Having studied many Renaissance paintings in particular the work of Domenico Ghirlandaio...

I wanted to create a painting with an old world look about it…

I was very pleased to make the acquaintance of Mary K. as I could see just the sort of “regal”  look I was after.

In fact after I had asked her to pose for this work I learned that she does indeed have royal blood in her veins, and is a distant relation to Edward the III of England.

I was particularly interested in the colouring and the dress style in the Ghirlandaio painting entitled

“Portrait of a Girl”.

In order to complete the work I used and antique frame I had restored to give

the painting of  “Mary K’ the  right finish.