I was asked to produce a series of paintings to go on permanent display in the Whittington Hospital site of UCLH medical school.

I met with some of the staff, consultants and the sub dean to discuss the project. We decided that it would be inspiring for the medical students to be surrounded by Medical Greats from history. We decided on 25 portraits, many of them relevant to the hospital site including Richard Whittington, whom the hospital was named after. For the corridor we decided on 9 paintings of viruses through the microscope- pertinent for the students learning but also colourful and almost abstract. For the common room, away from the student’s studies, I painted 3 views of London.

 

As I have worked in portraiture for a number of years I felt confident in producing the work. Organising myself to get it all finished on a tight time scale was very challenging. I had to schedule my timetable and produce a certain number each week to meet the dead line. This proved to be quite stressful, though as the date grew nearer I was well within the time needed.

 

I discussed with the ground staff at the hospital how I wanted the work displayed. I was pleased with the results.

 

An area in which I lack confidence is public speaking, and on the evening of the Art Launch at the Whittington  I was asked to say a few words about the work. I was very nervous but kept it brief and was very relieved when it was over.

 

Outcomes: This commission has taught me various skills. A very important skill is working to and keeping to a deadline. Also speaking publically about my work, keeping it to the point and speaking slowly. Another skill is communication- it was important that the hospital knew what they were going to get, and that the work lived up to their expectations. Also communicating with the ground staff- though I was happy with the results, I think it would be preferable if I had supervised the hanging of the work.