A portrait of a Manx midwife has been gifted to its subject by a local artist who is celebrating NHS heroes.

Bryony Manning was touched when she received a colourful portrait of herself that had been carefully painted by Beth Louella, an artist and illustrator who lives just outside Ramsey.

This is the second Manx NHS worker portrait created by the artist who is taking part in a global project called ’#portraitsfornhsheroes’. The first portrait was of a Covid ward nurse at Noble’s Hospital.

Beth said: ’I love how positive and celebratory this project is.

’Having a portrait painted is very special, so is being celebrated and these both being done as a gift is extra special and shows great appreciation and value.’

The painting was based on a photograph of the midwife and depicts a halo around Bryony’s head with a bright turquoise background to symbolise the island’s seas.

’For me, my "Portraits for NHS Heroes" are about celebrating these heroes as individuals as well as in their roles as NHS keyworkers,’ Beth said.

’The strong contrast in lighting seemed especially appropriate with the Covid-19 situation and the light, hope and help that NHS keyworkers provide.

’Gold has associations of great value, faith and holiness, love and sacrifice. I created a gold halo with lines, dots and decorative words describing Bryony.’

Dots are commonly used in Beth’s art, but is especially used in the portrait as it linked Bryony’s strong ties to Australia and aboriginal art.

Many of those who know the midwife have commented on how much of a good likeness the portrait shows, adding that the painting ’captures her essence’.

On receiving the portrait, Bryony said: ’I absolutely love it!’

The artist is working on two other NHS heroes portraits, an A&E nurse in England and a paediatric nurse in Wales. Search ’Beth Louella Fine Art’ on Facebook or http://www.bethlouella.com