Month: June 2022

On Wednesday, June 15, 2022, the Federal Reserve decided to hike the interest rate by 75 basis points. Many of us–even those making this change–probably have little idea what this really means, but it sounds pretty bad when reading all the news that followed. With so much happening in the world right now, who can really predict what this 75 Basis Points will do?

Meanwhile, my latest figurative art project–Portrait of Arielle–has gone through much change–I estimate 10,000 basis points change since the beginning of the week. And, I know exactly what this means and what it will mean next week, because I am looking at it.

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Back in March 2020, a day after finishing this portrait color study, the plan to execute a larger portrait of Arielle was suspended. Now, after a long wait, I am standing almost at the same spot where I was 2 years ago…

So much has changed, but at the same time, everything seem so familiar and normal—as if 2 years hasn’t passed.

I am still trying to figure out the final composition for this pose, So I continued drawing this today, focusing on values, and on fabric…

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For the past several years, my path has taken me to the heart of Harlem where I enjoyed seeing and interacting with people there. One man—I think he was a security guard or something—always greeted me by saying, “What’s up my man!” Then, I would usually tell him that all is cool with me and then talk about the weather or something.

Near by where this was happening is a African Braiding Shop where I got around to see folks getting their Cornrows and I thought it was one of the coolest thing to see. Everybody there had super-fly, colorful clothing, too.

On a special day, I was inside the salon. The place was full of things everywhere, but not in a messy way, but in a way that tables, chairs, bags, and people all fit and perfectly positioned for this composition.

When the work began, things got real intense. I don’t think they were playing music, but the way everyone spoke made it seem like everyone was singing and moving to the same drum beat.

• Check out the initial underpainting of this work — A Scene from Harlem

Despite all that has happened in the past 2 years, it has been exceptional time for creativity. All of us have different ways of expressing our artistic visions, but I take time to plan and execute paintings that I have in mind. I suppose that’s why I gravitate towards painting from life, because the subject is readily available… 

There are so many possible scenes that can make great paintings, so I generally spend a lot of time sketching and painting things that are right in front me until the undeniable “A-ha” moment reveals itself.