“Aaliyah” Pastel on paper Copyright 2013 Totsymae
I started making art seriously as a portrait artist.?This portrait of Aaliyah was done as part of a series for a calendar for breast cancer in which I was building my portfolio as a graphic designer. Her grandmother passed away from the disease, which made the cause near and dear to Aaliyah. I was at work with a buncha folk around her age, early 20s-something, when they heard the news of her passing from a plane crash over the waters of the Bahamas. Oddly enough, it had been said that she’d spoken of death quite a?bit?before her untimely death. Not as a person who was afraid of it but thinking deeply on the transition of it.
When I composed the 12 portraits, I got to know Aaliyah’s music and something about her life. She was, at the time, engaged to be married to producer, Damon Dash, who said, in the year they had been together, “We never had an argument.” Many a men wish they could?say that, I’m sure.
Prior to her early parting, she was making her way on the big screen and starred in Romeo Must Die. She was close to music producer, Quincy Jones, who said upon her passing, “I am absolutely devastated.”
Though, gone too soon, Aaliyah left behind a legacy of music that’s timeless.
You can learn more about the life and music of Aaliyah by visiting her official website.
I'm an artist who's writing,mothering, blogging and doing a few other things under the sun. I buy toilet paper 99.9% of every trip I make to the grocery store. I'm a people watcher, so I know you're here but drop me a line anyway.
Beautiful, the art, the music and the tribute supporting breast cancer research. Thanks for the heads up!
Thank you, Lisa. I sound just like her, don’t I?
Fabulous portrait, Tots. Love the song. xxx
Thanks, Red. It’s one of my favorite songs by Aaliyah.
You’ve made her look amazing, Tots. Her passing was such a shock!
Did you finish the calendar?
Thanks.
Yes, it was shocking to learn of the plane crash. I did complete the calendar.
That portrait is awesome! Talented singer and beautiful young woman taken way too soon. You are so right!
Thanks, Linda. I love doing close-up shots.
Great portrait, Tots…it looks like you’ve captured an expression of soul. What’s with that danged Bermuda Triangle…?
Thank you. I always start with the eyes first. I know I’ve got it after the eyes are complete. Don’t know what’s up with that Bermuda Triangle.
It still saddens me to think of her. She was a talented & humble entertainer. Her choreography was flawless and original, especially in “One in a Million” & “Are You That Somebody?” “If Your Girl Only Knew” always reminds me of my first year of teaching because I played that cassette single to death in my Walkman. You have done a beautiful portrait.
Thank you.
Makes me sad too. She was one of a kind.
Beautiful woman, beautiful portrait. One of your best, I think Totsy. I’d never heard of her but still mourn the passing of a good soul.
Thank you. Good folk have to go too, unfortunately.
I wasn’t really familiar with her work but I remember this tragedy very well. What a beautiful tribute you’ve written, Totsy.
Thank you, Monica. So young, she was.
Love her music, still have her on my IPod and in the car. She was so talented and I think you captured her beautifully.
Gorgeous painting! Simply gorgeous!
Thank you, Jodi.
Beautiful painting of a beautiful soul, Totsymae. I still have two of Aaliyah’s songs, “More than a Woman”, and “Resolution” in heavy rotation on my workout playlist.
Thanks, Somer.
Wow….I’m impressed. Good work.
Thanks, Hansi.
You are truly gifted. AMAZING! I adored Aaliyah. She had such promise. Great artistry lady! Tried to call, but I’ll send an email.
Thank you.
Your portrait of her captures her satin voice. Exquisite. The title of your post is quite apt.
Thanks. The title’s from Michael J’s song, remember?
Now that you say that, yes I do!
A beautiful portrait, Totsy, and a lovely poignant post.
Thanks, Patricia.
gorgeous portrait, Tots…. Just gorgeous. Xx
Thanks, Kim.
Love. Da. Portraits.