The Process:

Creating Chocolate City ‘til Infinity

Inception.

On June 5th, 2020, Mayor Muriel Bowser revealed Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, D.C. On June 6th, 2020 this watercolor painting was created. From living in the DMV area for over 22 years, I have a lot of love for the city where Black businesses and culture thrive.

Progression.

D.C. architecture’s color palette is light and airy. Influenced by that theme, this piece uses pastel shades and an iridescent white for a reflective effect. The initial layer of the building was painted in oil paint. Once dry, the following layers were painted in acrylic paint on a 17’x11’ canvas using the impasto technique to add texture and dimension.

Completion.

The painting’s finishing touches were the addition of the D.C. flag and the Japanese cherry blossom tree, both signature symbols of the city.

May Chocolate City stay Chocolate City, ‘til infinity.

Inception.

A graphic design flooded the #BLM hashtag on Instagram in June of 2020. The initial post appears to have originated from @twoarabminds . The design replaces the iconic Hollywood sign with “Black Lives Matter”. I recreated this captivating image in watercolor, knowing it would eventually lead to a larger sized painting.

Progression.

On an 11”x17” canvas, I planned the layout of the piece by sketching. To add a personal touch, she added palm trees to the foreground to bring depth and a California aesthetic. The work was painted in acrylic and used thick layers for the texture of the greenery.

Completion.

From the moment I saw the graphic design, it reminded me of how much Black creatives influence the entertainment industry, and just how little recognition is received in return. This sign should exist because it’s dope. But let’s not lose sight of what is more impactful than symbols; recognition, representation, and compensation for the Black community driving entertainment.

Creating Take Up Space.

Inception.

After working on pieces that demanded attention to detail and small brush strokes, I created these two pieces as a relieving and freeing experience. Using a a nude shade color palette and simple line art figures inspired from Pinterest posts, I painted these two entitled “Take Up Space”, and “Protect Your Peace”. These works celebrate women, their bodies, and their beauty.

Progression.

This line art project was not intended to continue after the initial two pieces, but once I started, I couldn’t resist the enjoyment that came from the simplicity. To plan the next work, I drafted this sketch drawing. I wanted to illustrate the pride I hold for the dynamic characteristics of my hair. It bounces, it defies gravity, it shrinks, it stretches. Any day, I may appear with any of the styles shown.

Completion.

Sticking to the nude color palette, I added gold lead bring a regal aesthetic to the work.

This painting is entitled Formation after Beyonce’s song.