Aida is both an artist and a life model. She has such a bubbly, animated personality that asking her to sit still for us hardly showcases her best qualities. It was also the first time I painted a model with parted lips—she later confessed that her nose was blocked and she had to breathe through her mouth.

I used my signature impasto style to emphasise Aida’s eyes and lips. I loved how she colour‑matched her earrings with her green high‑neck jumper, and the vibrant orange colour in the earrings created a striking contrast.

Aida has an extraordinary depth in her eyes, as though they echo the ancient history and culture of Persia. I’ve always wanted to develop this painting into a larger work. When I met Aida, her beautiful country was already embroiled in internal and international conflicts—sadly, these continue a year later.

Study of Aida