I joined Tom Croft’s #nhsportraitsforheroes initiative and painted a portrait in oils for free. This is to express my thanks and gratitude to NHS heroic frontline key workers.
Dr Rukhsana Salim
NHS heroine Dr Rukhsana Salim, clinical lead and mother of two beautiful daughters, is the subject of my portrait in oils on canvas – size 12 in x 16 in (30 cm x 40 cm).
I have painted her in PPE, as I feel it is appropriate to portray her in full battle gear as a soldier on the frontline, which she is.
Mentioned in dispatches
Her Majesty the Queen has mentioned and given personal thanks to Dr Rukhsana for her achievements during the current Covid-19 Coronavirus outbreak.
Dr Rukhsana was pivotal in the relief effort for Greater Manchester. The sourcing of supplies and raising funds.
She ensured Stockport Primary Care received adequate PPE during the crisis.
Plus, set up a volunteer organisation to manufacture and distribute vital scrubs to NHS organisations.
When Dr Rukhsana first saw my painting
When Dr Rukhsana saw a photo of my painting for the first time — I was so pleased that she said she liked it! I confess to keeping my fingers crossed when I clicked the send button. I wanted her to like it so much! And not be disappointed.
Her messages back to me delighted me.
That’s incredible!
Dr Rukhsana Salim
Was in a high today after seeing portrait.
I’m absolutely thrilled with what you have done.
It’s so like the picture I sent. 👌🏼
Love my portrait
Thank you
Perfect 💖
Thank you Dr Rukhsana!
Thank you Dr Rukhsana for your reactions and positive comments to the painting—it means a huge amount to me — but, what is really ‘incredible‘ is what you and your colleagues are achieving each day fighting to save lives through these awful times.
I hope my little portrait can help say, in it’s humble way, a very big thank you to you Dr Rukhsana for all your care and hard work on the frontline during these dangerous unprecedented times.
I hope this painting in oils can go some way in expressing how much you are appreciated for all the hard work that you do. And hope the picture will give you joy.
Artist Tom Croft
I should, of course, also now like to thank Tom Croft and his initiative for enabling myself and so many other artists to express their gratitude in this creative way.
Tom Croft started it all! He advertised on Instagram that he would paint an NHS hero for free to the first NHS frontline worker to apply. By doing so, he inspired a trend for artists to paint these local heroes of our extraordinary times.
A&E Nurse Harriet Durkin was the first to approach him after recovering from Covid-19.
Awesome Response
The huge response overwhelmed Tom Croft to his offer to paint a free portrait of a key worker. He posted a plea on Instagram to other artists who might wish to do the same.
I couldn’t wait to contribute, so I posted the initiative’s invite on my own IG page. I hoped someone might want their portrait painted by me.
It amazed me to receive quick replies to my invitation. Amazed, flattered, honoured and privileged. In fact, I wished I could have accepted all who contacted me! I was committed to paint the first hero who responded to my post and couldn’t take on any more. I felt humbled by the response.
Stay safe and keep well
Lesley x
Lesley lives in the City of London Square Mile. An artist, actor and sculptor (her first ceramic sculpture won the V&A inspired by… Award). Scenic artist & book illustrator, playwright, (her musical play, Rapscallion performed in inner city schools and theatre school); TV dancer; Animator and illustrator for TV production. Set up Pinecone Studios Ltd and IIMSI Ltd drama and filmmaking workshops in London – producing award-winning films made by children.
LesleyScoble.com 
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