Watercolour Portraits · Sydney

Anthea
Messmer

Original, handmade portraits of people and pets — rendered in watercolour and watercolour pencil, in a generation that has nearly forgotten how.

Commission a Portrait
Watercolour portrait of a grey British Shorthair cat with striking yellow eyes, by Anthea Messmer British Shorthair · 2026
Anthea Messmer, watercolour portrait artist based in Sydney
About the Artist

A thread pulled through every place I've lived.

Growing up across Tasmania and Switzerland, art and culture have played a significant role in how I take in the world. From an early age, I learnt to anchor myself through creative expression. Sketching scenes and painting portraits has become the thread that pulls all the experiences of my life together.

Now based in Sydney, I focus on portraits and portraits of pets. I have an illustrative technique, using watercolours and watercolour pencils. In this generation of AI and forever-progressing technology, it is my mission to create and stand by the value of original, handmade art.

It's important to me to hear your personalised request. Get in touch to order or discuss a commission.

— Anthea
Commission a Portrait

Each piece begins with a conversation.

Every commission is shaped around you. Share a photo, tell me about your subject, and I'll translate them onto paper in watercolour — a piece made to be kept.

01

Get in touch

Send a message with a little about your subject and what you have in mind.

02

Share your photos

The clearer the reference, the better. We'll choose one together.

03

Approve the sketch

I begin with a sketch for your approval before committing to colour.

04

Receive your piece

Your original, carefully packaged and posted to your door.

Start a Commission
Get in Touch

Let's begin.

I'd love to hear about your subject — whether you're after a portrait of a loved one, a pet, or both together. Write a little about them, and I'll be in touch.