Originals on Canvas

This 11 x 14  Original on Canvas was a commission piece I created in 2023. The client encouraged me to "do my thing," so I chose this image of her because of the thoughtful gaze she portrays. It reminded me of my childhood when her music filled our home, making her feel like a mystical figure a songbird-like vocal range. It wasn’t until my 20s that her lyrics truly resonated with me, particularly characters like the "bag lady," a woman yearning for the "window seat" on her flight, which gave a whole new depth to her message.

This 8 x 10 Original on Canvas was inspired by Kehlani's 2024 Crash album. I wanted to push my boundaries and explore a stylized-realism style on a smaller scale. My intention was to depict her, so well that she noticed the painting during her concert last December. Which amusingly sat at the venue's concierge desk for two hours. The highlight? I truly enjoyed the process of this portrait, and she looked my way a few times during the concert so a win is a win!

This 9 x 12 original canvas artwork of SZA draws inspiration from her 2023 "Kill Bill" video. I repurposed an abstract galaxy canvas I had on hand, primarily using it as a portrait study for practice. This allowed me to creatively map out another image, utilizing elements from the existing abstract galaxy piece to form her hair.

This original 9 x 12 canvas of Ari Lennox features a hidden painting underneath, showcasing my first attempt. If you’re interested in seeing the process, be sure to check out the video on my TikTok. Nevertheless, I decided to give it another shot using a close-up reference photo and experimented with a looser painting style for a more Impressionist approach.

This original 8 x 10 canvas artwork of the late Mac Miller draws inspiration from his 2014 mixtape, Faces, and its cover art. I aimed to explore Surrealism in this portrait to reflect the psychedelic and jazzy instrumentals that complement the darker lyrical themes of the mixtape. Mac's artistry evolved from that of a red solo cup party boy to a more eclectic sound. While creating this piece, I couldn't help but imagine how his music would have evolved if he were still with us today.

This original 11 x 14 canvas artwork depicts Doechii, the hometown princess and Swamp Ruler, inspired by her 2024 NISSAN ALTIMA music video. Witnessing her to stardom through hard work and authenticity sends a beautiful and empowering message to everyone, particularly black women. As she is known as the Swamp Princess, I envisioned her transforming into an alligator beneath the depths of the Hillsborough River, ready to submerge and execute a death roll on her prey, symbolizing her triumph over adversity and reclamation of power in the rap scene.

This original 16x20 canvas artwork of Beyoncé in her, "Cowboy Cater" era was another experimental portrait study.  Inspired by the works of Billy Schenck's a western pop artist, and old western movie intros, I wanted to come up with my own poster motif for this album. Like she said, "this not a Country Record,  it's a Beyoncé Record", personally I would say it was masterfully crafted history lesson put to music. I couldn't help but see visuals pop into my head throughout every listen. With my own art I would have the message of, "you have to know where you come from to know where you are going". Understanding your past and current situation is crucial for making informed decisions about the future, I would say that is something she did with this album.  

This original 16x20 canvas artwork was inspired by a Pinterest photo of a model with, Kinky obsidian-highlighted indigo curls playfully bouncing in the clouds, dressed in a vibrant crush orange coat in a POV shot. It reminded me of Nike ads featuring the bottom of a shoe stepping into view. The striking palette and captivating composition inspired me to explore painting from a different perspective. I chose the word "onward" because I believe that in life, there are moments beyond our control, even when we feel we've done everything we can. In those moments, it’s essential to remember to "keep moving forward, and the rest will follow."

This16x20 canvas artwork features Kendrick Lamar from his fifth album, "Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers," released in 2022. The album weaves a narrative centered on Kendrick's therapy journey, beginning with a recurring musical motif: “I hope you find some peace of mind…” Throughout the story, Kendrick grapples with issues like lust addiction, fatherhood challenges, and the trials of fame. Though he occasionally seems to sidestep the conversation, he ultimately confronts his struggles during therapy sessions leading to a cathartic release in “Mother I Sober.” The ultimate track revisits the opening melody, concluding with the powerful line, “I bare my soul and now we’re free.” Reflecting on therapy techniques, the Rorschach Test stands out to me. Its abstract and interpretative nature delves into understanding personality traits and emotional functioning. Life's complexities can often feel burdensome, making it vital to recognize when we need help to alleviate emotional distress and mental health issues. This journey can lead us to a higher consciousness and enlightenment, allowing us to emerge from dark places.

With this original 16 x 20 canvas artwork my goal is to evoke empathy and compassion. As a queer individual, I've witnessed how some families miss out on relationships due to their beliefs. This piece reflects the journey of Eric Effiong from the Netflix series "Sex Education," who embraces his sexuality despite struggles with faith and family. Through this portrait, I aim to depict a queer person of color reclaiming their identity, overcoming societal challenges, and finding strength in love and acceptance, allowing them to shine confidently in their true.

This original 18x24 canvas artwork inspired by the Amazon Prime series "A League of Their Own," this portrait centers on Maxine "Max" Chapman at a pivotal moment of self-discovery and queer joy, marked by her first short haircut and tailored suit. I hope this image resonates with lesbians and non-binary individuals embracing their identities, celebrating strength and style. Additionally, the title references Janelle Monáe's song "The French 75," which evokes a sense of celebration and carefree moments, embodying the joy of self-expression and life's blissful experiences.

This original 18x24 canvas artwork of J. Cole was created during my discipline stage. Throughout 2023, I committed to making a portrait each month, pushing myself to explore the creative unknown. With this goal in mind, J. Cole stands out as the perfect artist to represent the journey of being self-taught.

This original 18x24 canvas artwork features the legendary Eartha Kitt as Catwoman. It all began when I stumbled upon a vintage 1967 Batman episode on Instagram, where she exuded sass and confidence. I immediately thought, "This would make a fantastic painting!" Searching for the perfect reference photo, I discovered how her role opened doors for more African Americans to go on to have groundbreaking roles beyond what was considered the norm in the 1960s.