Miller Knox Renovations

During my last stay in Northern California, I of course went to many marinas. The Miller Knox Marina is one of my favorites because the fishermen/women are fun to sketch, photograph etc. They are so used to me that they ignore my presence. Part of the old pier was being removed. It was quite an interesting thing to watch and film.

Miller/Knox Regulars

This was fun to sketch. I was standing in a corner drawing these characters. They have gotten used to me drawing and photographing them. As with all figuratives done on site you have to mix and match the bodies because of the constant movement.

Carolina Street Serenade

This street musician has appeared in many of my paintings from South Carolina. On my final day in town he was playing in the park across the street from my hotel. I put some money in his case and did a sketch of him and took a few photos. After I printed a photo of him I saw that his shirt had a "Crosby's Seafood" insignia on it. I was meant to paint him.

Right Lane Must Turn Right

I must give my cousin Karmen credit for the photo that inspired this painting. In the past I have sent cameras to friends and family. My request was that they just fill the cameras (disposable's) up and send them back to me. This was when we used film cameras. Karmen sent me a number of images from in and around New York. I liked the signage and the street music scene.

Hol Up

The title refers to a situation involving two friends one of which senses a sketchy situation that the other doesn't. Its a person that has your back. This image is associated with the "False Bravado or Self Care" painting posted earlier. I recently saw it framed in a collection (Pam's) and really liked the design from a distance.

Stink Eye

This was a scene before my cousin Fred's wedding years ago. I like to capture images before, during and after a wedding.

Future Fisher

This image was captured at the Richmond Marina. I like the diversity of people and they don't mind being painted and photographed.

Downtown Hat Lady

This hat lady lives on yet again. This is a small oil. The subject was photographed by me in the 90s. She was entering a bank and dressed to the nines. I located the photo again this year and noticed that she had a cigarette in her hand. I then began to wonder if she was a bank teller or banker returning from lunch. Her story lives on in my imagination.

Here she is again.

Balloon Release 3

One of the advantages of being a photographer is that people tend to ignore you (or so I think)and you can get these very candid photos . I found this little one amongst a crowd of people. He stood out to me because his expression was of unbridled joy. I was gathering photo and video footage of a balloon release and there he was this little ray of sunshine.

Self Portrait 2022

Each year on my birthday I do a self portrait. This year I did about four. Some years are more abstract than others.

Sisters On A Mission

I went to my hometown to see family and also attend an annual community event which I was fortunate enough to photograph. Immediately after snapping this photo, I knew I had to paint the image. Most who follow me on Instagram have seen the sketches. This is the first of about four paintings in this series.

Wedding Prep

In 2018 I had the privilege of photographing a cousins wedding. My approach to any photography sessions is very organic. I went over to the house of the groom and bride before the wedding. Everyone was there (wedding participants) or arriving. I took photos and video of hair being done, makeup being applied and ties being tied. I recently went back to some of those images for paintings. I started out with a simple pencil sketch in my sketchbook and moved on to this pastel. This version was sitting on my easel waiting to be finished. Pam saw it and said it did't need any additional work. I always (sometimes) value her opinion on when something is finished. I look forward to exploring more images from the wedding and reception.

False Bravado Or Self Care?

We encountered these young men while enjoying an afternoon stroll/sketch session at the marina. I immediately got a sense of false bravado as they walked past us. Of course being a Black woman I gave the customary chin "what's up" as we passed....strictly out of habit. Of course I turned around and took photos as they walked away.

This was the initial sketch. I was attracted to the lines and postures.

Mesa Bus Stop

I'm old enough to remember actually having conversations while waiting for the bus or train. Now we can self isolate and not even acknowledge anyone. This is a new part of Austin for me. I still visit my old hood out of habit. The economy and feel of Austin changed as we "emerged" again from the pandemic. The cost of living almost tripled for most of us and we had to move our homes in a very short time. I feel as if wolves have taken over our economy. It's unpleasant to witness and be victimized by. This will pass in time. I took the photo that inspired this painting during a walk. Of course the light attracted me but also the distance we create between us with technology.

SOCO Boots OnThe Ground

This is a little slice of bustling South Congress (SOCO) Avenue. Its a very popular spot as its where you will find coffee and the "I Love You So Much" sign.

Grill Warm Up

This was a typical scene before a huge party. Early morning grill light up and friends to lie to what more can one ask for. I often photographed my step father with his friends around the pit. He would drink his beer and chat with friends while grilling. John L was always around and the hangers on were always dapper.

Childs Play 1

The photo that inspired this painting was taken at a family event. I was inspired by the fact that these kids were playing together in the digital age. This was a game of hide and seek with two seekers. No phones attached, just kids playing and running around together.

American Justice?

This painting was my response to the trial and verdict of the person that killed Mr. Floyd. I drew the portion on the right after the verdict. The left side and background were done the night before the verdict. The eyes and faces to the left are his coconspirators and the middle is the guilty party pleading the fifth. The constitution should apply to all.

Hot Deals

I remember taking the photo that led to this painting. We were in the car and Pam told me to look back and to my left. This was the scene. The light and figure drew me in. This woman appeared to be simply waiting at the bus stop and taking in her surroundings. She almost seemed defensive in her posture.

Family Ping Pong

This is a scene from pre pandemic Austin on a typical weekend day. The photo that inspired this painting was taken on 6th street downtown. This is an outdoor venue with ping pong tables. When I opened the photo up on my computer and was able to zoom in on the people in their various groups. This appeared to be a sweet little family.