ann Kullberg CP Treasures multiple times is a huge accomplishment. How did it feel to gain this recognition for your work?    

Being featured in Ann Kullberg CP Treasures has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Seeing my work recognized by such a respected platform in the art community is humbling. As an artist, much of the journey is about personal growth and pushing boundaries, but to have that effort acknowledged by peers and experts in the field is truly validating. All the hours of practice and experimenting have led to something meaningful. Each feature has motivated me to continue challenging myself as an artist.

4.  Portraiture often involves connecting deeply with your subjects. What do you hope people feel when they see your portraits?   

When creating a portrait, I aim to capture not just the likeness of the person but the essence of who they are—their spirit, their story. I want viewers to feel a connection, a sense of familiarity, and empathy. I hope my portraits spark emotion and remind people of the beauty and complexity we encounter in our everyday lives.

5.  As a finalist in the Southern Buoy Portrait Prize, what did this experience teach you about yourself or your art? 

Being a finalist in the Southern Buoy Portrait Prize was an incredible experience that taught me much about myself, my art, and other artists. Entering this competition pushed me to elevate my work, refine my techniques, try new mediums, and step outside my comfort zone. On a deeper level, the experience taught me about the power of storytelling through portraiture. The submission was a personal portrait painting close to my heart. A portrait of my daughter, depicting her struggles and strengths. It reaffirmed my belief that a picture is not just about likeness; it’s about connection, narrative, and emotion.

I want viewers to feel a connection, a sense of familiarity, empathy. I hope my portraits spark an emotion and remind people of the beauty and complexity we encounter in our everyday lives.

Antoniette Preston

6.  What advice would you give aspiring artists looking to develop their skills, especially those self-taught like you? 

My advice to aspiring artists is to enjoy the journey! Art is a lifelong pursuit; there’s always something new to discover. Don’t worry about the mistakes – they’re often where the best lessons are taught, each mistake is an opportunity to learn. Also, be patient with yourself. As a self-taught artist, it can be tempting to compare yourself to others, but growth comes with consistent effort and time. Don’t hesitate to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. Also, seek out community. Engage with other artists, whether online or in person; they can provide valuable feedback, inspiration, and encouragement. Surround yourself with people who push you to grow.

Antoniette Preston’s story shows what can happen when you follow your passion and never stop learning. Through her art, she captures the beauty of human emotions and inspires others to do the same. Whether creating stunning portraits or teaching kids the joys of art, Antoniette’s dedication and love for what she does leave a lasting impression. To learn more about Antoniette Preston, click the following links to visit her profile.

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