Oil painting

60 x 50 cm

This life-sized portrait was painted entirely from life. Using a muted palette, I played with contrasts in this portrayal of the dancer Jazz. Painting from life created a sense of quietude and intimacy, which I tried to convey. Absorbed in thought, Jazz’s face is lit by the natural, diffused light of an overcast day. The silvery background and muted glimmer of jewellery lead the eye of the viewer back to the face of the sitter. The eyes are looking straight ahead, seemingly ready to engage. The white and gray envelop the figure in an idealized, universal environment.