Emily

oil on canvasboard, 11" x 14"

One of my favorite shows to watch is the BBC's Portrait Artist of the Year.  I decided to paint one of the sitters as an exercise.  The competition for each portrait is what can be accomplished in four hours.  I spent 3.5 hours on this one.  It could be good practice to do more of these, since many of the sitters are unfamiliar to me.  Emily is an award-winning singer/songwriter based in the U.K.  I thought she had a regal bearing and I liked the three-quarter angle.  Updated 5/29/2025:  I changed the background a wee bit with an overlay of lavender.  

Buika on a Break

oil on canvas paper, 12" x 12"

This is a study of one of my favorite singers in the world, Concha Buika, for her soulful, Flamenco-inspired vocals.  Here she is smoking what looks like a spliff, which might account for the huskiness in her voice.  

No One Compares 2 U

oil on canvas paper, 12" x 12"

Upon hearing of the death of Sinead O'Connor at the young age of 56, I was moved to paint her portrait, as she was such a uniquely powerful singer, songwriter and activist.  I thought I would challenge myself by doing this portrait with a palette knife.  It was challenging.

Lioness

oil on canvas paper, 12" x 12"

And speaking of lions, I've long thought of Tina Turner as a lioness.  Her fierceness, tenacity, chutzpah, and general badass veneer, while being deeply rooted in her Buddhist faith of love for all beings forms an intoxicating cocktail of inspiration to women everywhere.  Her message will live on for years to come.  Tina Turner is Simply the Best!  

Pre-TINA

 

oil on panel, 18" x 18"

After hearing of Tina Turner's passing, I just had to paint her.  This is before she became Tina Turner, when she was still known as Anna Mae Bullock and probably in her late teens.  I've got one or two more of her in me yet to do.  What an inspiration she was, is, and will remain well into the future.

Daddy's Girl

oil on canvas paper, 12" x 12"

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.

Brother Ray

acrylic on canvas paper, 12" x 12"

This is another portrait I'm adding to my series of influential Black American artists, musicians, singers and other creative trailblazers.  Ray Charles was considered a genius by many in the music industry and was often referred to as "The Genius," but he preferred to be known rather as "Brother Ray."  His powerful baritone packed an emotional punch with a singular style all his own.  He is a giant among giants in music and will likely always be.

Jazz Queen

acrylic on canvas paper, 12" x 12"

This portrait of Ella Fitzgerald is the last in a series of four portraits of Black American singers who served as early inspirations to me as a singer.  Ella was often referred to as the Queen of Jazz for her supple, horn-like voice, impeccable diction, and awesome improvisational chops.  Among many others, I just love her swinging version of one of my all-time favorites, "No Moon at All."