Kayy Ke the beauty of the world from outside my shell
Paintings of 2020
Kenya
As my first painting of the year, I went with my traditional style of African landscaping with a sunset using acrylic paint. This piece was inspired by a recent documentary I watched about Kenya.
11" x 14"
Cats on a Rainy Day
I was asked to paint 7 pet cats as a commission piece. Adding rain (watercolor) and a windowsill (acrylic) was my way of eliminating the canvas to make it more appealing. It wasn't until I'd sketched each individual when I realized it was 8 cats! I squeezed in the last one surprisingly.
24" x 36" - my LARGEST canvas to date!
In The Eye of an Elephant
Made upon request, I fell in love with this piece once I finished it. It was truly hard to let go since elephants are one of my favorite animals! One image was taken with flash, other with sunlight.
11" x 14"
Merry Christmas
My grandma and I have the same favorite holiday. She goes overboard when it comes to decorating which I LOVE about her, and she ordered this on New Years because she realized she wanted a centerpiece over her kitchen sink. Who better to ask than your artistic granddaughter?
12" x 36" - my 2nd largest order yet!
Retirement
The story behind this acrylic painting is a German Shepherd watching the rain fall from the windowsill - much like the cats, but for dog lovers. Being a war dog has taken its toll so the golden years of retirement are a huge adjustment for him/her.
11" x 14"
In honor of Black History Month:
Persevere
As an explanation of this piece:
• the greenery symbolizes the growth of every aspect of each individual woman over many years
• the butterflies symbolize the different complexions of every woman of color
• the red crown symbolizes the blood, sweat, and tears of all the effort put into fighting everyday for change whether it’s against racism, generational curses or even learning to love the skin you’re in
• the title “Persevere” symbolizes exactly what the definition is — continuing to fight & push forward against all opposition & through any discouragement
11" x 14"
Woman of Africa
This took about 9-10 hours with breaks included, but I am IN LOVE!! I had an idea and allowed it to come to life today. I’ve always struggled with creativity in my art which is why many of my older pieces are free handed projects I’ve come across on social media. As I stated earlier, jumping out of my comfort zone and creating my ideas is one of my 2020 goals pertaining to my art and I truly surprise myself each time.
11" x 14"
Roots
The colors depicted in this piece are the same colors of the Pan-African Flag which is a tricolor flag made up of red, black, and green in that order horizontally. The Pan-African Flag is also known as the UNIA Flag, Afro-American Flag, and the Black Liberation Flag as well as many other names. According to a more recent study, UNIA confirms the colors represent meaningful histories — “RED: the blood that unites all people of Black African history, and shed for liberation and redemption; BLACK: the color of the noble and distinguished race to which we belong; and GREEN: the color of the luxuriant vegetation of our Motherland.”
8" x 10"
Don't Let Them Silence You
I actually completed this and “Roots” within the same night in 5 hours. I initially painted it in honor of black women who are shut down for voicing themselves or are discredited or just not heard in any aspect. Ari Lennox inspired this piece. Out of all 4 Black History Month projects, the many narratives behind this one make it my favorite. “Don’t Let Them Silence You” can be perceived in various ways, and frankly I love hearing the responses from different people. It can be related to domestic violence, slavery, or even generational curses. I don't want to limit anyone's imagination.
11" x 14"
My first art display of 2020:
I'm so blessed to say I was gifted the opportunity to display my art at my college's Black History Month event! I was so proud to be able to own my passion in the face of the public even though my shyness got in the way some. Thanks to my school for inviting me and everyone who spoke to me regarding my work! Your kind words are so greatly appreciated.
A Special Piece for Valentine's Day:
Only For You
This was an early anniversary gift for my significant other since we are long distance. This project was inspired by an artist friend who specializes in cartoon themed art. As you can see, it definitely isn't my style so I was out of my comfort zone!
11" x 14"
Leaping Into Spring & Summer:
Fire & Ice
I've always wanted to attempt something like this that contained two different projects merged into one. I will admit that I'm very surprised with the end product because I didn't know what to expect!! Once I started, I just threw different ideas out there and let them flow. This piece tested my creativity and is definitely my favorite piece of 2020 so far.
16" x 20"
Silent Night
Since traveling to Alaska and witnessing the Northern Lights is undoubtedly on my bucket list, this project has been stuck in the back of my mind since I began painting. Although it tested my patience, I'm glad I finally completed this piece. Ironically, the silhouettes of the trees are my favorite part.
16" x 20"
Rippled In Rays
I began this piece over the summer and actually messed up my initial idea for it. I've always tried to avoid water when it comes to my art because it's a tricky concept for me to paint. I ended up tossing this canvas to the side for months until another artist friend of mine asked if it was finished and my plans for it. Realizing someone valued my unfinished mistake of a piece made me find the courage to complete it!
8" x 10"
