Nelson Avenue Park

10" x 12" Acrylic on paper

Nelson Ave Park

There's a serious game going on at Nelson Avenue Park. A basketball tournament. All the games are serious whether there are two guys playing or two teams. There's never a boring moment in this park. At one time in a while you'll hear a story about gunshots taken place, but most times it's just people just wanting to play and have fun. There's so many things to choose from. Not just is there basketball courts, They're also having a Handball court and play area for the children. This one child particular seems determined to strengthen his dribbling skills. He may be too short to join the game, but when he's big enough, he will be ready!

Harlem U S A

12"x12" Mixed Medium on paper

Harlem U S A

I love walking everywhere. Especially walks from The Bronx to Manhattan. I spent many times traveling to different neighborhoods. I remember one time I was walking across the 155th street bridge from The Bronx to Harlem. On this day, I continued walking until I reached 126th street.

During my journey, southbound, I noted that the buildings were mainly tenant buildings. Some were abandoned, some were not. Under the dinginess of some of the buildings, you can really catch the beauty in the architecture. I read a little bit of architecture in art history classes and I have seen some of the most majestic buildings and cathedrals. But in Harlem, there are some true hidden gems in the structure of the buildings.

As I drew closer to 125th St., the sidewalks appeared smaller, there's more bold and lively colors, street vendors everywhere.

This technique I used it's called Ink wash out technique. Black ink and white paint are applied. Then you will rinse it out under running water. Then continue to paint in acrylics.

During one of my walks in Harlem, I bumped into one of my childhood friends. I hadn't seen him in many years. That's one thing I know about my friend, he was either getting into trouble or always surrounded by trouble. I was so happy and surprised to see him. I asked him what he has been up to lately. He said that he has been in and out of jail. He told me, with enthusiasm, about his new venture, he said that he's a street vendor. He sells white tube socks out of his shopping cart. 

Bless his heart........

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

“One Drop Rule”

My Dad “Grandpuba” loves history books. He used to work for the sanitation department. Sometimes he would bring history books home after work. They were books that I never seen before especially in school. They were purchased at a book store in Harlem on Lenox Avenue called Liberation Bookstore (Now located at 156 Street Amsterdam Avenue). Thorough black history books examining racism of the United States, I would read these books for hours. I especially enjoyed books by J.A Rogers who was known for precise history of African and African Americans. One of the many topics which stood out for me was the “one Drop rule” a tactic formed during the segregation of black people. The one drop rule was formed stating that a person of African ancestry, no matter what percent of “white blood” they had they will be classified as Black and will not have the benefits or right as white Americans. It was the way to keep the races separated and to enforce the Jim Crow Laws of the South.
I wanted to use the coffee and cream concept and include the image of the American flag. The Jim Crow Laws was a racial caste system formed during the Reconstruction period after the Civil War and only used in America at that time. It ended when the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed to outlaw discrimination in public accommodations.
It was created It was very difficult to create faces on the cream holder and the coffee mug. I wanted this image to clearly tell the story without using words. I think that it would make a great illustration spot for a magazine article someday.
The painting is available or purchase.