We had lunch in a cosy dark cafe in Hampstead. Next to us sat an elderly woman dining alone with a huge bowl of pasta and a glass of wine. She was extremely frail and small, padded by cushions and clothes - the effort of each mouthful was palpable. But this meal seemed ritualistic, almost sacred, and I found it deeply moving. Her choice to enjoy a sensory experience despite the obvious challenges of old age was inspiring.

Oil on canvas 76x51cm

For sale in Gallery Sale