AN ARTIST has revealed how she spent seven painstaking months painting the Queen – and did not sleep for four nights before it was revealed.

Miriam Escofet’s royal portrait was unveiled in a virtual call with Her Majesty at the end of July and now hangs in the reception of the Foreign Office in London.

In an interview with the University of Brighton, the Spanish artist lifted the curtain on the nerve-racking process behind painting Britain’s most famous face.

Ms Escofet studied 3D design in the city in the Eighties after moving from Barcelona in 1979 with her artist parents.

But the apex of her illustrious career did not come until last July when chief Foreign Office diplomat Sir Simon McDonald commissioned her to paint a portrait of the Queen for the office’s reception.

The Argus: Ms Escofet worked on the portrait for seven months. Photo: Miriam EscofetMs Escofet worked on the portrait for seven months. Photo: Miriam Escofet

“I thought about it for about two seconds and said yes,” Ms Escofet said.

“There was some trepidation, I must say. You’re treading in strange waters but I love a challenge.

“We were both in tune. We wanted to show a more intimate side to her and capture her humanity, the person.”

The artist had her first sitting with the Queen at Windsor Castle that same month to study her face.

“She struck me as a very grounded, real person,” Ms Escofet said.

“They treat the sittings as very much a private encounter, which is lovely.

“I had this completely natural exchange with her... or as natural as it’s ever going to be anyway.

“The only caveat is that you’re not really supposed to say what was said between you.”

The Argus: The portrait now hangs in the reception of the Foreign Office in London. Photo: Aliona AdrianovaThe portrait now hangs in the reception of the Foreign Office in London. Photo: Aliona Adrianova

Ms Escofet then started the seven-month painting process in October.

She is no stranger to painting portraits, having won the National Portrait Gallery’s BP Portrait Award two years ago.

But even as revered an artist as Ms Escofet admitted she was nervous.

“I probably spent longer going over parts of the painting because it was the Queen,” she said.

“I was very conscious about how other people may view the work, more so than any other painting that I’ve done.

“There was a lot of deliberation.

“The problem is you’re painting probably the best-known face in the world.

“As the artist, you’re trying to represent the person behind the iconic face.”

The Argus: Ms Escofet had two sit-downs with the Queen. Photo: Miriam EscofetMs Escofet had two sit-downs with the Queen. Photo: Miriam Escofet

Coronavirus lockdown in March did not take the pressure off either.

“There was still a deadline and I remember not sleeping for four nights before taking it to be photographed,” Ms Escofet said.

“You have to get it right. This is your one chance.”

When the painting was finally unveiled to the Queen via video link in July, all eyes were on the artist.

“There was obviously a lot of nervousness,” Ms Escofet said.

“But as soon as the Queen came on the call, she immediately looked very relaxed and very happy to be doing this. “

“There were two cameramen in the room and I don’t think I’ve ever felt like such a celebrity.”