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.

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