Extraordinary Portraits

Charlotte Banfield has cerebral palsy and autism. Bullied at school and once afraid to leave the house, she is now an adaptive surfer.

In this unlikely match Stuart Pearson Wright is challenged to capture Charity Fundraiser Harriet Middleton's joy and love for her Shetlander heritage.

Experimental artist LoLo celebrates the bravery of Jahmal for coming out as a bi-sexual footballer, by creating a soul stirring portrait that challenges what it means to be a professional athlete, illuminating the multiple layers of our psyche that make us who we are.

Amar Stewart explores his own heritage as he paints a portrait of powerlifter Karenjeet, who summons the power of her ancestors to gain strength before she competes, smashing through gender stereotypes in the Asian community and celebrating her Sikh faith.

In this very Scottish link-up contemporary portrait painter Ross Muir depicts the strength and hope he sees in Jamie, a care experienced young man, who is re-writing the narrative of his life, as he builds a future for himself and others, he never thought possible.

Laura Quinn Harris hopes her detailed painting does inspirational, rapping teacher Christian justice, just like his words do, for the young people and adults he works with. Is her love for visual pattern and his love for rhyme pattern the perfect recipe for a powerful portrait?