07/12/2025
I’m so excited to share my latest paintings with you all.
This month’s art theme was “look closer” — and I couldn’t think of anything more meaningful to focus on than my beautiful great-niece Margot.
I chose to paint three moments of her little life:
1️⃣ A content baby full of light.
2️⃣ A laughing and happy portrait where, if you look closely, you can just see her hearing aid tubes.
3️⃣ And finally, a peaceful painting of her fast asleep on her side, where her hearing aid is clearly visible.
Margot and her twin sister, Lowenna, were born prematurely. Lowenna is thriving, and Margot — despite facing a few extra challenges — is doing amazingly well too. She’s deaf, and in those early days she also had an intraventricular haemorrhage which didn’t drain on its own, leaving a small lump where she needed surgery and several procedures.
But now? The twins are 11 months old, full of personality, and absolutely gorgeous girls. 💕
When I gave these paintings to their mum, my niece Laura, she cried — in the best way.
These pieces were some of my most challenging yet. Not only was I determined to capture a good likeness, but I also pushed myself to try something new with looser, braver brushstrokes in the background. Portraits are never easy — skin tones are tricky enough, and babies have no lines or wrinkles to guide you! But I’m really pleased with how they turned out.
I hope you “look closer” and feel some of the love and strength behind these little faces.
