The study of Dorothy Dandridge

Pen and Ink 5"x5"

The study of Dorothy Dandridge

This theater trained actor, was talented and had flawless beauty.

She broke barriers in the entertainment industry with the first African-American actor nomination for best actress  Academy Award for her performance in Carmen Jones.

Actor, singer, and dancer, she was a triple threat in the entertainment world. So I assumed her life equally fore filling. I assumed also while studying her that she had it all beauty brains and a charmed life. But I was wrong just because you're beautiful but doesn't mean life is just great. I wish it was for her because she seem to be a decent human being but she just ran into a lot of unfortunate circumstances. We all do, it's called life.

She was judge based on her beauty. Her flawless beauty grabbed more attention than her talents.

Just because you're flawless beauty it doesn't mean you're flawless of trials and tribulations. Her life tragically ended at the age of 42. Talent is talent, no matter what. And it is especially sad when a talent so young is gone.

The script writing behind her sketch are pieces from the article from Ebony magazine.

The Study of Thelonious Monk

Mixed Medium 5"x5"

The Study of Thelonious Monk

This Jazz musician and composer was recognized for his unconventional, and unorthodox way of playing the piano. His fingers in the speed of lightning across the keyboard.

Ironically, an unorthodox technique was used for his portrait study. I applied a black ink wash and white out ( yes, the material use for correcting mistakes when typing! )

Interestingly, I subconsciously pay tribute to this legendary performer the same way he played and composed music, thinking outside the box!

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!

Christmas Decor 2013

Christmas Decor 2013

This holiday has always been a special time for our household, especially for my niece Jocelyn growing up.

Time began to slow down a little bit, a couple of days before Christmas. This was the time to reflect the reason for the season and counting our blessings. 

It was an additional blessing to have time off for the Christmas break. A chance to refuel.

The smell of my mom's wonderful cooking filled in the air. The holiday decorations, including lights, filled up the walls of our home. 

Sometimes, I think it was more for my father, "GrandPuba", than anyone else. He would always use Jocelyn as an excuse and say, "WE NEED MORE, WE NEED MORE DECORATIONS!"....LOL

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.

The Wilderness

Mixed medium 5"x5"

The Wilderness

The study of Kurt  Cobain

Subject: Musician who formed the Seattle based group Nirvana during the “grunge” era in the 90’s.

Medium: Pen and ink, assorted pictures of the woods.

Concept: To make a portrait of a talented musician who struggled with many demons, including depression, and drug abuse.  I enjoy all kinds of music including alternative rock and grunge. Label it if you want, but music is music. Talent is talent, no matter what. And it is especially sad when a talent so young is gone. He was lost in the wilderness.

Kishla & Pete Together in Happiness

Photo collage 8"x10"

Kishla & Pete Together in Happiness

The beautiful bride, my sister, asked me to produce an invitation that represented elegance and bling. She loves the stylist, David Tutera and enjoyed his reality show. I am a fan of his as well. He is also my inspiration. I knew she wanted things to sparkle on a budget.

The Invitations were a series of ideas in layers. Various software programs were used to achieve the elegant look.  Metallic finished paper was used to finish the look.

I came up with the idea “Together in Happiness” for two causes, one was a celebration of the love of this wonderful couple and love ones gathering in this to witness this holy matrimony.

And trust me, it was true that everyone was together and happiness  on that special day, August 3, 2013.

The party favors with something fun that my sister thought of. She desired to give the guest Hershey kisses, that's her way of saying thank you. So I decided to invest in soft metallic sheen finished gift boxes with shimmering metallic lavender tulle ribbon with silver tabs that reads thank you for them. 

Since we were on a budget, instead of purchasing a ring pillow, I prepared one from scratch for the ring boy to carry. Kishla was very happy with the outcomes. My fashion design degree finally paid off…. LOL.

I want the to give a shout out to the photographer of the loving couple, please check out this talented person’s website at www.jwallacedesigns.com