Brady Brim-DeForest of balvaird castle

For many years I’ve driven past Balvaird Castle in Perthshire and felt drawn by its imposing outline, crowning a hill and framed by Scotland's glorious and changeable clouds. Little did I know that a few years ago my studio would be so close to the castle. It was especially during the Covid-19 Pandemic, that weekly walks with my son around Balvaird Castle became a regular and most welcoming distraction.

What a privilege it was when I finally met the Baron of Balvaird, Brady Brim-DeForest, and was commissioned to paint his portrait from life. Brady is a modern Lorenzo de Medici, a magnificent patron who supports many artists and craftsmen like me. Our devoted work can thrive through his encouragement of classic painting, heraldry and anything antiquarian. Each time he came to the studio it was a gift.

Some sketches showing my ideas for the painting.

Second sitting

Indeed, the greatest gift of painting this portrait was getting to know The Man himself, a most wonderful man who welcomed me into his life and offered me his friendship and support in a way often rare today. My gratitude is immense.

The portrait tells the story of two remarkable friends: the Castle and its caring custodian. As I contemplate it, somehow I can’t explain how it came to be, although I made it, inch by inch by the gentle strokes of my brush. Each painting acquires a life of its own, it grows and matures and it whispers to me.

In particular, this unique portrait takes me up the hill and around the castle. I can hear the wind whistling through the gate and tower, making the grass and trees dance, bringing me the infectious laughter of my patron, his smile and the memory of happy times in his company.

The Chief

I was delighted to be able to continue painting this portrait from life and very honoured indeed to receive in my studio the Chief of our ancient family. Here are some images of our recent sitting with His Grace The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, Chief of Clan Scott and associated families.

This session was originally planned for September 2022, during the week in which HM Queen Elizabeth died. As the Duke played a very active role in the arrangements for the royal funeral, our sitting was postponed. During his visit to my studio I found it very sobering to hear about the tremendous collaboration required to mark such a poignant funeral.

Painting from life

Finally, I am able to paint from life again! Of course, a painter’s brush is never dry and during this “lock-down” period I have painted portraits from life, but much limited to self portraits and those of close family. I also undertook some heraldic commissions and had much fun sketching outdoors.

I focused on doing as much as I could for portrait commissions by referring to preparatory drawings, oil studies and background photographs. However, what a joy to paint from life again.

This beautiful portrait is very much a Kit-Cat format and by far the most heraldic portrait I’ve worked on, and quite rightly so. With my model being the first female herald, deputy Lord Lyon and Secretary to the Most Ancient and Noble Order of the Thistle.

The background features part of the Thistle Chapel in Edinburgh with its magnificent stall plates. The bespoke frame that I designed includes delicate thistles and the Arms of Mrs Roads, which I cast and painted by hand as a cartouche at the top of the splendid ornate frame.

As the oil paint cures, I reflect on how much I have learned about heraldry and the wonderfully rich life of my sitter. I look forward to being able to show the finished piece after it is unveiled in a few months time.

Mrs Roads preparing for the sitting.

A spirited life

“A spirited life” by Mark Jennings, Whisky Magazine Number 168.  Inspiring article about Sir Geoff Palmer OBE featuring the Artist’s portrait.

Link : https://whiskymag.com/story/a-spirited-life

Reflections on 2020

What a poignant year 2020 has been. Nobody could have imagined the effects of a global pandemic.

At times like this, while we share similar uncertainties, perhaps some anxiety for and sympathy with those suffering, I focus on the present, which is a gift from God. I have seen nature renew itself in an awe inspiring way, inexorably thriving. What a wonderful home our Earth is! A unique planet, created with the marvellous capacity to cleanse itself.

I have enjoyed the enforced slowness, composing myself with delicious moments of solitude and reflection, observing and hearing more. I have been more mindful, drawing closer to my family, my community and also volunteering to give comfort, support and conserve our stunning natural environment.

As the year progressed I even sat for myself, to paint a self-portrait. I had not done that for a long, long time.

While my last sitting took place early in March, I was grateful that all my drawings, life studies and few photographs I had taken have allowed me to keep painting and creating.

My last sitter, Mrs Elizabeth Roads LVO, Secretary to the Most Ancient and Noble Order of the Thistle and Snawdoun Herald, invigorated my interest in the colourful art and science of heraldry. As I work on her portrait, I explore new ways to incorporate heraldry in the composition and I remember the insightful conversations we had the few times she sat for me. I treasure those moments engaged in conversation with people of extraordinary experience and I am grateful for all I have been able to learn from them.

Sketching Mrs Elizabeth Roads LVO

The portrait of Mrs Roads began with a head study painted from life and then a smaller study of the final painting, which helped me decide the composition. The face and main elements were put in place during our last sitting in March so I all is in place for me to continue my work alone in the studio.

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

Study at Bowhill House

This year the artist began preparations for a large scale full size standing portrait of His Grace the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry.

But it all begins small with a study of the head painted quickly from life. The duke sat for the study this September at Bowhill House in the beautiful Scottish Borders.

Setting things up.

The completed sketch after about two hours of work.