IAN HOLM - HOLM PAINTED BY WIFE

Veteran British actor SIR IAN HOLM is having his image immortalised in a series of portraits - being painted by his artist wife.

SOPHIE DE STEMPEL is aiming to monitor the LORD OF THE RINGS star's looks over the coming years and eventually hopes to exhibit her work.

But, Holm finds sitting for this wife challenging.

He says, "It isn't easy. It involves a lot of concentration but I find it rather therapeutic."

De Stempel adds, "I'd like to show him through the years in every light. I'm working on two pieces at the moment, one of him in daylight and one at night.

"He's wonderfully patient. I can't believe the novelty hasn't worn off."