Portrait of joseph merrick ( a gentleman). by Michael Hanrahan

This has real power and impact. Excellent, thought-provoking painting.

Thankyou. I didnt expect a comment like that. Youve brightened my day.

Powerful piece, Michael. Very expressive and emotionally stirring.

Thankyou. I feel very strongly about this man who was a great human being so im delighted that you think ive rendered him with the qualities he deserves.

Thats amazing and moving michael.

Thankyou shirley. I was looking at pictures of this gentleman online after i painted him. His condition was more severe than i showed in my work. I can only imagine what his day to day life must have been like and even though the film is marvellous i watch it rarely. Some scenes are very harrowing.

I cried and was heartbroken...seen it a few times and always feel so small against such a wondedful brave person who was so gentle. I think uve captured him beautifully michael...and the character of his tormented but beautiful character. Well done for taking on a really emotional work.

Thankyou shirley. Im an extremely emotional person and the story of this great courageous man is very dear to my heart.

A very different person and this time a fictional character who is also very dear to me is Erik alias the phantom of the opera. Though he committed murder in the book by leroux and most of his other actions were those of a psychopath i have always felt great compassion for him and have gone some way into understanding his motives. I am of the opinion that before we condemn we should first try to understand.