Bio

Alan Mercer has devoted more than five decades to the art of portraiture, continually evolving his creative vision across drawing, painting, photography, and illustration.

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He began his career as a painter and sketch artist, with work endorsed by Andy Warhol. In 1997, Mercer shifted his focus to celebrity photography and, at a time when artists were only beginning to recognize the possibilities of the internet, launched a website to showcase his portraits. The gamble paid off. Oscar-winning director James Moll discovered Mercer's work online and commissioned him to create a portrait for the DVD release of The Last Days. That opportunity led to a remarkable project bringing together Steven Spielberg and six other distinguished international directors for a group portrait.

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Over the years, Mercer has photographed prominent figures from the worlds of music, film and television. His work has appeared on magazine, book and album covers, as well as in television documentaries, advertising and billboards.

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After relocating to Texas in 2013, Mercer turned his attention to the state's rich musical culture, photographing many of its most popular and respected performers while continuing his portrait work.

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Today marks another evolution in his career—and, in many ways, a return to where it began. Inspired by the creative possibilities of new technology, Mercer has returned to illustration with renewed passion, combining decades of experience in portraiture, photography, composition and design with an expanding range of contemporary techniques.

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This website presents that new body of work: a diverse collection of portrait and design illustrations spanning numerous visual styles and subjects, along with original wall art created for the home. After more than 50 years, the portrait remains at the center of Alan Mercer's work—only the tools and possibilities have changed.