Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

Barry Watson (not in picture) has the attention of (from left) Robert MacMillan, George Fatta (background), US Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson, her husband Howard, Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall, Justice Ian Forte, former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson and Justice Marlene Malahoo-Forte

When one of Jamaica's most famous artists and a well-liked diplomat couple invite you out on Valentine's Day, the offer is simply not refused.

Last Thursday, members of the diplomatic corps and art lovers turned up Old Hope Road's Gallery Barrington at the request of Barrington Watson and United States Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson and husband Howard, for a Valentine's party and portrait unveiling. Unknown to some, the Johnsons and Watson have quite a friendship, and it is from that rapport that the portrait emerged. The subject: Ambassador Johnson.

With a simple pull of a string, the curtain was rolled back and the stunning work depicting Ambassador Johnson was revealed. The 'aaahhs' followed split seconds later, and all agreed it was a great work. Watson aptly described the moment by saying those in attendance had best get their view of it because the Johnsons might just take it home. Jokes aside, Ambassador Johnson thanked Watson, saying the work would be cherished by her children and her grandchildren. Guests took the rest of the evening to view other masterpieces in the gallery.

Guests out included: Chinese Ambassador Chen Jinghua and wife Xiao Linhua, Argentine Ambassador Mario Jose Pino, Spanish Ambassador Jesús Silva and wife Sara, Russian Ambassador Victor Zotin, Colombian Ambassador Emilio Ventura Diaz-Mejia, Panamanian Ambassador Ricardo Moreno, Maurice and Valerie Facey, Dr Jonathan Greenland and Dr Rebecca Tortello, Robert and Judy Levy, Robert MacMillan and Jennifer Stannigar, Morin and Verla Seymour, Justices Ian and Marlene Forte, Godfrey and Odette Dyer and Joan McDonald.

Photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Wearing her trademark red, US Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson beside her new portrait at its unveiling on Valentine's Day.

Artist Barry Watson (right) chats with Prime Minister Bruce Golding and US Ambassador to Jamaica, Brenda LaGrange Johnson, at Watson's Valentine's party and portrait unveiling.

Barry Watson listens as Pat Ramsey makes a point.

Hmm, should I buy this one? ... might be what Audrey Marks is thinking as she views one of Barry Watson's pieces.

From left: Tamara Scott-Williams and husband Louis Williams in pleasant discourse with Jamaica's leading painter, Barry Watson, at his Valentine's Day party and portrait unveiling of US Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson, held at Old Hope Road on Thursday, February 14.

Howard Johnson (left) tells the gathering how he and wife Brenda LaGrange Johnson came to meet noted Jamaican artist Barry Watson, who smiles as the story is related.

Mexican Ambassador Leonora Rueda (right) and Lorna Golding view one of Barry Watson's masterpieces.