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.

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.