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Follow artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints a portrait of actor Juliet Stevenson.

What does it feel like to be painted, and then see yourself as someone else has drawn you? It can be an emotional, transformative process for both the sitter and the artist.

In many ways a portrait painter is like a detective - looking for clues below the surface to capture the sitter's true likeness. In the hush of the studio, conversations meander in unexpected ways as painter and sitter find out about each other. And as we eavesdrop on their sittings, the revelations go beyond any ordinary interview.

Juliet Stevenson gained fame through her television and film work, such as Truly Madly Deeply, although she is first and foremost one of the most celebrated stage actresses of her generation. While Fiona sketches, we hear about Juliet's itinerant childhood, and taking acting notes from her friend and fellow actor Alan Rickman.

Fiona Graham-Mackay has painted hundreds of portraits, including Prince Michael of Kent, Seamus Heaney and Lord Carrington. In all her sittings she has always been fascinated by her conversations with her subjects and continues to be amazed by how people open up in ways that surprise even themselves.

Producer: Eve Streeter
A Pier production for Radio 4.