It was the annual Portrait Painter in Action Day at the Victorian Artists Society, a lively and energetic event and the rooms were filled with talented artists demonstrating their artistry.

I found a corner to paint the lovely Temitope. She caught my eye the moment she walked into the room; her stance and presence had the quiet authority of a stateswoman. Later, she told me she was related to royalty in Nigeria, which made perfect sense! Her pink dress and black beaded necklace were stunning, and that necklace, oh! That necklace!