This large painting is dedicated to the legendary Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn, real name of Norma Jeane Mortenson, had a tough childhood in foster homes and orphanage and married at 16. Whilst working in a factory as part of the war effort a photographer introduced her to a successful pin-up modelling career. As her career developed she became at top-billed actress and model. Occasionally playing the 'dumb blonde' characters in some films she rocketed to stardom and became one of the most popular sex symbols of the 50's.  The rest is history, but as part of the icon portrait range, Marilyn exudes sexuality - even from black and white images.  It is one of those images, taken on the night she sang to the then President JFK, on which I based my portrait. Working simply from a single black and white image I have applied a modern energetic approach using modern subtle tones to capture that particular expression.