Girls' Time

Girls' Time, acrylic and ink on canvas, 30" x 24"

Last Painting of 2017

Wishing you all a new year filled with clarity, peace of mind, laughter and success.

First Light, acrylic, house paint and ink on canvas, 12" x 9"

Trinity Within

It's no secret that I have issues aplenty with organized religions. In my opinion they seldom serve to empower and free the individual. Quite the opposite, actually. There are of course, as with all things, exceptions and I do know and hold the utmost respect for people who have found evolved and inclusive ways to navigate religious waters.
However at odds I might find myself with the concepts and rules of organized religions, I can't help but be continually inspired by its imagery, folklore and pageantry. It is a clear and undeniable influence in much of my work. I strive to use this imagery in ways that might be empowering to the viewer.
In this piece, Trinity Within, I propose a female Holy Trinity, as I find feminine energy to be the strongest and purest. I'm sure my attraction to female energy isn't unrelated to having been raised solely by women. I have always enjoyed a point of view that is well aware of the changes women can set into motion in this world and the powers they possess. It is by no coincidence that they have always been in a struggle for equality and on the forefront of change.
In my paintings I propose that strength is always within us and we need not depend on or subscribe to biblical routines to find the solution to our problems, let alone reach a place of inner-peace.
The flowers in Trinity Within hold special meanings. Water Lilies (a recurring element in my work) represent rebirth. Cosmos are often seen as symbols of love and peace. Most importantly, the Bird of Paradise represents the exploration of unchartered territories and the search for one's personal paradise.

Trinity Within, acrylic on canvas, 36" x 36"

No. 8No, Seated

No. 8, Seated, charcoal on newsprint, 8" x 10"

Figures 1, 2 & 3

I recently started a monthly figure-drawing night at the studios. Here are a few of my drawings from this month's session. They are also the basis for a new series of paintings. More to come.
Model: Nova Da'mour

No. 1, Reclining, charcoal on newsprint, 11" x 14"

No. 2, Seated, charcoal on newsprint, 11" x 14"

No. 3, Reclining, charcoal on newsprint, 8" x 10"

Mother's Burden

Mother's Burden (dedicated to The Mothers of the Movement), acrylic and ink on canvas
24" x 30", sold.

I wanted to create a piece that honored mothers of color (specifically Black mothers) at this time in history. Much is said about a woman's work never being done, and mothers in particular. Not enough is acknowledged about the burden of Black mothers in the turbulent sociopolitical climate we live in.

Religious imagery served as inspiration, once again. Black Mary gazes upon a black figure, too grown to protect within the safety of her arms. He is both Christ (all seeing) and Black Man (all eyes on him). She wears the crown of thorns, symbolizing burden and inflicted pain. She lactates freely, symbolizing an uncontrollable instinct to nurture. The dove in her hand is a symbol of the peace she must find within to stand strong and unwavering in the face of circumstances beyond her control.

Among Friends

Not to imply that I might be ADD, but my creative process usually involves working on at least 3 pieces simultaneously. While exploring word art for my #ExposingStupid series and creating hair-themed works for my upcoming show Hair, I have also continued to paint in my signature Latin Pop style. Here is the latest, which I finished just last week.

Among Friends, acrylic on canvas, 18" x 18"
Available from Latin Pop Shop

Afro Pick and Microphone Included

Study for Afro Pick & Microphone Included (Angela Davis Styling Head)
acrylic and ink on canvas, 9" x 12"

Natural Woman

Natural Woman, acrylic on canvas, 16" x 20"

Pescadora

Pescadora, acrylic and marker on canvas, 16" x 20", available through Latin Pop Shop

Good News and Good News!

I was thrilled to receive notification that one of my paintings, Beach Girls has been chosen to be a part of the Amalie Arena and Tampa Bay Lighting third annual Open Call to Artists exhibition. The piece was one of over 300 submitted.
This year's jury consisted of management from The Ringling Museum, The Dali Museum, The Museum of Fine Arts, The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts and Penny Vinik (owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning). The selected works will be on display at Amelie Arena for the 2014-1015 season and on view to their 1.5 million visitors.

Beach Girls, acrylic on canvas, 30" x 40"

In addition to the news of the upcoming exhibit, I was just informed that NYC, a collaboration with MG Stout, has just sold.

It's a good week.

NYC, acrylic on canvas, 36" x 48"

Beach Girls

Beach Girls, acrylic on canvas, 30" x 40"

This painting is available from Studio 4, Old Town or Latin Pop Shop on Etsy.

Mangos

Mangos, acrylic on canvas, 18" x 24"

This painting is available directly from my studio or Latin Pop Shop on Etsy.

Raices Femeninas

I am thrilled to announce my upcoming feature exhibit Raices Femeninas (Femenine Roots) at Feathered Serpent Gallery in St. Petersburg, Florida. The show focuses on my "Mujeres" work and honors the women I was raised by and femininity, which continues to inspire me. It also celebrates my Hispanic heritage.

An opening reception will be held on Friday, March 28 from 6-9 pm.
Mark your calendars and please let everyone you know in the Tampa area.
Visit and share the Facebook event page.

Sometimes 1 becomes 2

Yesterday was a short but good studio day. Inspiration came without much effort. As I began to paint one of my "mujeres" (women) on the canvas, I suddenly felt she needed a friend.

Sometimes you just start painting and stories happen on their own.

Night Swim

Night Swim/ acrylic on canvas/ 24" x 30"

This painting is available directly from my studio or Latin Pop Shop on Etsy.

Mujer/Woman

Mujer/Woman
ink on paper
5" x 7"
Available from my studio or Latin Pop Shop on Etsy.

New Painting On My Easel

Well...technically it's still just an under-drawing, but I'm excited about it.
It's a big one, 4ft by 4ft.

A Love So Natural

A Love So Natural
acrylic on canvas/16" x 20"
Available from my studio or Etsy Store.

Blondes/Rubias

Blondes/Rubias
acrylic on canvas
16" x 20"
Available from my studio or Etsy Store.