Mona

Artist's Commentary

“Mona belongs to a neighbour who lives just down the road from us. I was commissioned to paint her portrait, although at the time I had only a small photograph to work from, and I hadn't actually met her!

I wanted to concentrate on her lovely green eyes and those distinctive black-and-white markings. The bright blue background seemed a natural choice, giving the portrait a little extra colour while allowing Mona herself to take centre stage.

It was only after I'd finished the painting that I finally got to meet her in person. And what a charming little character she turned out to be!

I still see her occasionally when she decides to pay us a visit in the garden. It's rather nice to think that one of my former portrait subjects sometimes drops by to say hello.”

— Ramsay Allan