When I first watched a recording of Etta James singing “I’d rather go blind,” on YouTube I got goosebumps. The soul she not sang but threw into each note was felt. I watched her performance closely as she connected with the audience. They were captivated. I was captivated. This recording was I-don’t-know-how many-years-old but the passion and energy she put into this performance is timeless.

I studied her facial expressions. The way her cheeks rose sharply as she pitched out a high note. How her eyes projected as much volume as her voice. When she would pause and gather herself for the next soulful expression. I immediately fell in love.

Then I started my studies. The image is a drawing I worked on in Procreate.

Kymberli's Art Blog Etta James kymberli grant Procreate