Marilyn
"A kiss on the hand may be quite continental, but diamonds are a girl's best friend."
36" x 48"
Acrylic on Wood
"This painting was part of a larger celebrity series, but from the beginning, Marilyn felt different. Built through countless layers of paint over the course of a year, it became one of the most ambitious and rewarding pieces I have created. The process was slow and deliberate, with each layer adding depth to the skin, hair, and light until the portrait gradually emerged.
I was largely raised by my grandparents, and through them I developed a love for the great actors and actresses of Hollywood’s golden age. Marilyn Monroe was one of those enduring figures. I was drawn to her beauty, vulnerability, charm, and the way she continues to captivate audiences decades after her death.
As a fellow Gemini, I’ve always felt a certain kinship with her. In 2026, Marilyn would have celebrated her 100th birthday. This portrait is both a tribute and a thank you—to an icon whose image, story, and spirit continue to resonate across generations.
Happy 100th birthday, Marilyn. You are still being celebrated and loved by this little gay boy."