Heather Ford, a local artist gave a fascinating talk about her life, including 8 years spent teaching art in Oman. She is a portrait artist with a difference and showed members how she produces her amazing paintings. She paints in oils, starting with a detailed drawing using a 2B pencil.  She then paints a thin wash of ochre, using a stronger colour where she has darker shadows.  After this she paints in full colour before dividing the picture into small squares.  In each square she paints a small symbol representing the life and interests of the person she is painting. These are barely visible from a distance, but very clear close to.  Members were asked to join in by drawing their own eye and adding symbols to represent their lives.