Robert Gordon University (RGU) commissioned the portrait to mark Hannah’s success in the pool and invited Aberdeen painter and Gray’s School of Art graduate Stuart Allan to work on the project.
The painting, measuring almost two metres square, captures Hannah poised to dive into a swimming pool. It was unveiled on Friday, October 4 at the reception of RGU: SPORT, where it will remain on display, in front of invited guests from the north-east’s sporting, arts and business communities.
Hannah (24), who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Sports and Exercise Science from RGU this summer, combined the project with preparations to defend her gold medal in the 400m individual medley at next year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
She said: “It was a lot of fun working with Stuart on the project, he’s done a fantastic job and the portrait is incredibly life-like. Seeing how the painting developed has been a fascinating experience and I couldn’t be happier with the result. I still train at RGU: SPORT and to see it each time I come in will give me a great lift as I continue to improve my performance in the pool.â€
Portrait of @HannahMiley89 by @GraysArtSchool grad @stuartallan23 unveiled at #RGU Sport today. #Aberdeen pic.twitter.com/xG4DvKBQs4
— Jenny Rush (@JennyRush7) October 4, 2013
