This is my third portrait of Amy Winehouse, who never ceases to fascinate me. With this portrait, I wanted to capture her edgier side. She came off much more innocent in my first try, then the second I left unfinished, as I wasn't happy with it. I like this one, though. I feel I got what I was after with it. There was often an undercurrent of anger in her, but that was also part of her appeal, her fire. A highly emotional singer, she didn't hold back.
This is an unfinished portrait of an older Amy Winehouse which precedes the other one I've done and which I was not happy with initially, so I never finished it. Since then, I've gazed at it in low light a number of times and find it oddly compelling. It has grown on me, which is why I'm posting it now.
I must say, this was a fun painting to do. Amy Winehouse was such a colorful character, in addition to her phenomenal talent as a singer, songwriter, and stylist. I thought it befitting that her portrait should also be a riot of color. She was completely unique, a singular force in a world that craved ever more of her, and in the end, it devoured her. I hope the world will learn to cultivate and revere uniqueness such as hers, and at the very least, give a closer listen to her music. I've titled this painting after one of her lesser known tunes but one of my absolute favorites for its sultry licks, clever lines, and fun sense of humor. Give it a listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIz15iovRjE.
