Our youngest daughter challenged me to paint a female person of colour. This painting is of Aretha Franklin back in the 60s. I thought she looked particularly pretty then.

Painting someone young and attractive is very difficult as there is nowhere to hide. Someone old and wrinkly is generally easier.

Several of my friends felt that she reminded them of their mother probably because of the beehive.

I think, quite possibly, this photo reminded me, subconsciously, of my Mum when she was younger and had a beehive too.