Amy Sherald - Everyday Icons

 

I really love seeing art processes and its great to see Amy get her props and some time to just work. I remember seeing her work via the Black Contemporary Art Tumblr and was super excited to see her be chosen for the Obama portrait. Go Amy!

Dig this? Check out this video about Hank Willis Thomas or my last inspiration board.

Inspiring Artist - Bisa Butler (born 1973)

 

Bisa Butler!!  The first time I heard of this artist was through MC Black Thought on his interview series last year when the pandemic started. I had been seeing her incredible work and thought it was oil or acrylic when I saw it. Come to find out she sews and collages these incredible images together. Wow, so dope. Doesn't matter what your discipline is, just peep her work and support because she's a living artist who is still pretty young.

Yo, if you're new: This is where I share artists that have been inspiring to me in my work sometimes directly and other times indirectly. Again go to her site and check her out.

I love this woman's work and if you didn't catch the last inspiring artists check them out:

Elizabeth Catlett

Olivia Fields

45's - Music Inspired

 

Saw a design in an hgtv magazine and got inspired to make this. Two 45 adapter's for that music lover in you, your partner, or best friend. Look out for post cards of this image coming soon. 

BUY A PRINT HERE

Did you catch the painting of a Shekere? 

Here's a little more info:

This one is for the music lovers. It doesn't matter which genre, as long as music is something you can't get through the day without. Could be for musicians or the fans. The image represents two 45 adapters. These adapters are used to secure and play 45 rpm records. I chose these colors because they are complementary and I love the color the overlay of them creates. check out some of my other "Music Inspired" drawings and paintings.

Children's Portrait 59 - Marisol

 

Recently finished this portrait of a child named Marisol. In the past I have disclosed and illustrated something about the child's ethnicity. But in the past year or so I have opted to focus on the kid and what they are interested in. Marisol is interested in the outdoors!! And their favorite color is green. So there you have it. If you would like to commission a portrait of a little one go here.

Want to see the collage of portraits I made for 2017-2020 ?

Check out Marisol's brother here.

Here's some process art here:

Mixed Kid

Here's a new painting I made for fun. It's a way to show pride in being a mixed kid. What is a mixed kid? Well for me, it means someone who comes from multiple ethnic backgrounds or nationality. But it could also mean a mixture of experiences, countries, beliefs, families, or religions. Take it how you will. If it resonates with you, great!

This is a square print of an original acrylic painting. It comes in two sizes and is inspired by my own multiethnic / multiracial heritage. That's also why it has many colors.

If you'd like a print of this painting go HERE

Check out some close ups.

ArtvsArtist 2020

Here is my #ArtvsArtist piece for 2020. I didn't see anyone posting new ones yet this year so i thought I'd do it again. I haven't done one since 2018. Check out some of these pieces in more detail. From left to right, top to bottom. If you're new to my work, here's how you can work with me LINK, or you can email me at info@robdontstop.com
1. Read Print 1
2. Brown Berets for Inktober
3. Bandsaw character
4. Leila Motley (Poet)
5. Me- Photo by Kristen Murakoshi
6. Dads who dig character
7. Boombox character
8. Play That Beat type
9. Organizer painting

Children's Portrait 55-56- Cinthya & Kids

Just did a new family portrait of my good friend Cinthya and her babies who are not so little anymore. The family loves nature and I decided to combine that with their favorite colors. Several years ago I painted her oldest child Tlanextli. Check out the painting process below.

If you'd like a portrait painted of your child or family. Click this LINK

Sketch

Base Color

Shadows

Colors

Final Painting w/ highlights

I've been painting these original pieces of art for families since 2013. If you didn't see the previous children's portrait of Mila & Zenzi, go HERE.

Jamilah King

Had the pleasure of working with journalist Jamilah King for the new year. She's an amazing journalist who has worked for Al Jazeera, Mic.com, The California Sunday Magazine, and now Mother Jones. Please support her and read more about her here at www.JamilahKing.com

Dig this? Check out this portrait of Moses Sumney

Children's portrait 46-47 Elijah & Zander

Elijah

Zander

Its been awhile. Here are brothers Elijah and Zander! These are two really cute mixed kids coming from both African American and Latino backgrounds. They are both into sports and Elijah's thing is music, and Zander's is science and math.

If you're interested in getting a portrait painted of your child please check out my store or email me at info@robdontstop.com

Want to see the previous Children's portrait of Sekani? Click HERE

Old characters

Setting 8 & 9

Children's Portrait 45- Sekani

This little boy is Sekani! I believe he is 6 or 7. He is Haitian and African American, and although I've never met him I love seeing his smile. His eyes and smile are as bright as the sun! Shout out to his parents who commissioned this as part of the kickstarter campaign a few years back for Furqan's First. 

If you would like a portrait painted of your little one or someone else's hit me up at info@robdontstop.com or visit the store.

Want to see the previous Children's Portrait of Zulu? Click HERE.

Mosaic Magazine Cover -Issue 29

This is the second time I've had the pleasure of illustrating the cover of Mosaic Magazine. If you are one of those who search and yearn for more people of color in literature, if you would like to learn about African American authors, you need to get a copy.

The last time I illustrated the cover of writer/author Tanehisi Coates and write a piece about comic illustrator Dawud Anyabwile. This time I get to paint author "Ayana Mathis" author of "The twelve tribes of Hattie". Ayana recently garnered a lot of support after appearing on a certain someones book club. Also in this issue, Zadie Smith, author of NW, White Teeth and many others. Heres a few screen grabs until I get my physical copy.

Shout out to art director Ron Kavanaugh for giving me the chance to do this. It is a worthy cause and an honor...

Positive Wall Affirmation "Leap"

You might fall, you might fly. LEAP!

Positive Wall Affirmation "BREATHE"

I was trying to think of a name for this and i think I have one. These are hand made paintings that i am selling. I am a working artist and i choose to paint what i like. This particular series of ideas for your wall is based on my recent experience in meditation and on just reinvigorating my life and my outlook with "positivity". Sure things are not always peachy (calm & bright), we all make mistakes, but these are declarations of positive feelings and actions, that are made to be hung on a wall. Therefore, "positive wall affirmations". This is the second in this new series that I'm having fun making, cutting, hammering, gluing, and painting by hand. Big shout to Mister bouncer who shot the photo.

Whatever you are facing, breathe through it and trust your struggle. You are the master of your own destiny. Once you decide it, it's done. BREATHE note: this one has already been purchased, more in the works...