"Child's Play"

November 2009
24 X 36
Oil on Canvas
$395

A pic of my son and his friends
at his 5th birthday party!

"Mos Def"

October 2009

Oil on Canvas
24 X30
$395

Self...removed...

October 2009
24 X 30

Oil on Canvas

*see instruction manual

Self-Portrait

NEW!! Handpainted Bags!!

New Bags!! Can be purchased on Etsy!!!

Carry around fine art on your shoulder! Original Acrylic Paintings on bags purchased from army/navy (durable/quality material) store, no image is too difficult. The cost of the bag plus $55!! You can also provide the article you want painted! Contact me with any questions or orders. That's my baby in the pic, what a good sport!

Break the Cycle....of oppression

Time to take off the cuffs and stop the cycle of oppression against minorities. 18 X 36 Oil on Canvas with mixed media.

"Our First Lady, Michelle Obama"

24 X 30 Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas. Hillary is the lady on the bike! This is the most challenging woman to draw, her face is very unique! Click on the pic to see more details. Contact me for purchase.

"Blackman, Blackman"

Oil on Canvas w/Mixed Media 24 X 30 My interpretation of our new 2009 President, Barack Obama, and the situation he finds himself in after the race is over. Yes we "still" can!! I've combined many different elements, including my writings, in this one. Click the pic for a better look at the details. Contact me for purchase.

"Hindsight is 20/20"

January 2009 Oil on Canvas/Mixed Media 16 X 20 Everything seems so clear in hindsight whether it's 20 minutes later or 20 years later! Lifes challenges never cease to exist and looking back can only help us if we learn from our mistakes. I could use a little foresight myself!

Contact me for purchase.

"The Sky is Falling"

January 2009 Oil on Canvas/Board/Mixed Media 48 X 48 This painting signifies all people from different backgrounds coming together under the leadership of Obama. The word Change is running down to portray the change that is washing over the country.

Contact me for purchase.

"The sky is falling...in progress!"

Oil on Canvas 48X48 not quite done yet, but I wanted to upload so the fam could see it when I get to Pittsburgh! I still have to work on the drippy word change and I'm sitting infront of the portrait of obama in the bottom center!

"Group Effort"

Pen and Watercolor
with collage
6 X 18
Another piece my
son and I worked
out together!
Click the pic for
a closer look!

"Girl without a spark!"

Pen and Watercolor
with collage on Arches
6 X 18
Click on the Pic
for a closer look!

Cover of LINK!

Today I was published on the cover of Link with a 2 page spread on the inside! Check it out at http://hamptonroads.com/2008/11/artist-profile-coloring-outside-societys-lines

Change is on the way!

"Among Us"

48 X 60

Oil on Canvas

Intended as a skin study, but became a favorite among patrons!

"In the distance"

July 2008

Oil on Canvas

30 X 40

Gravity Driven Art, as named by Leslie Parker! This is my second attempt with the new method, it's getting more controlled. This piece is slightly too controlled for my taste, but each painting is a step toward the next, they all serve a purpose.

"Salvador Dali"

July 2008

Oil on Canvas

30 X 40

I really enjoyed working on this piece, although it was challenging, if you click on the pic you can see the drips up close. Salvador was my first attempt at a portrait using the gravity driven technique, it turned out rather well.

"Disintegration"

July 2008
36 X 48
Oil on Canvas
SOLD
Disintegration is the first of my paintings that are entirely dripped, gravity driven, from a brush. The background is painted in acrylic as the first step, and intended to be unrelated to the drips.

"Mona Drips"

June 2008

Oil on Canvas

18 X 24

This was created for a show at The Art Collective called "Master Make-overs" and was also the start of the gravity driven series! I like this piece very much and may keep it in my private collection!

"Fresh Face"

June 2008

Oil on Board

11 X 14

Although unrelated to any series, "Fresh Face" was a very successful skin study. I just love the glowing effect.

"President Obama"

June 2008
14 X 48
Oil and Collage on wood


I couldn't very well leave out the rest of them now could I! Barack Obama and the Mrs., Hillary Clinton, what's his name and his wife, and for good measure Condi, Bush, and Clinton, Bill that is! Click the pic to get a better look! I find this work to be very fun and entertaining for the public!

"A woman scorned"

May 2008

Oil on Mixed Media

14 X 18

When a womans fed up, there's nothing you can do about it, but take over the country! Hillary Clinton is due some credit, even if just for being a woman! Click the pic for a closer look at the details.

"Angelina's New Family Tree"

May 2008

Oil on Mixed Media

14 X 18

Just exaggerating a tiny bit! Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have taken on more than I ever could! But someone should tell them no one can save everyone, no matter how much we want to!

"Should I be shamed?"

April 2008

Oil on Canvas

18 X 24

This is what she looks like now, below is a picture of what she looked like prior to my own censorship!

"Brittany, Stop"

May 2008
Oil on Mixed Media
14 X 18

Poor Brittany Spears, caught up with all that damn family! Not an ideal situation, but pretty common!

"Who's the Minority Now?"

March 2008
Oil on Canvas
& mixed media
12 X 16

SOLD

Poor Hillary, I guess we know where women stand now! Not matter how much grey she wears, everybody still sees pink! Not such a big suprise! Obama couldn't be happier!

"It's Homegrown"

March 2008
Oil on Canvas
12 X 16

Hillary in her garden, getting ready for the next appearance! I bet she gardens in the nude, maybe even with Martha Stewart! I was just having a little fun! I get a kick out of the little snickers I get at the studio with these pieces! Please let me know how you like the new illustration pieces.

"Yo-Yo Die-t"

Feb. 2008
Oil on Canvas

& Mixed Media
24 X 30

I have started working on some new stuff, while still working on the other stuff too! I am not real sure about this style, so tell me what you think! Give it a go or Stop now!

"We Hear Your Whispers"

Feb. 2008 36 X 48 Oil on Canvas

Part two of my new series, "Metaphorical Metamorphosis", it evolved on it's own accord into a race issue! This will be my last one for a bit with that focus, I guess it happens since I'm in the throws of this issue! The words at the bottom are as follows; Breed Responsibly. I am white. He is black. Our son is bi-racial. Bi-racial is not black. Bi-racial is not white. Bi-racial is valid. Don't make it a choice. Prepare our children responsibly for ignorance. My point is that as a mixed couple having mixed children, it needs to be understood that these kids can't identify with either parent, and the choice was not their own, so as responsible adults, it is our responsibility to raise them as such and supply them with all the tools and knowledge they may need to lead the way for themselves and other like minded individuals that may not have had this luxury. The ignorance must stop and the easy solution is knowledge and understanding. This painting took about three days, more time spent on thought than painting!

"Metamorphosis"

2/2008

24 X 48

Oil on Canvas

Here we go, the beginning of a new series, this always feels good! This piece was a tester that I am pleased with! The tweeks will come in the next paintings. I plan to go 48 X 48 and then perhaps 48 X 60! The thought behind this series, "Metaphorical Metamorphosis" is dealing with the generational differences we are adapting to or adapted to or are yet to come into the evolution of adaption. For instance, sexual identity, sexual preference, race, mixing of races, powerful women, transexuals, etc. the way our world is changing and this combination of different people and different backgrounds. It is a beautiful collage in my mind and therefore must be appreciated on canvas. My goal is to express to the world what a wonderful evolution this is and how we can embrace all the differences in everyone, regardless of their lifestyle choices.

"Censor, Please!"

1/2008

24 X 30

Oil on Canvas

All censors are created equal! They may all look different on the outside, moving amongst us in disguise, but internally they are all equally miserable, on a mission to right the world of all it's wrongs, hide any evidence of sexuality. Keep it under the rug where it belongs! Enjoy art? Understand Art? Not an interest of theirs, search and destroy the realities we have finally shed light on in this world, absolutely. To say nothing about freedom of speech, is enough! Turn on the TV and there it all is for the picking, paint it and it will not be tolerated! This painting was prompted by a censor that did not agree with my subject matter, and to them, I thank you, for without conflict there is no growth! I enjoyed painting this piece. I am unhappy with the censors in the background, they didn't come out as I expected, but maybe this was an unconscious effect! I used the same reference of myself, but painted it minus the wear and tear I added on the last painting. I spent about 8 hours on this piece.

"Surrender"

1/2008

24 X 30

Oil on Canvas

"Animal Magnetism"

1/2008 Oil on Canvas 24" X 48"

People, people, people, we all relate to animals! "Your boyfriend is a dog", "They are pigs", "They were fuc*ing like monkeys", we have all heard or said something to this effect. That is the basis of this painting. When animals are put next to human flesh it has quite a different effect. This is an example of how my imagination works, as people talk, I envision what they are saying and this is what I see! This is the same reason I can't eat meat, I can just see the poor animal frolicking around on my plate. As an artist I'm blessed and cursed with an imagination left to eat only plants and dairy, and that can even been nasty if I give it too much thought! I've gotten a reaction with this piece, a little censorship, but you know, there's always one in the bunch. My three year old son simply said, "Our doggie doesn't have boobies!" Nope, only in mommy's imagination! I started this before Christmas and finished the pigs and the healthier couple on New Year's, it took about 10-12 hours.

"Don't make me Choose"

12/2007

24" X 30"

Oil on Canvas

This is a painting starring my son Ne'kel Taylor, he is now 3 years old and he is bi-racial; half Caucasian, half African-American. He posed for this picture giving me the peace sign and the love sign, the only two things a child wants out of life; before society gets a hold of them. The painting symbolizes the battle between the races that pulls bi-racial children apart and down with it. The bodies, styles, and environments are different to signify the many ideas and choices a mixed child is presented with, most often having to choose one side or the other. Having seen this situation result in many different ways, I choose to offer my son as many opportunities and chances to love all of himself by providing him with access to both sides of his heritage. I intend to teach my son self-worth and the strength to love those who are without. The opportunity to have a double perspective can be changed from negative to positive through the love and knowledge we pass on to our children. I spent about six hours on this piece and my son loved every minute of it!

"Hypocrite"

9/2007

24" X 36"

Oil on Canvas

Yes, he's a pervert, not a pedophile! "Hypocrite" started out as a painting directly against censorship, which explains why the nude woman's head is censored in lue of her private areas! But as It progressed it developed into this "Do as I say, Not as I Do" theme. The man is painted in black an white to symbolize his slow loss of life, due to his secrets. The children are to be kept from the secrets at all costs, look away. And of course the hotel room key is an indication of what old grandpa is getting himself into, no pun intended! I love this painting, not necessarily for what it represents, but the coloring, the contrast, and the technique were a success for me, it simply pleases my eye!

"Alone with his Thoughts"

11/2007

24" X 30"

Oil on Canvas

Everybody, relax, it is a reality, it was on the news! Lots of people felt uncomfortable with this painting, but I picked up the idea out of the daily paper! It's interesting the reaction the subject matter creates in paint vs. print! The priest in this picture was painted in black and white to signify the loss of life in him, except of course the red of his cheeks for lust. On the outside he is giving an oath to god and preaching the word, to the rest of us, but inside his head are the little boys he is preying upon. Not a great subject, I agree, but a reality. My issue, as an artist, came with the background color. Initially it was turquoise, which I should have kept, it read very cold, matching the priests disposition. The red which I chose to cover it with gives a slight warmth to the priest, which he does not deserve. Perhaps I'll go back to it another day! I spent about 10 hours on this piece.

"My Diet Plan"

10/2007
18" X 24"
Oil on Canvas
SOLD

"My Diet Plan" was one of the first in this series for my upcoming show (Feb.1) "Small Thoughts, Big Issues", of course dealing with bulimia. It shows a seemingly perfect girl obsessing over her eating, fear of fat, love of food, and the purging that will inevitably follow! On her shoulder she balances her perfectly stacked baggage that has grown over the years. The black and white hand signifies that this secret is deadly. And the cumbersome jewelry is yet another attempt to divert attention away from her present reality. The coloring on this painting was successful but I was not completely please with the brush strokes, too perfect! I spent about six hours on this painting and framed it in an elaborate gold frame!

"We don't all think like that!"

11/2007

24" X 30"

Oil on Canvas

This was the beginning of a series of stereotype paintings I was going to work out, this ended up being the only one. It portrays my ex boyfriend of 15 years "Cooley" and is implying that these items or thoughts are what is important to him; money and guns, weed and blunts, and women, white women (coco)! It may carry a ring of truth for some men that happen to be black or happen to have dreadlocks, but it is not true for him. This painting has been recieved differently by different people, obviously due to there own ideas and stereotypes about different things. I spent about 12 hours on this painting the majority of which was on the gun and the money, never again!

"Hillary the Conquerer"

9/2007

18" X 24"

Oil on Canvas

Based on the painting "Judith the Conquerer", which is based on scripture. In contrast, I portray Hillary Clinton holding the head of George Bush, and Barack Obama in the background lost in the dark! I just saw this painting of Judith and immediatley visualize these faces instead! I've had a great reaction from the public over this piece, mostly humor! I spent about 8 hours on this painting over a two day period.

"Your Aurora"

10/2007
36" X 48"
Oil on Canvas
SOLD

This is what I call a complex portrait, I paint the person in the center and then surround them with objects or symbols pertaining to their life. Cooley is the subject of this painting, my boyfriend of 15 years. I chose a picture of him from 13 years ago, two years after we met, a time of fun and freedom and of less responsibility. He is surrounded by images of himself growing into a man, our son Ne'kel (now four), variations of me; symbolizing my role in his growth, and various hands and bodies; symbolizing the obstacles he had to overcome. I used red to symbolize his passion for life and light blue to symbolize his joy for the clear blue sky and bright outlook on the future. "Your Aurora" is one of the few paintings I didn't plan, as I painted it evolved and I was surprisingly pleased. I spent about eight hours on this piece, it had a great flow. Cooley has asked to keep this painting, which is a first, so it hangs in his home.

"Equal Dysfunction"

9/2007

24" X 30"

Oil on Canvas

Just another example of eating disordered models, featuring Naomi Campbell, admittedly bulimic (pecan pie being her favorite binge) and her friend, obviously anorexic, sharing a moment in the spotlight. These are the examples young girls study in fashion magazines. Just as I've pointed out in prior paintings, these girls appear too perfect, not a hair out of place, this is a red flag! The rejected stamp is intended to be from me, because I reject this example. Equal dysfunction is a play off the fact that although they come from different backgrounds, addiction does not discriminate, these women are equally fighting for their lives. A grim reminder of days gone by.

My favorite part of the painting is the contrasting skin tones and the obviously fake blue eyes, her mask. I spent four hours on this painting over a period of two days; day one painting the whole thing alla prima and day two for touch-ups and highlights.

"The U.S. Solution"

11/2007
24" X 30"
Oil on Canvas

Let me start by saying, our government is showing a bad example! If this was a family rule, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", it would be considered extremely dysfunctional. But some how as an American governmental decision our military allows this behavior. As a group, knowingly, they are sweeping this "problem" under the rug! Are you serious! Am I living in America? I find it intriguing that the military will publicly "use" people, for their services, with which they don't agree. And on top of that, if someone does ask, and someone does tell, they are at fault and will suffer consequences. This is a no win situation. This is not a situation where there will be growth for all mankind, the military is promoting prejudice and promoting lies. If the military is unwilling to be uncomfortable with something they don't understand, they will never evolve past this. This is the tricky line between tolerance and acceptance.
I spent more time on the idea of this painting then on the actual work, it took me about nine hours over a three day period. The image is simple, a gay man in two separate worlds following the rules imposed upon him due to his natural difference from "other" men. What moved me to paint this was an article I read on the front page of USA today about the issue, for some reason, that day it struck me strange. And now I am aware!

"Eyes on You"

10/2007

18" X 24"

Oil on Canvas

"I have eyes in the back of my head", mom said. I know I am not the only one who heard this growing up. Believe it or not, this painting is from an actual photograph of my mother! A few years ago, keep in mind that I am 33 years old, my siblings and I each received a copy of this photograph in the mail. My mom literally cut these eyes out of a picture and taped them to her head. (At least it wasn't the bra over the eyes, superfly! That may be yet to come.) At first I was a little worried about ol' ma and her sanity, but a year or two later when I ran across the picture again, off went the light bulb. I find it amusing and most people can relate to what it represents. I chose the non-descript endless road, as the background, for an analogy of parenthood. I spent about 4 hours on this painting, the majority of time on the large eyes. The results being a successful slice of childhood.

"Shame Based Fear"

10/2007
24" X 30"
Oil on Canvas

First it should be noted that the woman in the upper left hand corner of the painting is my mother! She would not allow me a straight shot of her, due to shame based fear! My mother was always a small, thin, petite woman, even through three kids, but physical accidents and age brought about more weight than she can handle, mentally. I also suffer from the self-image glitch, I can only imagine that most women and men in our society do! What is expected of our bodies and what they naturally do just does not match up. If one is to live a balance life, you could even say these ideals are unattainable. Believe me I've tried, attainable at what cost! The man in the upper right hand corner is matched up with a chubby boys body, as if he can't see himself any other way, even as an adult. And the young boy in the front is in deep thought trying to wrap his head around the whole idea.

This painting is a statement of what we once were, what we wish we could be, what we are now, and the shame and fear associated with our body image. The amount of time put into this issue, whether physical or mental is great among most people. What I find to be the most amusing is that no matter where we are now we're not happy, and in hindsight we always should have been.

I spent about 8 hours on "Shame Based Fear" over a period of three days. This is one of my favorite paintings, the color combination along with the different skin textures is very appealing to me. The Portfolio Weekly published this painting in an article about a show I was in at Symphonic in Ghent, called Wonderment.

"SELF-PORTRAIT 2007"

12/2007

24" x 30"

Oil on Canvas

This is a portrait of a girl that's been forever changed by a disease that destroyed both her mind and body. At the tender age of fifteen she was introduced to bulimia and anorexia, she entered into a long-term relationship with her new found love. At this point she believed that being thin was the same as being happy and she found the loop hole! As the years progressed she lost control of the disease and it ravaged her mind, body, and soul. This painting is a symbol of her recovery, after 18 years, she is centered on life, love, and the pursuit of her dreams. Age, wisdom, and knowledge slowed the disease and the dedication to herself and her art arrested it!

Standing to the left of center is the image of being fat, the fear that drove the disease for so long, to the right of center was the reality of my body, I was 97lb.s. In the center is the woman I've become, I no longer see my body as myself, I realize now that happiness comes from within not without! As sad as this painting may seem, for me it is a record of my strength, for everything I've lived through has made me the artist I am today.

This painting took me about 12 hours to complete over a period of a week. It went through a couple of changes in the center because I had to come to grips with which aspect of recovery helped me the most to change and I chose knowledge, therefore the books. "Self-Portrait" will not be for sale, I think this ones a keeper! But, It will be hanging in my studio at The Art Collective for viewing.