The title says it all.

I've been a fan for over 20 years. Bad was my first ever album, and every album since then has given me great delight and excitement. At 18, I had his initials, as you see on the base of the pic, tattooed onto my body as a permanent reminder of the joy this man brought to my heart. The joy this man still does bring to my heart.

I spent a long time hunting out these images. I couldn't decide on one as a tribute, so chose these three, not for their world wide icon status, but for the three things this man was to me. He was an artist, a creator, and a genius one at that. Anyone watching him could see he was often at his pure, unbridled happiest when immersed in his music, or his dance. The smile he gave in those moment, when the weights of the world weren't on his shoulders, often brought tears to my eyes, beautiful as it was.

But he was also a haunted soul, someone who never really seemed to find his rightful place, and even surrounded by people who adored and loved him, looked lonely. His eyes always held unfathomable wells of sadness, but never failed to entrance. I can't begin to imagine the kinds of stresses he must have had to deal with, both of his own making, and through those of others, and I would defy anyone to stay what we would consider 'normal' with such a reputation to live up to.

And lastly, he was a performer, a public icon, a famous figure, and entertainer. And he was, in my opinion one of the best in the world. Thriller will never be topped, as far as I'm concerned, and it makes me very sad indeed to know we'll never get to see the final stage performance. I chose Smooth Criminal as it's my favourite video he did.

Whatever this man is or was to you, whatever you opinions on what he did or did not do, please respect the labour of love that went into painting this. This piece is my personal show of grieving, and your negativity is not wanted nor welcome. This is one artist's show of love for another who inspired her in so many ways I'd be here all day listing them out.

My heart aches to know he's gone. R.I.P. Michael, you'll be sorely missed.

All done in photoshop, painted from scratch with reference from [link]