Whether in the vicinity of their two homes in Kew and Wales, or on the many painting trips they have made to Italy and France, Armfield and Dunstan have worked in each other’s company for over 65 years. Each has their own approach. Diana responds to still life, landscape and convivial occasions in restaurants and other public places, while Bernard prefers to capture the structure and atmosphere of interiors with the themes of both the intimate nude and the world of musical performance.

Both are admirers of Bonnard, Vuillard, Sickert and William Nicholson. They seem happiest when painting and drawing from life, painting with a wonderful lightness of touch and colour and a strong sense of purpose. Diana and Bernard have spent their lives expressing the beauty of the world around them, undistracted by any desire for the expression of self. They 'paint what they love, and love what they paint'.

Diana and Bernard met while studying at the Slade School of Fine Art in the 1940s, and their romance was kindled after Diana saw a painting of Bernard’s at the 1947 Summer Exhibition. Together they have since made painting their life, and between them have been Royal Academicians for 82 years. They are now both Senior Academicians, and in their 96th year, continue to work alongside one another with energy and passion.

Diana is an editorial consultant for Leisure Painter and Bernard is editorial consultant for The Artist.

The current exhibition of their work - Painting From Life – Painting Their Life - can be seen in the Belle Shenkman Room, The Keeper’s House, Royal Academy until 24 April 2016. Admission is free. Visit the website for more details and to watch a video interview with Diana.

Below is Early Spring Bunch with Camellia, 2014 by Diana Armfield.