Based on a charcoal figurative study done from life some time ago I adapted the colours from a collected piece of silk fabric for the gown and included the gold cushion that I own. I wanted to create an intense, thoughtful work which reflected the personality and mood of the sitter. The brown hues I felt added to that intensity - and the light coming from above created a sense of theatre and drama. The light catches the gold threads in the fabrics and lift the image - saving it from becoming too dour and I felt added to that sense of drama.