Miss Franklin is an original gouache Pop Art portrait by artist Brett Hodges of Quiet Corner Art Studio in Omaha, Nebraska.

For this portrait, I wanted to honor Aretha Franklin in her later years, when her presence carried the confidence, grace, and authority of a woman fully aware of her place in American culture. To me, this was when she was at her most beautiful, not only as a legendary performer, but as a national treasure whose strength and spirit were impossible to overlook.

This painting is part of my Pop Art Icons series, created with bold black and white line work, a limited red accent palette, and a decorative background that gives the piece a sense of rhythm and presence. Painted with Winsor & Newton gouache on archival cotton paper and finished with Dorland’s Wax, the work reflects my interest in contemporary portrait art, minimalist Pop Art, fine art portraiture, and the lasting cultural impact of iconic women in American music.

Artist Brett Hodges at Quiet Corner Art Studio, Omaha, NE, original gouache Pop Art portrait titled Miss Franklin, featuring Aretha Franklin in black and white with red lips, red clothing, and a decorative patterned background.
Artist Brett Hodges at Quiet Corner Art Studio, Omaha, NE, close-up detail of Miss Franklin showing Aretha Franklin’s black and white facial features, red lips, dark hair, and textured gouache surface.
Artist Brett Hodges at Quiet Corner Art Studio, Omaha, NE, detail of the Miss Franklin gouache portrait showing black and white facial line work, simplified hair, and minimalist Pop Art contrast.
Artist Brett Hodges at Quiet Corner Art Studio, Omaha, NE, close detail of Miss Franklin showing the red clothing, decorative background, black line work, and Dorland’s Wax finish.

Artwork Details
Title: Miss Franklin
Artwork Number: 854
Series: Pop Art Icons
Artist: Brett Hodges
Date: February 5, 2026
Medium: Winsor & Newton gouache
Surface: 100% archival cotton paper
Finish: Dorland’s Wax
Dimensions: 20 x 16 inches
Studio: Quiet Corner Art Studio, Omaha, Nebraska

Reference Photo Credit: AP Photo/Matt Rourke, July 26, 2010, attribution to the best of my knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Miss Franklin by Brett Hodges?
Miss Franklin is an original gouache Pop Art portrait of Aretha Franklin by Omaha artist Brett Hodges.

What inspired the Miss Franklin portrait?
The portrait was inspired by a later-life image of Aretha Franklin that reflects confidence, grace, authority, and her lasting place in American music and culture.

What series is Miss Franklin part of?
Miss Franklin is part of the Pop Art Icons series, a collection focused on influential women and cultural icons.

What materials were used to create Miss Franklin?
The painting was created with Winsor & Newton gouache on 100% archival cotton paper and finished with Dorland’s Wax.