![Local Artist unveils Head of College painting]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1593595675/rgcaberdeenschuk/cmacjgbytz0b5ytqbcqf/NicolePorterwithSimonMillscrop.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1593595675/rgcaberdeenschuk/cmacjgbytz0b5ytqbcqf/NicolePorterwithSimonMillscrop.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1593595675/rgcaberdeenschuk/cmacjgbytz0b5ytqbcqf/NicolePorterwithSimonMillscrop.jpg","width":800}])
The end of session events concluded with the official unveiling of the Head of College painting created by Nicole Porter. It has been a tradition at Gordon’s for a portrait to be painted of the outgoing Head of College which remains on display in the MacRobert Hall.
Nicole Porter, Artist shared: “It was an honour to be selected to paint the Head of RGC’s portrait and I would like to thank the Gordonian Association for continuing to appreciate the art of portraiture and the value of its tradition to the school.
“The process of painting the portrait was unusual given the current COVID-19 situation as the number of sittings had to be cut short due to the lockdown. However it was great to be able to unveil the portrait with social distancing in place.
“I tried to capture Simon’s approachability as well as his passion for teaching his specialist subject of Geography. His story is different to the previous Heads of College with his departure due to a new adventure in Kazakhstan and I wanted to portray this narrative through the background of the painting. The backdrop also symbolises the prestige of the school and its standing as a centre of excellence in education on the international stage.”
Mr Mills, Head of College commented: “'It has been a great pleasure and a privilege to serve as Head of College at Robert Gordon's and I will miss the pupils, staff and parents very much indeed. It was a great honour to see the unveiling of the portrait which was beautifully painted by Nicole Porter and generously given to the College by the Gordonian Association.”
Walter Stephen, Gordonian Association President added: “It was always going to be a sad and emotional event not helped by the viral restrictions. However the piping and gifts, especially the extremely impressive portrait, certainly brightened everyone's day. Thank-you Nicole.”
Nicole Porter is an award winning painter who opened The Nicole Porter Gallery at 88 King Street in Aberdeen in 2010. Specialising in portraiture, her representational style is also demonstrated in her city and landscapes. As well as working on her own creations, portrait sittings and private one to one art tuition also take place in her Aberdeen and Inverurie studios.