This portrait is an exploration of the inner child. Of how the totality of our surrounding mould and shape us into the adults we turn into. This boy can represent any child, born free but restrained and shaped through culture, family (and in his particular case royal commitments and the requirements to represent an institution). Looking closely his heart is visible on the creases of his red jumper. Thus the name of the work; Heart of a Child. In contrast to the sunny park setting - where one would expect a child to freely play - are threatening pointy shoes and deep dark shadows. The painting is based on a family photograph of Queen Elizabeth II and her family taken at Frogmore House and the boy is Prince Edward.