A Portrait Of...

Title

First
Broadcast

Repeated

Comments

Andrew Motion

20141230

20160609 (R4)

We go into the artist's studio to follow portrait painter Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints the former poet laureate Andrew Motion.

A personal, immersive journey exploring art unfolding, this is an insight into the private encounter of two acclaimed artists, and we listen in to what this process is like for both the painter and the painted.

It's a unique relationship, a little like being in the therapist's chair - the painter stripping away the layers to reveal the true likeness of her subject, the sitter under the microscope, exposed and studied. Fiona Graham-Mackay shares the secrets of the portrait painter as she captures the sitter on canvas; the sitter reflects on what being painted reveals and contemplates the prospect of being immortalised in oil.

Fiona Graham-Mackay has painted hundreds of portraits, including Prince Michael of Kent, Seamus Heaney and Lord Carrington. In all her sittings she has always been fascinated by her conversations with her subjects and continues to be amazed by how people open up in ways that surprise even themselves as she paints them. What is revealed goes beyond anything you might expect in an ordinary interview.

Produced by Eve Streeter

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.

Programme following portrait artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints poet Andrew Motion.

Series that follows portrait painter Fiona Graham-Mackay at work.

We go into the artist's studio to follow portrait painter Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints the former poet laureate Andrew Motion.

Produced by Eve Streeter

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.

Programme following portrait artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints poet Andrew Motion.

Series that follows portrait painter Fiona Graham-Mackay at work.

Danielle De Niese

20171102

Follow artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints a portrait of top opera soprano Danielle de Niese.

The relationship between an artist and her sitter is unique, a bit like being in the therapist's chair - the painter stripping away the layers to reveal the true likeness of her subject. And in the hush of the sitting, conversations meander in unexpected ways.

'The process should be transformative for both the painter and the sitter.'

We eavesdrop on the conversation between the two artists across three meetings as the portrait develops. The programme begins with a blank canvas, and ends with the big reveal as Danielle meets her likeness in the portrait Fiona has painted.

In the opera world, there really isn't anyone like Danielle de Niese. The winner of a TV talent show in her native Australia aged nine, Danielle made her operatic debut in Los Angeles aged just 15 and has been unstoppable ever since. The New York Times magazine has called her 'opera's coolest soprano', and the setting for the portrait is Glyndebourne, home of opera in the Sussex downs, where she has lived since marrying Glyndebourne chairman Gus Christie in 2009.

Fiona Graham-Mackay has painted hundreds of portraits, including Prince Michael of Kent, Seamus Heaney and Lord Carrington. In all her sittings she has always been fascinated by her conversations with her subjects and continues to be amazed by how people open up in ways that surprise even themselves. What is revealed goes beyond anything you might expect in an ordinary interview.

Producer: Eve Streeter

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.

Follow artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints and interviews soprano Danielle de Niese.

Series that follows portrait painter Fiona Graham-Mackay at work.

Edward Watson

20171026

Follow artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints a portrait of Edward Watson, Principal of the Royal Ballet.

The relationship between an artist and her sitter is unique, a bit like being in the therapist's chair. The painter stripping away the layers to reveal the true likeness of her subject and, in the hush of the studio, conversations meander in unexpected ways.

"It's an adventure - waiting to see what comes out."

While Fiona sketches and paints, we hear about Edward's life as a ballet dancer, overcoming his self-doubt, being an introverted performer, and those lonely moments on stage in front of an audience.

Fiona Graham-Mackay has painted hundreds of portraits, including Prince Michael of Kent, Seamus Heaney and Lord Carrington. In all her sittings she has always been fascinated by the conversations with her subjects and continues to be amazed by how people open up in ways that surprise even themselves as she paints them. What is revealed goes beyond anything you might expect in an ordinary interview.

Producer: Eve Streeter
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.

Follow portrait artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints ballet dancer Edward Watson.

Series that follows portrait painter Fiona Graham-Mackay at work.

Imtiaz Dharker

20160613

We follow artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints the portrait of poet, artist and documentary film-maker Imtiaz Dharker.

Born in Pakistan and raised in Glasgow, Imtiaz was awarded the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry in 2014. She writes about freedom, cultural intolerance, gender politics, love and loss. Fellow poet Carol Ann Duffy has said, "If there were to be a World Laureate, then for me the role could only be filled by Imtiaz Dharker."

Fiona Graham-Mackay has painted hundreds of portraits, including Seamus Heaney and Sir Andrew Motion. Drawing is, she says, "the flow of life, the soul of life," and "you have to fall a little in love with your subject".

It's a revealing, intimate experience, peeling away the layers to capture the essence of the sitter as seen through the artist's eye. And in this, conversations meander in unexpected places.

Features readings of 'The Conversation' and 'Invisible' from Over the Moon; 'This room' from I Speak For the Devil, both published by Bloodaxe Books. With permission.

Producer: Eve Streeter
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.

Following artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints a portrait of poet Imtiaz Dharker.

Series that follows portrait painter Fiona Graham-Mackay at work.

Imtiaz Dharker

20160613

20161110 (R4)

We follow artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints the portrait of poet, artist and documentary film-maker Imtiaz Dharker.

It's a revealing, intimate experience, peeling away the layers to capture the essence of the sitter as seen through the artist's eye. And in this, conversations meander in unexpected places.

Features readings of 'The Conversation' and 'Invisible' from Over the Moon; 'This room' from I Speak For the Devil, both published by Bloodaxe Books. With permission.

Producer: Eve Streeter
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.

Following artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints a portrait of poet Imtiaz Dharker.

Series that follows portrait painter Fiona Graham-Mackay at work.

Juliet Stevenson

20171109

Follow artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints a portrait of actor Juliet Stevenson.

What does it feel like to be painted, and then see yourself as someone else has drawn you? It can be an emotional, transformative process for both the sitter and the artist.

In many ways a portrait painter is like a detective - looking for clues below the surface to capture the sitter's true likeness. In the hush of the studio, conversations meander in unexpected ways as painter and sitter find out about each other. And as we eavesdrop on their sittings, the revelations go beyond any ordinary interview.

Juliet Stevenson gained fame through her television and film work, such as Truly Madly Deeply, although she is first and foremost one of the most celebrated stage actresses of her generation. While Fiona sketches, we hear about Juliet's itinerant childhood, and taking acting notes from her friend and fellow actor Alan Rickman.

Producer: Eve Streeter
A Pier production for Radio 4.

Follow portrait artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints actor Juliet Stevenson.

Series that follows portrait painter Fiona Graham-Mackay at work.

Lemn Sissay

20160620

In many ways a portrait painter is like a detective - looking for clues below the surface to capture the sitter's true likeness. In this programme we follow artist Fiona Graham-Mackay and her latest subject - the poet and playwright Lemn Sissay - through this sometimes emotional process.

"I feel like you've gone into me and looked out from behind my eyes."

Lemn Sissay MBE was an official poet for the London Olympics and his Landmark Poems are installed throughout Manchester and London. Born to Ethiopian parents, he was raised in Lancashire by strongly religious foster parents who, having had biological children of their own, put him into care aged 12. They told him neither they, nor any of their family, would contact him again.

On leaving care at 17, he self-published his first book of poetry while on the dole. Much of his work tells the story of his upbringing and search for his birth parents.

Fiona Graham-Mackay has painted hundreds of portraits, including Seamus Heaney and Sir Andrew Motion. "It's in the space between sentences that people reveal themselves," she says.

Recorded in Lemn's home and at the Foundling Museum in London, where Lemn is a fellow, the programme follows the portrait taking shape. It's an intimate experience, peeling away the layers to capture the essence of the sitter as seen through the artist's eye. And in this, conversations meander in unexpected places.

Features a reading of "Suitcases and Muddy Parks" from Rebel Without Applause by Lemn Sissay, published by Canongate. Used with permission.

Producer: Eve Streeter
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.

Following artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints a portrait of poet Lemn Sissay.

Series that follows portrait painter Fiona Graham-Mackay at work.

Lemn Sissay

20160620

20161111 (R4)

"I feel like you've gone into me and looked out from behind my eyes."

On leaving care at 17, he self-published his first book of poetry while on the dole. Much of his work tells the story of his upbringing and search for his birth parents.

Fiona Graham-Mackay has painted hundreds of portraits, including Seamus Heaney and Sir Andrew Motion. "It's in the space between sentences that people reveal themselves," she says.

Features a reading of "Suitcases and Muddy Parks" from Rebel Without Applause by Lemn Sissay, published by Canongate. Used with permission.

Producer: Eve Streeter
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.

Following artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints a portrait of poet Lemn Sissay.

Series that follows portrait painter Fiona Graham-Mackay at work.

Episodes

Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
Andrew Motion	20141230	20160609 (R4)	We go into the artist's studio to follow portrait painter Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints the former poet laureate Andrew Motion. A personal, immersive journey exploring art unfolding, this is an insight into the private encounter of two acclaimed artists, and we listen in to what this process is like for both the painter and the painted. It's a unique relationship, a little like being in the therapist's chair - the painter stripping away the layers to reveal the true likeness of her subject, the sitter under the microscope, exposed and studied. Fiona Graham-Mackay shares the secrets of the portrait painter as she captures the sitter on canvas; the sitter reflects on what being painted reveals and contemplates the prospect of being immortalised in oil. Fiona Graham-Mackay has painted hundreds of portraits, including Prince Michael of Kent, Seamus Heaney and Lord Carrington. In all her sittings she has always been fascinated by her conversations with her subjects and continues to be amazed by how people open up in ways that surprise even themselves as she paints them. What is revealed goes beyond anything you might expect in an ordinary interview. Produced by Eve Streeter A Pier production for BBC Radio 4. Programme following portrait artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints poet Andrew Motion. Series that follows portrait painter Fiona Graham-Mackay at work. We go into the artist's studio to follow portrait painter Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints the former poet laureate Andrew Motion. A personal, immersive journey exploring art unfolding, this is an insight into the private encounter of two acclaimed artists, and we listen in to what this process is like for both the painter and the painted. It's a unique relationship, a little like being in the therapist's chair - the painter stripping away the layers to reveal the true likeness of her subject, the sitter under the microscope, exposed and studied. Fiona Graham-Mackay shares the secrets of the portrait painter as she captures the sitter on canvas; the sitter reflects on what being painted reveals and contemplates the prospect of being immortalised in oil. Fiona Graham-Mackay has painted hundreds of portraits, including Prince Michael of Kent, Seamus Heaney and Lord Carrington. In all her sittings she has always been fascinated by her conversations with her subjects and continues to be amazed by how people open up in ways that surprise even themselves as she paints them. What is revealed goes beyond anything you might expect in an ordinary interview. Produced by Eve Streeter A Pier production for BBC Radio 4. Programme following portrait artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints poet Andrew Motion. Series that follows portrait painter Fiona Graham-Mackay at work.
Danielle De Niese	20171102		Follow artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints a portrait of top opera soprano Danielle de Niese. The relationship between an artist and her sitter is unique, a bit like being in the therapist's chair - the painter stripping away the layers to reveal the true likeness of her subject. And in the hush of the sitting, conversations meander in unexpected ways. 'The process should be transformative for both the painter and the sitter.' We eavesdrop on the conversation between the two artists across three meetings as the portrait develops. The programme begins with a blank canvas, and ends with the big reveal as Danielle meets her likeness in the portrait Fiona has painted. In the opera world, there really isn't anyone like Danielle de Niese. The winner of a TV talent show in her native Australia aged nine, Danielle made her operatic debut in Los Angeles aged just 15 and has been unstoppable ever since. The New York Times magazine has called her 'opera's coolest soprano', and the setting for the portrait is Glyndebourne, home of opera in the Sussex downs, where she has lived since marrying Glyndebourne chairman Gus Christie in 2009. Fiona Graham-Mackay has painted hundreds of portraits, including Prince Michael of Kent, Seamus Heaney and Lord Carrington. In all her sittings she has always been fascinated by her conversations with her subjects and continues to be amazed by how people open up in ways that surprise even themselves. What is revealed goes beyond anything you might expect in an ordinary interview. Producer: Eve Streeter A Pier production for BBC Radio 4. Follow artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints and interviews soprano Danielle de Niese. Series that follows portrait painter Fiona Graham-Mackay at work.
Edward Watson	20171026		Follow artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints a portrait of Edward Watson, Principal of the Royal Ballet. The relationship between an artist and her sitter is unique, a bit like being in the therapist's chair. The painter stripping away the layers to reveal the true likeness of her subject and, in the hush of the studio, conversations meander in unexpected ways. "It's an adventure - waiting to see what comes out." While Fiona sketches and paints, we hear about Edward's life as a ballet dancer, overcoming his self-doubt, being an introverted performer, and those lonely moments on stage in front of an audience. Fiona Graham-Mackay has painted hundreds of portraits, including Prince Michael of Kent, Seamus Heaney and Lord Carrington. In all her sittings she has always been fascinated by the conversations with her subjects and continues to be amazed by how people open up in ways that surprise even themselves as she paints them. What is revealed goes beyond anything you might expect in an ordinary interview. Producer: Eve Streeter A Pier production for BBC Radio 4. Follow portrait artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints ballet dancer Edward Watson. Series that follows portrait painter Fiona Graham-Mackay at work.
Imtiaz Dharker	20160613		We follow artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints the portrait of poet, artist and documentary film-maker Imtiaz Dharker. Born in Pakistan and raised in Glasgow, Imtiaz was awarded the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry in 2014. She writes about freedom, cultural intolerance, gender politics, love and loss. Fellow poet Carol Ann Duffy has said, "If there were to be a World Laureate, then for me the role could only be filled by Imtiaz Dharker." Fiona Graham-Mackay has painted hundreds of portraits, including Seamus Heaney and Sir Andrew Motion. Drawing is, she says, "the flow of life, the soul of life," and "you have to fall a little in love with your subject". It's a revealing, intimate experience, peeling away the layers to capture the essence of the sitter as seen through the artist's eye. And in this, conversations meander in unexpected places. Features readings of 'The Conversation' and 'Invisible' from Over the Moon; 'This room' from I Speak For the Devil, both published by Bloodaxe Books. With permission. Producer: Eve Streeter A Pier production for BBC Radio 4. Following artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints a portrait of poet Imtiaz Dharker. Series that follows portrait painter Fiona Graham-Mackay at work.
Imtiaz Dharker	20160613	20161110 (R4)	We follow artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints the portrait of poet, artist and documentary film-maker Imtiaz Dharker. Born in Pakistan and raised in Glasgow, Imtiaz was awarded the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry in 2014. She writes about freedom, cultural intolerance, gender politics, love and loss. Fellow poet Carol Ann Duffy has said, "If there were to be a World Laureate, then for me the role could only be filled by Imtiaz Dharker." Fiona Graham-Mackay has painted hundreds of portraits, including Seamus Heaney and Sir Andrew Motion. Drawing is, she says, "the flow of life, the soul of life," and "you have to fall a little in love with your subject". It's a revealing, intimate experience, peeling away the layers to capture the essence of the sitter as seen through the artist's eye. And in this, conversations meander in unexpected places. Features readings of 'The Conversation' and 'Invisible' from Over the Moon; 'This room' from I Speak For the Devil, both published by Bloodaxe Books. With permission. Producer: Eve Streeter A Pier production for BBC Radio 4. Following artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints a portrait of poet Imtiaz Dharker. Series that follows portrait painter Fiona Graham-Mackay at work.
Juliet Stevenson	20171109		Follow artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints a portrait of actor Juliet Stevenson. What does it feel like to be painted, and then see yourself as someone else has drawn you? It can be an emotional, transformative process for both the sitter and the artist. In many ways a portrait painter is like a detective - looking for clues below the surface to capture the sitter's true likeness. In the hush of the studio, conversations meander in unexpected ways as painter and sitter find out about each other. And as we eavesdrop on their sittings, the revelations go beyond any ordinary interview. Juliet Stevenson gained fame through her television and film work, such as Truly Madly Deeply, although she is first and foremost one of the most celebrated stage actresses of her generation. While Fiona sketches, we hear about Juliet's itinerant childhood, and taking acting notes from her friend and fellow actor Alan Rickman. Fiona Graham-Mackay has painted hundreds of portraits, including Prince Michael of Kent, Seamus Heaney and Lord Carrington. In all her sittings she has always been fascinated by her conversations with her subjects and continues to be amazed by how people open up in ways that surprise even themselves. Producer: Eve Streeter A Pier production for Radio 4. Follow portrait artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints actor Juliet Stevenson. Series that follows portrait painter Fiona Graham-Mackay at work.
Lemn Sissay	20160620		In many ways a portrait painter is like a detective - looking for clues below the surface to capture the sitter's true likeness. In this programme we follow artist Fiona Graham-Mackay and her latest subject - the poet and playwright Lemn Sissay - through this sometimes emotional process. "I feel like you've gone into me and looked out from behind my eyes." Lemn Sissay MBE was an official poet for the London Olympics and his Landmark Poems are installed throughout Manchester and London. Born to Ethiopian parents, he was raised in Lancashire by strongly religious foster parents who, having had biological children of their own, put him into care aged 12. They told him neither they, nor any of their family, would contact him again. On leaving care at 17, he self-published his first book of poetry while on the dole. Much of his work tells the story of his upbringing and search for his birth parents. Fiona Graham-Mackay has painted hundreds of portraits, including Seamus Heaney and Sir Andrew Motion. "It's in the space between sentences that people reveal themselves," she says. Recorded in Lemn's home and at the Foundling Museum in London, where Lemn is a fellow, the programme follows the portrait taking shape. It's an intimate experience, peeling away the layers to capture the essence of the sitter as seen through the artist's eye. And in this, conversations meander in unexpected places. Features a reading of "Suitcases and Muddy Parks" from Rebel Without Applause by Lemn Sissay, published by Canongate. Used with permission. Producer: Eve Streeter A Pier production for BBC Radio 4. Following artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints a portrait of poet Lemn Sissay. Series that follows portrait painter Fiona Graham-Mackay at work.
Lemn Sissay	20160620	20161111 (R4)	In many ways a portrait painter is like a detective - looking for clues below the surface to capture the sitter's true likeness. In this programme we follow artist Fiona Graham-Mackay and her latest subject - the poet and playwright Lemn Sissay - through this sometimes emotional process. "I feel like you've gone into me and looked out from behind my eyes." Lemn Sissay MBE was an official poet for the London Olympics and his Landmark Poems are installed throughout Manchester and London. Born to Ethiopian parents, he was raised in Lancashire by strongly religious foster parents who, having had biological children of their own, put him into care aged 12. They told him neither they, nor any of their family, would contact him again. On leaving care at 17, he self-published his first book of poetry while on the dole. Much of his work tells the story of his upbringing and search for his birth parents. Fiona Graham-Mackay has painted hundreds of portraits, including Seamus Heaney and Sir Andrew Motion. "It's in the space between sentences that people reveal themselves," she says. Recorded in Lemn's home and at the Foundling Museum in London, where Lemn is a fellow, the programme follows the portrait taking shape. It's an intimate experience, peeling away the layers to capture the essence of the sitter as seen through the artist's eye. And in this, conversations meander in unexpected places. Features a reading of "Suitcases and Muddy Parks" from Rebel Without Applause by Lemn Sissay, published by Canongate. Used with permission. Producer: Eve Streeter A Pier production for BBC Radio 4. Following artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints a portrait of poet Lemn Sissay. Series that follows portrait painter Fiona Graham-Mackay at work.