This pieces was inspired by the concept of "waiting", especially highlighted in these times of the pandemic. "Madame X" has also been one of my favourite paintings by John Singer Sargent and immediately came to my mind as an excellent example of poise and restraint whilst waiting. The Eastern Spinebills are holding their own in, showing off their Australian flamboyance against Madame's cool resolve. It was a lot of fun to work on this piece, playing around in the composition with the dialogue between Madame and birds, and the birds amongst themselves. It is a real conversation piece!