Moray pupil Ruby Mitcham produces amazing portrait of former Gordonstoun principal Lisa Kerr.

A supremely gifted Moray pupil has produced this stunning portrait of her former head teacher.

Ruby Mitcham is regarded as one of the most talented young artists in the UK. The 17-year-old, who only began painting in oil two years ago, is currently halfway through an art scholarship at Gordonstoun which counts King Charles amongst its former pupils.

Recognising her immense talent, Lisa Kerr asked Ruby to paint her portrait just before she left in July to take the reins at another school.

Ruby said: “When Gordonstoun asked me, I couldn’t believe it. I called my mum and almost couldn’t talk sensibly to her. It’s a privilege to have been asked and to leave something on display here that I’ve painted.”

The teenager recently became the youngest artist to feature in the Society of Scottish Artists’ annual exhibition in Edinburgh, which has previously featured work by Picasso and Munch.

She based her portrait on a series of photos and started it last summer.

Ruby said: “In return for the painting, the school offered to fund my place on one of their Arctic sailing trips to Norway. I had around a week before I went to get the bulk of it done so I worked full days and some nights.

“After three weeks sailing, I had the advantage of returning to the painting with fresh eyes. I then spent a less intense period until early September finishing and tweaking areas.

“I wanted to incorporate the Gordonstoun tartan colours somehow. In certain lighting, you can see these subtly within the background, which is also a little reminiscent of the northern lights, which we see so often at school.

“This was my first commission, so I learned a lot through doing all the stages. I now have some really exciting commissions booked in, but don’t want to spill the beans on them too soon. Watch this space!”

Ruby added: “Gordonstoun is my second home and has really supported me in becoming the person I am. I like the idea of having a tangible connection to school even when I move on.”

The teenager has now joined a list of well-known artists, including Royal painter Chen Yan Ning, Frances Bell and Rosalie Watkins, whose work is featured in the North Room at Gordonstoun House.

Lisa Kerr, who’s now in charge of George Watson’s College in Edinburgh, is suitably impressed with the finished portrait of herself.

She said: “I have always been aware that Ruby is a very talented pupil.

“It was a privilege to see her grow and develop during my time as Principal. Asking her to paint the portrait was a unique opportunity to put a pupil’s piece of work at the heart of school life.

“There is a real depth and dimension to Ruby’s paintings and she has produced a piece of art that will remain relevant for decades to come.

“I’m thankful to Ruby for the piece of work she has done and she can be proud that her painting will now be part of the future of Gordonstoun.”