Abbreviated Portrait No. Eight: CHR

Poteet on Cher:

I grew up with Cher and like everyone else that I paint, I was always a fan of hers. I’ve watched her go thru all her ‘lives’ and continually reinvent herself. I see her as royalty in the entertainment industry. I think the painting reflects that concept. I never saw an image of her with a golden triangle on her head, but I did see her that way in my minds eye. I DO see her as a type of royalty. I also see her as a very sensuous figure, that is why I placed the ‘S’ curves in the painting. I don’t know how anyone can see her as anything other than black…certainly not pastel colors… she is very dramatic. 

After the painting was complete I was shown a photograph (the one of Cher receiving an Oscar) and it was uncanny. I had never seen the photograph previously, it contained all the diamond shapes, triangles, the black and gold, it is what I was seeing in my head.

I didn’t deviate from my original idea (unlike other portraits like JCK NKLSON). I did paint a study, but only improved upon that for the actual painting. I saw her image immediately in my mind. The color black, black lace and a crown is enough information for the essence of Cher.