The Last Supper

24" x 36" Acrylics on canvas

The Last Supper

I mentioned some time ago on this blog that I enjoyed certain challenges. What in the world was I thinking when I decided to do a remake of the last supper. Presently on display at Mount Hermon Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.

The size was a challenge because I don't think I have a work this large of my life. It was amusing watching my niece’s reaction. She would watch me as I would place together the sketches. Deciding on the placement of each of the characters was challenge because I was afraid to make mistakes. I decided to push fear out by the way! You can't hold on to fear. That's not what Art is about! 
The research was another task to overcome. I love Leonardo DA Vinci's Version of the Last Supper, but I simply wanted to tackle it and use a more humble/rustic scene. I remember asking The late Bishop Jackson for guidance, even with art history knowledge, I wanted to do it right. I asked him about how it was back in the time, his answer was always been how is in the Bible. I took the as a cue as read your Bible, girl!……. LOL. I understood his response because everyone has their interpretation of the environment during the Last Supper with Jesus and his disciples. It was important for me to read and study the Bible. It was up to me to do complete research to illustrate my interpretation of the last supper so I thought...... My little helper, my niece, Jocelyn, really came through. This young lady has the combination of Sunday school knowledge since the age of four. Also, she has been in Catholic school since the first grade. She is extraordinary.

One thing that Leonardo DA Vinci had that I didn't was obviously, a commission to create a mural as a church restoration by his Paton, Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan Italy. I kid you not, I really study years of art history from high school and throughout college. I am surprised that I remembered anything from the classes. 

The materials and supplies came out of my pocket. This was a passion project and I wanted to see it through. I want to see it completed.

The Bishop Jackson was so amazed about the completed painting, he wanted to discuss with the church for possible purchases……

Father and son in Praise

18" x 24" Acrylic on canvas board

Father and son in Praise

The inspiration for this painting was to celebrate the extraordinary bond between a father and his son. The bond is usually, if you're fortunate, filled with kindness, support, and compassion. Perhaps these are the main factors needed to teach a boy to become a man, a strong man. This fascinating relationship, becomes even stronger when the father teaches his son how to develop a strong relationship with God through praising.

My plans for a future painting is flip the script and explore the relationship between father and daughter and mother and son.

When will I find the time? I don't know! But because It's in my heart, it might be sooner than I think.

Mother and daughter in prayer

Mother and daughter in prayer 

 The inspiration for this painting was to celebrate the strong bond between a mother and daughter. The bond is usually, if you're fortunate, is very supportive, nurturing, resilient, and unconditional. With all those factors in the mix, this amazing relationship, becomes even stronger when the mother teaches her daughter how to develop a strong relationship with God through prayer.

......... I have seen some daughters have mothers who were not physically or emotionally available for various reasons, rise above their circumstances and determined to be the moms they never had.

Holy

Acrylic on canvas board 18" x 24"

Holy

The painting was made with the intention of showing a majestic figure, slightly transparent, levitating while in the praying hands position. The figure is wearing a choir robe in the color red.

The significance of the color red in the bible are blood of Jesus, love of God, and salvation.

The image, in the painting, represents devotion to the service of God. To be kind and helpful to others. To love everyone like God loves everyone. Slow to take offense.

This painting means so much to me because I realize that we are in this together. Everyone has to help one another. I try every day to treat people the way I wanted to be treated. To be helpful, to be kind, show empathy, and slow to take offense. It is not easy to do. I have to remind myself  this lesson just about every day because," some people will try you"!

Meek is not weak, meek is STRONG!!

Praise dancer in yellow

Acrylic on canvas board 18"x 24"

Praise dancer in yellow

Keeping the theme of praise dancing. Praise dancers not only show/express their passion for God, but they also minister to others through dance.

This dancer is expressing the joy that is already in her heart towards God.  She is performing a celebratory dance in a vibrant yellow dress.

Yellow in the Bible represents - Faith and Glory of God, anointing, and Joy.

Stand With Me

Acrylic on canvas board 18"x24"

Formerly called,“ Prayer”

Stand with Me

This painting was inspired based on a women's retreat which my mom and I attended with our church. It was a wonderful and enlightening experience. It was a spiritual retreat where everyone contributed to mini workshops and shared their experiences and their relationship with God. There were a lot of praise and worship during this trip, especially on the bus ride back to church. We got it back just in time for Sunday services. All the women stood up in church and did a praise dance to the song called “ I pray for you, you pray for me”! It was led by a very spiritual church member who started the praise dance ministry at Mount Hermon Baptist Church, Sis. Viola Christian.

The artwork was sold to a church member.

Conversations

Acrylic on paper 18"x25"

 Conversations

This is my first painting that I created in the series. I wanted to present a group of people in casual conversation. When it comes to communication, I naturally work best in one on one conversations as stated earlier.

I find large group conversations really fascinating.

Contour Drawings Exercises

Pens, Jewelry boxes, Eyeglasses & Bananas

I started off creating still lifes..... Of anything. I decided to use everyday objects. Pens.

At the beginning I felt like I was taking baby steps. Like my hand almost forgot what to do. Silly, isn't it? But that's how I felt.

After the first study I decided to place a bunch of pens in the glass jar. The drawing took me to a place that I haven't been in a long time. The zone, the drawing zone! 

I'm so concentrated on the objects in front of me, in my hand movement, then I forget all my problems for a few moments.

And of course I keep the best for last. What every art student has to go through. I guess our right of passage…….. To draw your hand holding a pen!

As the saying goes, it's exactly like riding a bike again. You get back on and you ride your bike as if you have never forgotten. Unfortunately, I never learned how to ride a bike..... Ha Ha!

Contour Drawings

Contour drawings

Definitions:

Contour drawings - is an artistic technique used in the field of art in which the artist sketches the contour of a subject by drawing lines that result in a drawing that is essentially an outline.

Blind contour drawings - is a drawing exercise, where an artist draws the contour of a subject without looking at the paper.

Sometimes I get into a creative “dry spell”. This dry spell will last between a couple weeks to several years. I've been dealing with chronic pain in my joints specifically in my knees. 

I got a phone call from my college friend. I explained to her my latest troubles. She suggested that I get back to drawing. Just started off with some contour drawings. My schedule is truly tight, in my head, I was coming up with every reason why I couldn't start drawing again. I decided to take her advice to heart. It's been the best thing I've done. I reintroduce myself to my sketch pad and began to do a series of contour and blind contour drawings.

I've been able to squeeze in between 15 minutes to 20 minutes daily. I became comfortable, in the zone, in my own space and it felt great! It was liberating and all the sudden the creative juices came back to me. I haven't done drawings like these in many, many years. I forgot how fun, energizing and challenging it could be.

I still deal with chronic pain, but is something very special about drawing and painting. I'm not so centered on my pain anymore. I'm focused on something bigger!

Thanks Melissa! Thank you for reminding me that once an artist will always be an artist.

Study of Hair Texture

Pen and Ink 5"x5"

Study of Hair Texture

I came across of this reference of a model wearing her curly and thick hair texture. This is a fun texture to render in pen and ink. Curls tightly roping around each other creating amazing coils. 

I believe that women, especially of African ancestry, have a reason to celebrate the various hair textures, because it’s unique and beautiful. Now we see different examples of curly hair glamorized in magazines of all women.

Also, there are products catered to textured hair. 

Hurray!

Study of African Women Dancing

Pen and Ink 5"x5"

Study of African Women Dancing 

Here we are again back to the quick drawings also known as gesture drawings. I love to dance. I love all forms of music and dance. The women in the reference, looks so joyful and happy in movement. I wanted to catch the flow, energy, of these vibrant, beautiful women in African traditional dance. I must make a painting soon!

The study of the graffiti style of my nick name

Markers 5"x5"

The study of the graffiti style of my nick name

I was born and raised in the era where The South Bronx looked like a war zone.

Abandoned buildings, empty lots filled with garbage, even crack vials scattered over the sidewalks of my building complex. 

I was fortunate to be in a loving and caring household. My parents worked hard to take care of me and my sister. I never experienced a desire to hang out in the streets because I was a homebody and my home was my safe haven. 

There were some fantastic things about living in The South Bronx. I spent most of my afternoon's playing with the kids in the neighborhood.We played games like Double Dutch, Tag, Red-light, Green-light 1 2 3 and Hot Peas and Butter…… Ouch!!!!

Anyway the sounds of hip-hop filled the air from the boom boxes. It was Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, LL Cool J, The Sugarhill Gang, Big Daddy Kane, Roxanne Shante, The Treacherous Three, MC Lyte, Run DMC, Salt and Pepa and Spinderella, Kurtis Blow, Boogie Boys, Whoudini, Eric B & Rakim, Queen Latifah, just to name a few….. I could go on and on but I have to go back to the story!

I was named Cee Cee since I was a toddler, I believe. It's been told to me that my Aunt Willie gave me my nickname. 

I also romanticized about being a graffiti artist. Some of the “Tags” around the city were tacky, but others were simply breathtaking, colorful, bold, graphic simply beautiful. 

Italy, has surrounded artworks of including Leonardo DA Vinci and Michelangelo. The South Bronx, on the other hand, was surrounded by the most amazing, art, Graffiti Art .

We had our Ree 2, Mitch 77, Sento, Tracy 168, Futura 2000, Cope 2, Seen, Noc 167, Blade, T-Kid 170, Billy 167, King 2,  just to name a few.

NYC has the most amazing graffiti artist, but I just wanted to give a special "shout out" to my beloved borough...."Da South Bronx!"

Now graffiti art is highly celebrated worldwide.

The study of a model wearing glasses

Pen and Ink 5"x5"

The study of a model wearing glasses

Quick sketching is a really fun challenge. It is also quite liberating.

Here is a reference of a model posing in a head scarf and glasses. She looks regal and intelligent.

Unfortunately, back in the day when I was in the second grade I had to wear prescription eyeglasses. It just wasn't as cool. I suffered an extreme vision so as a result, I have extremely thick Coca-Cola bottle shaped lens which gave me the appearance of one eye was smaller than the other.

Oh, what fun times! 

Anyhow, back to the sketch. It seems like I didn't finish the bottom part of her chin. Reflecting on this, or looking back on it, I probably had to stop quickly to wash dishes or something, who knows, it was always something.

Study of Chris Kirkpatrick

Pen and Ink 5"x5"

Study of Chris Kirkpatrick

I ran across this reference of Nsync’s band member  Chris Kirkpatrick, and I thought, wow, what an interesting sketch this will be.

What attracted me to the music group, years ago, was their energetic dance moves and their high energy stage presence.

Then to top everything else off, One of them stood out wearing braids or dreads tied with rubber bands on top of his head while his sides and back of his head were bald. (Not shown in this reference) In this reference, he is screaming. I exaggerated his facial features. 

Ironically, he seems to be "screaming" for attention. Interesting, just like his hairstyle was back then. Don't worry Chris…… we see you LOL.

Just kidding..... I love Chris for his individuality!

Pen and Ink 5"x5"

Study of Lyle Lovett

A country singer-songwriter with the face that's naturally animated, big curly hair, and a wide smile. He captured the heart of Julia Roberts many years ago.

Lyle Lovett, I thought it will be interesting subject to sketch from. I just went for it, I quickly sketched out his features of his face to my sketch pad. I noticed that I exaggerated one side of his face more than the other. If the truth were to be told, peoples faces are not hundred percent symmetrical.

It is fun for me to sketch quickly and not be concerned with glamorizing the subject or smooth out the imperfections. Imperfections are more beautiful and interesting to me.

Movement

5"x5" Mixed Medium

Movement

The study of Fatima 

Subject: choreographer Fatima Robinson (one of my favorites!)

Medium: Pen and ink, assorted pictures of water.

Concept: To create movement through sketch and photo of water.

The famous choreographer, Fatima, was captured in mid motion in one of her signature moves. This dancer moves are like water.

Ms. Robinson's work range from Michael Jackson’s music video, “ Remember the time”, Aaliyah’ s “More Than a Woman” and “Rock the boat”, Backstreet Boys “ Everybody”.

Study of Donna Summer

Scratch art was always fun to create. I first learned about it during my childhood. Instead of crayons as an underlay are you several watercolor washes. Then an ink wash set for last. I scratched the image of the legendary singer and songwriter Donna Summer. She was a pioneering Artist with the hypnotic vocals. Donna summer was an amazing vocalist.

 I had the honor and privilege to meet Donna Summer  at her book signing at Barnes & Noble.

At the time, I was working for an organization that helps families and children placed in shelters. Some were battling life threatening disease, abused physically or mentally. As a teacher's aid in the classroom inside of a tenement building in the shelter to provide education for preschoolers. Also, it was a safe even for the children. My struggles were nowhere near like the families and the children in the program. But it could be stressful at times.

 So instead of going home after work and just rest for the next day, I decided instead of taking The Bronx bound train, so I took the downtown train to meet my Idol, Donna Summer. I was expecting a small, intimate gathering maybe I was delusional and tired. When I got out the train station and I looked at Barnes & Noble I said to myself, "Of coarse this long line is for Donna summer maybe they'll start moving maybe I won't have to stand for a long time". The line wrapped around three blocks I finally found the end of the line and I just stood and waited. I think I was the only female on the line.

 Next thing I knew three hours have passed, the sun went down and we only moved a couple of feet. I kept in my head, "Please, if you could just get around this corner and then maybe the next corner they let us in. My knee started to walk in place and I kept on crack in them as getting a line there were so many times when I want to say just go home it's not worth it. But I have my book. 

The man behind me noticed my discomfort and asked if I was okay. I told him my knees were sore. He told me that he felt my pain and not to worry, we are half way there.

And just when we made it around the last corner before the store entrance. A  representative came outside and said sorry Donna summer will no longer signing any more books. Oh my goodness the sounds of boozes and hisses began. The men began to chant " Oh no he didn't! " Not fair!" "We want our queen!" The man behind me shouted, " Yeah! This lady has been in pain, let her in!" Don't worry girl, we got you! I tried on to laugh.

A few minutes later, the same representative came out and told us despite of her tiredness, she is willing to see everyone. He instructed us to enter the bookstore quickly and quietly. And most important, follow instructions!! Then the doors to Barnes and Noble were locked.

I wanted a picture of Donna Summer but too shy. I debated whether or not to take her picture. I brought my Nikon DX 50 manual camera just in case.

The Zigzag line inside the store was shorter. I could, actually see Ms. Summer  at a distance. Yes! I will take her picture! Suddenly, a loud and Repetitive, "  Get her book ready to the page for her to sign, No standing around Ms. Summer! , no conversations with Ms. Summer! , and absolutely, no pictures!" The flash was placed on the camera already....but they said no pictures. The aperture was set in place.... but they said no pictures. Lenses focused on the subject...... but no pictures. When will I get this opportunity again........no pictures. But they said no pictures. I always followed the rules, I was never a troublemaker. I am next in line.... no pictures. Next! They yelled.... screw them... I whipped out my camera and pressed the button! The flash shocked everyone!

 I walked slowly to Ms. Summer and waved hello to her. She said hello  in return and ask for my name. I said Tracey. I didn't dare tell her the correct spelling (At this point I didn't care if she wrote Stacy). She asked me instead," how do you spell your name?" I had the biggest smile on my face. She was considerate and kind. Ms. Summer asked how was my day and ask what I did for a living.

She said thank you for coming I appreciate you waiting. I said are you kidding, no thank you, you have no idea you made my day.

 I wanted to talk to her about everything. How loved her music since I was in preschool. How I use to  secretly sing, dance and choreograph moves to all her songs in my living room! Instead, I quickly said thank you, and wave goodbye to her and husband, Bruce Sudano, standing off to the side. Her handlers gave me dirty looks, I didn't care, Ha! 

Today would have been Ms. Summer's 64th birthday......

RIP Donna Summer

Study of a Teenager on the Phone

Pen and Ink 5"x 5"

Blah, blah, blah, blah,,,,,,,blah!

Have you ever walked pass a teenager on the telephone before? Well I have and wow she could talk. 

This teenager talked so much on the phone, that her voice begin to sound like this, white noise.

 Oh no she didn't! 

For real? No way! 
Blah blah blah blah......

 Girl please! She think that she's cute but not! Someone lied to her.

 I don't know…… Right! 

Blah blah blah… 

Yeah got my hair done at my Aunt’s beauty salon! 

Blahhhhhhhh!

Study of a Fashion Model

Pencil 3" x 5" 

As a Fashion Illustrator, my eye was drawn to this dramatic and striking pose. I wanted to capture the movement of the outfit. Unfortunately, my sketchbook was so small and I didn't plan out the layout of the sketch. So I decide to crop the image and used accent lines to create a dramatic flare.

I miss Fashion Illustration because it was so liberating. When I have more time, I will create fashion drawings on a larger scale.