I’m really pleased how this pencil drawing came out. And I would be lying if I said Janis didn’t have an influence on me and my life, and maybe more importantly on my art. She was one of the prime movers in freedom of expression. In today’s vernacular, she’d be known as an influencer.

I was born in '61, so the music from late '60's and early '70's had a major impact on my life. I enjoyed my tied-dyed shirts and my bell-bottom flare. It was an era of grand freedom for most, and as we all did at the time, we let our freak flags fly.

I really like this drawing of Janis because she looks happy and beautiful. I like how her glasses softly reflect and her eyes appear to look back at you from within the drawing. Her vest, hair and accessories were a challenge to draw, but I think they all came out just right.

I feel her music will live on forever, and I'm certain she will continue to entertain and influence many generations to come. I hope you will enjoy this piece of American pop culture.