Jessye Norman - soprano
(Birmingham Symphony Hall Collection)

I wanted to create clouds of golden watercolor which would dry just right, so as to "breathe" sound, to emphasize the calm dignity of Jessye Norman's stage presence and the theatrical effect of the subject emerging from deep purple into the spotlight.

The composition is balanced on the diagonal line that takes our eye down through the cloud of black hair to her outstretched left hand, then across with her expansive gesture, convincing us that this is the only way to sing this phrase.

All very serious, but actually this lady has a great sense of humor. "Just call me Norman", I suggested, when we met for tea in Amsterdam. "Now, wait a minute...".