Oil Pastel Drawing

Billie Holiday

A portrait of Billie Holiday, one of my favorite singers.

Despite of her addiction, struggles, and a fight with the U.S. government (her song “Strange Fruit”, War on Drug, etc), her voice remained so powerful and being one of the most soulful storytellers.

When I was in the 6th/7th grade, I was that Asian kid at a record store listening to Aretha, Mahalia, Billie, Gladys, Donny, Sam, etc, all day long. I didn’t even understand what they were singing about because I didn’t speak English, but I fell in love with their music. And still I’m a huge fan of them…

Gosh, I used to buy their cassette tapes! haha.

I love also making an animated GIF image.