Claudia was inspired by my long‑standing admiration for the Italian master Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. His dramatic use of shadow and light — what we now call “Hollywood lighting” — shaped the emotional intensity of his figures during the late Renaissance.
In 2011, I travelled to Florence to study at the Angel Academy of Art, where I learned traditional techniques associated with Caravaggio’s approach. Returning home deeply inspired, I organised a photoshoot, selected this striking pose, and began the slow, meticulous process of bringing Claudia to life.
The painting took many weeks to complete. Working in this classical style was new to me at the time, and the challenge was immense — but the result remains one of my most cherished achievements. The rich red satin fabric, with its luminous folds and depth, gives the work a sense of drama and presence that anchors the figure in a world of shadow and quiet intensity.
Claudia sits beautifully within a curated collection of small works, especially when paired with modern or contemporary pieces. Its classical roots and bold colour make it a compelling focal point in any grouping.