Category: Illustration
Family Photo Day
Here’s a series of images of Kuumba and family (Kuumba, Umoja, and little Nia) after having their family photos taken. I’m my own harshest critic, so when I say this image makes me happy it means a lot. Why am I happy? Let me count the ways: Concept: I have a special place in my heart for the Black Family. It’s the cornerstone of our Read More …
Imani’s Botanica
Imani chills outside her shop “Imani’s Botanica” where she sells all manner of holistic products and remedies aimed at meditation, divination and inspiration. “All natural remedies for mind, body and spirit.” The image below was a working image as I worked on the set design. The one above, a final image as evening falls.
Ujamaa Jr.
Introducing: Ujamaa Jr a new addition/update to the Kinara’s Children crew. This will be the new look for Ujamaa. I call him Ujamaa Jr. as he is a teenage version of the original presented back in 2014. He’s Ujamaa’s son who is filling in while dad is on an extended “business trip”. I figured there wasn’t enough youth in “Kinara’s Children”. So he joins Nia Read More …
Skyla Returns
Not done with Skyla yet. Is she a warrior or shaman? From the future or from the past? I’ll leave if for you to decide. I gave her the black line treatment, going for a comic book feel. I seem to be drawn toward heavy lines and contrast. The top image is the full scene. The image below is cropped to be more dynamic.
Skyla
This is an experiment that turned into an artwork. It happens rather often. This time the focus was on texturing a 3D model. I created the makeup and scarification as well as the nose ring. I think the chain could be heavier but it’s so difficult to pose an 80+ bone object that I doubt I’ll go at it again. I call her Skyla Read More …
Are Free Men Less Brave than Slaves?
This image was inspired by a reproduction of the Civil War recruitment poster that had hung in my parents home since I was a child. The title of the piece and the question raised in the poster is one I’ve contemplated for a very long time. “(Frederick) Douglass’ “Men of Color to Arms” editorial was used to make several recruiting posters (see the above and this one), Read More …
Faces of Imani
Working on expressions in this image. These are basically sketches to use as a jump off for later images or stories. Went a bit farther than expected but experimenting with color and layout is also part of the process.