Back to Black (2026) Original Mixed-media Painting by Joseph Charman

"Back to Black"
A3 Acrylic & Oil on canvas
My depiction of Amy Winehouse at aged 42 - the age she would have been, had she still been alive today.

The first in my new series of musician portraits, honouring the exceptional talent of timelessly unique musicians - many of whom did not remain with us for nearly long enough, often leaving this world in tragic and sometimes highly suspicious circumstances.

Amy died at the age of just 27. Many of us are familiar with the sad back story leading to her untimely departure.

To paint someone who is no longer with us in physical form, and bring them back to life in painted form, is a moving experience.

Whilst painting her - using reference photos of her pictured during her 20s - an unitended version of her which is more consistent with how she might appear were she alive today - seemed to reveal itself. So I left this aspect unchanged.

As a musician myself, I've always had the deepest connection with music and uniquely-timelss musical talent. And, as an artist I've always been drawn towards the huge challenge of portraiture.
This series intends to unite my love of rare musical talent, with my love of portraiture - especially, of bringing back to life, those who's unique story was cut short.

Materials used:

Acrylic paint on canvas. Final washes and details in oils. Varnished.

Details:

• Mixed-media painting on Canvas
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 29.7 x 42 x 1.7cm (unframed)
• Ready to hang
• Signed on the front
• Style: Expressive and gestural
• Subject: People and portraits