The Eyes of a Hero
Dr Rukhsana Salim, Clinical lead
Back in May, I joined the Tom Croft #portraitsfornhsheroes initiative. Where alongside many other artists, I sent out an invitation to NHS key workers to paint their portrait. I was privileged and honoured to paint Dr Rukhsana, clinical lead. I hope my portrait manages in some small way to say a huge thank you to her for all the incredible work she does. To help express how indebted I feel for her role as one of our most valuable NHS heroes.
Artist Tom Croft
My personal thanks to artist Tom Croft, who knows no bounds for setting up the most extraordinary initiative #portraitsfornhsheroes.
During the initial peak of the Coronavirus pandemic, he encouraged thousands upon thousands of artists to get involved. To paint portraits of our NHS Heroes & key workers. It makes me happy to play a small part in contributing to it.
Online Exhibition
There is now an online exhibition of all the paintings and included among them is my portrait of Dr Rukhsana.
The Google Arts and Culture NHS Portraits for Heroes Online Exhibition is now live!
The Google Arts and Culture NHS Portraits for Heroes Online Exhibition is now live! It is well worth a visit. See the many astonishing works that all the brilliant artists contributing have produced for Tom Croft’s amazing initiative.
To view my portrait of Dr Rukhsana in the Exhibition click here.
[This online exhibition is no longer available]
Fine Art Book
I am thrilled to know that my painting has been selected to be included in a beautiful Fine Art book to be published with Bloomsbury Publishers Ltd in November.
They selected my painting of Dr Rukhsana Salim to include in a Fine Art book which is to be published by Bloomsbury Publishers Ltd in November. There is to be a limited selection of NHS portraits in the book from the thousands produced. I feel proud that Dr Rukhsana will be one of them. The book will make a wonderful permanent record of the NHS workers and their portraits.
This beautiful book will be out in time for Christmas. It’s a must for every book lover’s bookcase and coffee table—so, that’s all our Christmas present ideas sorted, isn’t it?
The book can be pre-ordered now at Bloomsbury — so, what are you waiting for! 😁
*Tom Croft and featured artists will receive no payment and all royalties and residuals will go to NHS Charities Together.
“…I’m blown away. Receiving the portrait and seeing up close the detail, texture and emotion you have captured is just astonishing. You really are talented…”
— Dr Rukhsana
Thank you Dr Rukhsana! From the bottom of my heart.
Thanks to all for taking time to read my blog 🙏
Stay safe
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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