This oil painting of Haneen, who worked in the front line COVID ward in Oxford, is part of the "Healthcare Heroes" exhibition, an incredible series of portraits painted to celebrate the staff, caregivers and role art played during the COVID-19 crisis. When asked, Haneen said, "I have to say I'm normally not someone who likes having even photos of me taken, I'm often the one taking the photos and making sure others shine. But in years from now, something like this portrait will act as a strong reminder for me and my children. The painting is amazing, I am thankful for Martin for taking the time and effort to take on the project. I have to say I’m very proud to be part of this." The artist, Martin Southam, said about the portrait, "I was honored to take part in the project. Haneen wanted to show herself in PPE to remember the difficulties during this time. We decided on just the respiratory mask as I really wanted to capture her eyes as she is an ophthalmologist. The painting was carried out over several weeks using oils on a canvas board." The exhibition was part of the "Paintings in Hospitals" national charity dedicated to using world-class art to highlight the heroes behind the mask and inspire better mental and physical wellbeing for people in the UK. Founded in 1959, the "Paintings in Hospitals" art collection holds over 4,000 artworks. Haneen is wearing a face mask with clear contours exposing the shape of the nose and mouth underneath. The straps of the mask are covered by her blue headscarf draped carefully around her head and neck, with folds and shadows giving it depth; however the valve on the cream-colore mask stands out as a functional element. Her eyes are the most expressive part of the portrait. We can see the shape of the pupils, the fine lines around the eyes, and the overall intensity of her gaze. Haneen's gaze indicates the gravity of the situation as well as her strength, resilience, and a readiness to face the challenge.
Haneen by Martin Southam (English) - Oil on canvas / 2020 - Paintings in Hospitals (London, United Kingdom) #womeninart #oilpainting #art #womensart #portrait #healthcare #fineart #nhs #hospitals #MartinSoutham #COVID-19 #doctor #nurse #PaintingsInHospitals #service #portraitofawoman #oiloncanvas