Havana Horn Player

 

oil on panel, 16" x 16"

I found an interesting photo online of a horn player in Havana, Cuba, and just wanted to make a painting of it, so I did.

St. John

 

oil on canvas paper, 12" x 12"

This portrait of the great jazz saxophonist John Coltrane is the latest in a portrait series I'm doing on extraordinary Black American musicians, artists, and other creative types.  In addition to being a trail blazer in contemporary jazz, Coltrane was a spiritual seeker and wanted to bless people through his music.  Years after his death, he was canonized by the African Orthodox Church.

Brother Ray

acrylic on canvas paper, 12" x 12"

This is another portrait I'm adding to my series of influential Black American artists, musicians, singers and other creative trailblazers.  Ray Charles was considered a genius by many in the music industry and was often referred to as "The Genius," but he preferred to be known rather as "Brother Ray."  His powerful baritone packed an emotional punch with a singular style all his own.  He is a giant among giants in music and will likely always be.