MICHAEL NOAKES, the distinguished Catholic painter, has completed his latest commission – a portrait of Bishop Arthur Roche of Leeds.
Unframed, the painting’s dimensions are 40 inches by 30. The work shows the bishop seated with his hands resting on his knees, and smiling.
The painting is a gift to the Diocese of Leeds from a sponsor. Mr Noakes has also painted a second version which will hang in the seminary at Valladolid. Bishop Roche studied in Valladolid in the early 1970s.
Mr Noakes said Bishop Roche was happy with the painting. He sat for it at the artist’s studio in London.
Michael Noakes was educated at Downside and is a former president of the Society of Catholic Artists. His commissions include the Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Queen Mother, the Princess Royal, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of York and the Duchess of Kent. He is the only painter to have been granted time by Pope Benedict XVI for a portrait.