In America women are showered with love and support when they are pregnant and when they give birth. Friends and family gather around them and ask how they are filling and follow up to see how they can help. This support is welcomed and appreciated, I know, I am a mother of three. However, I have noticed that fathers sometimes are forgotten and not appreciated for the nurturing and support they too offer the mother and the children. Being the patriarch of the family and the one everyone depends on is a lot to carry.
For a long time I painted artwork that reflected womanhood because that was the time in my life of self-discovery and maturity. However my son asked me, one day 2 years ago, if I thought men were as beautiful as women. My answer was yes, of course, I told him I love and admire him and his father; however, this was not the answer he was looking for. He then asked me, "Why do you not paint any men?" This opened my eyes and in this moment I realized he learned about the way I feel about the world through my art. I definitely have a special place in my heart for the males in my life, my husband, brothers, father, uncles and now my sons. Each piece is unique and has a story. Feel free to respond and let me know what you think. My art is inspired by those around me.
Peace 2020 (Acrylic and Oil and Ink on Paper, 9" x 9")
The first painting created after my second son was born. My life was balanced and capturing the energy my family possessed was a priority. I knew I couldn't take out all the bells and whistles to create a work of art but passing it up wasn't an option either. These small works, the "9x9 Series", were made within 2-5 hours and in between napping and nursing my baby. "Peace" is the first male I painted after my son had that chat with me, it is also the first painting in this series.
Spontaneous and unplanned this male profile is that of my beautiful husband. I was not aware of it initially but my friends kept referring to it as "Warnell". Can you imagine those around you pointing out to you that the person you admire and love the most comes through so clearly without you having to stare or copy them down? What an amazing feeling to know the first male I was inspired to paint was my lover and friend, the father of my children and the man I get to spend the rest of my life with.
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Boseman 2021 (Acrylic on Canvas, 20" x 20")
"When you pray it can actually happen and that is powerful." - Chadwick Boseman
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Cognition 2021 (Acrylic and Oil and Ink on Paper, 9" x 9")
"Mastering others is strength, mastering yourself is true power." -Lao Tzu
Cognition is defined as the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.
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Understanding 2021 (Acrylic and Oil and Ink on Paper, 9" x 9")
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Future 2020 (Acrylic and Oil and Ink on Paper, 9" x 9")
"The only limits for tomorrow are the doubts we have today." Pittacus Lore
This photo was taken by my sister of her husband and son. So I have a close connection with these to. I loved this photo and was inspired to paint it because this father is showing his son that there is safety in his arms. The boy is carefree with his lolly pop and the father is thinking of the future. The father's investment in the future is already in his arms. This father can look to the future and this son is free to dream of one because of the protection of his father.
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Reign 2020 (Acrylic and Oil and Ink on Paper, 9" x 9")
The man was created before the woman, and from his rib God created his mate. This artwork is inspired by the strength in my life, my husband. Who gives you strength?
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Pause 2020 (Acrylic and Oil and Ink on Paper, 9" x 9")
Have you ever placed your hand on the back of a baby when they are anxious? The calm that they experience from it and that eases them into slumber is powerful. This piece is inspired by the moments when I put my little one to sleep, nighty-night. How do you provide warmth to the loved ones in your life?
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Symphony 2020 (Acrylic and Oil and Ink on Paper, 9" x 9")
Family - enough said. This piece is inspired by an orchestra and the way all the instruments and people come together to create a harmonious sound. The planets in our orbit are in sync. Depicted in this piece are 9 planets that represent the balance I believe the family should have. We all have a part to play. What role do you play in your family?
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