I have painted Gillian previously. In this portrait, I wanted to capture her ageless beauty by depicting her long golden and silvery locks cascading softly over her shoulders, giving her a gentle and dignified presence. I rendered her skin with delicate transitions of light and shadow, emphasising the natural textures and lines of age. The necklaces with a cross and circular pendants add subtle personal detail. The blue‑purple fabric draped over the chaise lounge created an interesting juxtaposition against the green background.

During a break, Gillian mentioned that she had been admiring my hair. It made me smile… I had been admiring hers too!