Bowhill House - February 2020

I spent three beautiful days at Bowhill House where the Duke of Buccleuch sat for me so I could complete a life size study. This study forms the basis for a larger standing portrait, which being almost 8 feet tall is not easy to transport as the smaller study is.

Despite the cold frosty mornings, the light was bright, the coffee hot and His Grace the most perfect sitter one could wish for. We chatted a great deal and listened to Fidelio while I worked.

The studio with perfect Northern light at Bowhill House. Photograph taken during a break after a couple of hours of intense work, amiable conversation and the thrilling enjoyment of His Grace’s choice of music.

The studio with perfect Northern light at Bowhill House. Photograph taken during a break after a couple of hours of intense work, amiable conversation and the thrilling enjoyment of His Grace’s choice of music.

The Duchess inspecting the painting at the end of the last session and approving the likeness, to the artist’s great relief.

The Duchess inspecting the painting at the end of the last session and approving the likeness, to the artist’s great relief.