When student James Miles painted a foreboding portrait of his father for his course work, the response was rather different than he imagined.

Christopher Miles, 66, an electrical engineer, was so impressed he hung it at the top of the stairs so his family would have to look up to him as they ascended.

James Miles, 17, who hopes to go on to study at Chelsea Arts College, then saw his work picked up by Sutton’s Europa Gallery for an exhibition this month.

He said: “I only started painting last year in my spare time and now I’ve had to move out of my bedroom, because it stinks of spirits, and I’m sleeping on the couch.

“I got the effect of my father looking quite intimidating by using candle light and getting him to look down – he really likes it.

“I think it gives him a bit of power.”