Croton Free Library Ottinger Gallery Virtual Exhibition
African American Artist
Patricia Stuart
“My paintings reflect anything that I find beautiful in life. Being able to express that artistically is a privilege and a blessing! Painting aspects of my heritage is of utmost importance because it allows me to make profound statements as I shed light on a much needed subject.
Women and children are essential to our world! Without them we’d be lost. African American women are the backbone of the family and her ability to nurture her offspring wisely, patiently, and intelligently, makes her a great contributor to society. The African American male is vital to that family unit as a symbol of strength and dignity. All three representatives have become an endangered specie.
I enjoy working with various mediums such as: Acrylic, Watercolor, Oil, Inks, and Pencil, along with Mixed Media. My art has been exhibited here in the United States as well as internationally.
As a Native New Yorker who grew up in the latter 50’s, in Washington Heights, Manhattan, my interest in art was fueled by the colorful garden my grandmother cultivated in the front yard of her home. I was always engaged in art from a child. As a self taught artist, I draw inspiration from the world around me and I'm here to tell the stories that need to be told.”
Women and children are essential to our world! Without them we’d be lost. African American women are the backbone of the family and her ability to nurture her offspring wisely, patiently, and intelligently, makes her a great contributor to society. The African American male is vital to that family unit as a symbol of strength and dignity. All three representatives have become an endangered specie.
I enjoy working with various mediums such as: Acrylic, Watercolor, Oil, Inks, and Pencil, along with Mixed Media. My art has been exhibited here in the United States as well as internationally.
As a Native New Yorker who grew up in the latter 50’s, in Washington Heights, Manhattan, my interest in art was fueled by the colorful garden my grandmother cultivated in the front yard of her home. I was always engaged in art from a child. As a self taught artist, I draw inspiration from the world around me and I'm here to tell the stories that need to be told.”
Royal High-Ness
Royal High-Ness sits at 36X36 done in acrylic paint. I love adding texture to my backgrounds while allowing the subject to stand out. The background has at least 6 layers of paint that has been applied by using anything from make-up sponges to cloth. She represents royalty and the value of the African American woman. I play with complexion by using a rich blue in her face. Some of my ancestors were so dark in skin color that you could see hints of blue in their skin tones. She is proud, and full of dignity despite any challenge she might face. She is strong and she is resilient!
Royal High-Ness sits at 36X36 done in acrylic paint. I love adding texture to my backgrounds while allowing the subject to stand out. The background has at least 6 layers of paint that has been applied by using anything from make-up sponges to cloth. She represents royalty and the value of the African American woman. I play with complexion by using a rich blue in her face. Some of my ancestors were so dark in skin color that you could see hints of blue in their skin tones. She is proud, and full of dignity despite any challenge she might face. She is strong and she is resilient!
Daughter of The King
Daughter of The King is a 24X30 watercolor/mixed media painting that depicts elegance with a quiet confidence. She is well aware of her status and she carries herself accordingly. She is beautiful, and she gracefully executes her duties. I enjoyed working on this painting because I went in without any expectations of what it would become. I started with the background, and once I pulled out my blue watercolors, the painting started to take on a life of its own. It wasn't until after she was done that I named her. That's the fun of it for me, I let the painting tell me who they are.
Daughter of The King is a 24X30 watercolor/mixed media painting that depicts elegance with a quiet confidence. She is well aware of her status and she carries herself accordingly. She is beautiful, and she gracefully executes her duties. I enjoyed working on this painting because I went in without any expectations of what it would become. I started with the background, and once I pulled out my blue watercolors, the painting started to take on a life of its own. It wasn't until after she was done that I named her. That's the fun of it for me, I let the painting tell me who they are.
Fruitful
She represents the hard working African American woman who provides for the well being of her household by using her God-given skills and abilities. She produces, she provides, and she nurtures her family. She stands high at 30X48 (4ft). My choice of medium for her was acrylic. The one thing that I'm pretty sure about, before I paint, is the subject, as far as it being male, female, or a child. I also decide upfront what color their skin will be; the rest happens intuitively.
She represents the hard working African American woman who provides for the well being of her household by using her God-given skills and abilities. She produces, she provides, and she nurtures her family. She stands high at 30X48 (4ft). My choice of medium for her was acrylic. The one thing that I'm pretty sure about, before I paint, is the subject, as far as it being male, female, or a child. I also decide upfront what color their skin will be; the rest happens intuitively.
Chocolate Sun
The beauty of the chocolate brown skinned girl speaks of her rich heritage, and her wealth. She doesn't need the sun to keep her chocolate brown skin. She is born with it and she wears it with dignity and confidence! This 16X21 acrylic piece speaks for all the little girls of color around the world. This painting evolved slowly, not because it had any margin of difficulty, but simply because I painted the background many months before ever doing anything else. It sat against the wall, behind my easel until I was sure what I wanted to do with it. Sometimes I'm inspired to do a particular background and that's it. Months later inspiration comes and I add my subject.
The beauty of the chocolate brown skinned girl speaks of her rich heritage, and her wealth. She doesn't need the sun to keep her chocolate brown skin. She is born with it and she wears it with dignity and confidence! This 16X21 acrylic piece speaks for all the little girls of color around the world. This painting evolved slowly, not because it had any margin of difficulty, but simply because I painted the background many months before ever doing anything else. It sat against the wall, behind my easel until I was sure what I wanted to do with it. Sometimes I'm inspired to do a particular background and that's it. Months later inspiration comes and I add my subject.
Waiting
Waiting is never easy, but she knows it's necessary in order to get the very best of whatever she wants, and so, she settles in and she waits. I loved working on this particular painting. When I started, I didn't know exactly where I was going with it. After I painted the brick wall, I knew that the subject would have to take up the majority of the view. She is painted in acrylic on 400 pound paper sized at 24X30. Once again, I let the finished painting name itself. We have all been there at one time or another when our backs were against the wall and all we could do is wait!
Waiting is never easy, but she knows it's necessary in order to get the very best of whatever she wants, and so, she settles in and she waits. I loved working on this particular painting. When I started, I didn't know exactly where I was going with it. After I painted the brick wall, I knew that the subject would have to take up the majority of the view. She is painted in acrylic on 400 pound paper sized at 24X30. Once again, I let the finished painting name itself. We have all been there at one time or another when our backs were against the wall and all we could do is wait!
Greatness
Within every black man lies greatness! This is a 24X30 watercolor mixed media painting that embodies the fond memories of my grandfather. He truly was a figure of greatness on so many levels. As an immigrant, he came to this country and became one of the first black men to be hired as an electrician for Con Edison in the 1920's. The background in this painting has circles embedded behind the green paint, while the others sit front and center. These circles are African symbols for 'Greatness'. His shirt and halo is painted with acrylic paint of white and gold. If you have noticed, the eyes of my subjects are always looking straight at you as they invite you to look deeply into their eyes and hear their story!
Within every black man lies greatness! This is a 24X30 watercolor mixed media painting that embodies the fond memories of my grandfather. He truly was a figure of greatness on so many levels. As an immigrant, he came to this country and became one of the first black men to be hired as an electrician for Con Edison in the 1920's. The background in this painting has circles embedded behind the green paint, while the others sit front and center. These circles are African symbols for 'Greatness'. His shirt and halo is painted with acrylic paint of white and gold. If you have noticed, the eyes of my subjects are always looking straight at you as they invite you to look deeply into their eyes and hear their story!
Brother's Keeper
Big brothers are the backbone and support of little brother. They guide, they protect, they teach, and they are examples to be followed. I had good 'play' with this one because I just threw caution to the wind and went with the first thing that came to mind. I looked at all of my paints and the first one that jumped out at me, I used. As usual, I start with a decorative background. Once I did the tree like figures, I was inspired to do something different with their faces. This is a 24X30 acrylic painting on 400 pound paper. Their full lips are a trade mark of the African American, and their dashiki shirts are well known clothing to our culture and heritage.
Big brothers are the backbone and support of little brother. They guide, they protect, they teach, and they are examples to be followed. I had good 'play' with this one because I just threw caution to the wind and went with the first thing that came to mind. I looked at all of my paints and the first one that jumped out at me, I used. As usual, I start with a decorative background. Once I did the tree like figures, I was inspired to do something different with their faces. This is a 24X30 acrylic painting on 400 pound paper. Their full lips are a trade mark of the African American, and their dashiki shirts are well known clothing to our culture and heritage.
I Am A Man
This 11X14 watercolor/mixed media painting was inspired by the horrific killings of black men at the hands of law enforcement. As I watched in horror, with deep unpleasant memories of my own husband, an educator, being held by the police, as he was on his way home from school one day. It just made me sick. It later turned out to be a mistaken identity case. None the less, it is a horrifying experience for those who are involved. We are all human beings who deserve to be treated as such regardless of the color of our skin. Each should be treated with dignity and respect. This painting was my way of speaking out for those who could not speak for themselves. The majority of this painting is done with watercolor, acrylic gouache for the glasses, hair, and eyes.
This 11X14 watercolor/mixed media painting was inspired by the horrific killings of black men at the hands of law enforcement. As I watched in horror, with deep unpleasant memories of my own husband, an educator, being held by the police, as he was on his way home from school one day. It just made me sick. It later turned out to be a mistaken identity case. None the less, it is a horrifying experience for those who are involved. We are all human beings who deserve to be treated as such regardless of the color of our skin. Each should be treated with dignity and respect. This painting was my way of speaking out for those who could not speak for themselves. The majority of this painting is done with watercolor, acrylic gouache for the glasses, hair, and eyes.
Endangered Specie
They are being hunted, and gunned down on our streets! They are the future writers, activists, and artist painters. They must be protected at all cost! We have heard on many occasions that children are our future. Each subject in this painting represents three important elements of the future. Do you see what they are? This mixed media, acrylic 48X48 painting speaks loud and clear! I used hand painted papers to create their shirts. Their glasses tell a story all of its own. Just think about what they represent. Once again, I use a textured looking background. I worked on this painting for a couple of months. I have not mounted it to a canvas frame yet, although it hung in an exhibition for Black History Month.
They are being hunted, and gunned down on our streets! They are the future writers, activists, and artist painters. They must be protected at all cost! We have heard on many occasions that children are our future. Each subject in this painting represents three important elements of the future. Do you see what they are? This mixed media, acrylic 48X48 painting speaks loud and clear! I used hand painted papers to create their shirts. Their glasses tell a story all of its own. Just think about what they represent. Once again, I use a textured looking background. I worked on this painting for a couple of months. I have not mounted it to a canvas frame yet, although it hung in an exhibition for Black History Month.
Somebody Bigger
I had so much joy doing this 24X30 painting! There's always somebody you must answer to who has authority over you. Each of these children recognize that, and submits to the one who has the knowledge, and the experience, because they know that they are loved by them. This watercolor mixed media piece started out with a colorful background done in acrylic gouache. The story lies in their eyes.
I had so much joy doing this 24X30 painting! There's always somebody you must answer to who has authority over you. Each of these children recognize that, and submits to the one who has the knowledge, and the experience, because they know that they are loved by them. This watercolor mixed media piece started out with a colorful background done in acrylic gouache. The story lies in their eyes.
Precious
Little girls are indeed precious! Each varying shade of her skin speaks to her uniqueness, and her priceless value. Her spirit is vibrant and colorful; though delicate, and tender, she is strong and resilient. When I started the background, at first, I thought I had made a big mistake in using yellow. I stared at it for a week or so before moving forward with it. I didn't know what color to use next. I rarely use yellow as a background color. Behind the yellow you see pink peeking through. Being reminded of that, I knew that I would use pink in her clothing, and the rest of the colors followed. I chose another shade for her skin while making her hair pop with color! I was satisfied overall with the end result! She measures 24X30.
Little girls are indeed precious! Each varying shade of her skin speaks to her uniqueness, and her priceless value. Her spirit is vibrant and colorful; though delicate, and tender, she is strong and resilient. When I started the background, at first, I thought I had made a big mistake in using yellow. I stared at it for a week or so before moving forward with it. I didn't know what color to use next. I rarely use yellow as a background color. Behind the yellow you see pink peeking through. Being reminded of that, I knew that I would use pink in her clothing, and the rest of the colors followed. I chose another shade for her skin while making her hair pop with color! I was satisfied overall with the end result! She measures 24X30.
Day Dreams
This 48X48 mixed media painting was a re-creation of my own personal memory as a child. I was, and still am, a chronic day dreamer. I used acrylic paint, ink, and painted papers to tell this story. In one of her hands she holds a piece of sugar cane that represents her heritage from the island of Barbados. They were famous for their sugar crops. In the other hand she holds one of the larger butterflies trimmed in gold which represents her dream to achieve something great. As you can see, she manages to capture the butterfly of her dreams!
This 48X48 mixed media painting was a re-creation of my own personal memory as a child. I was, and still am, a chronic day dreamer. I used acrylic paint, ink, and painted papers to tell this story. In one of her hands she holds a piece of sugar cane that represents her heritage from the island of Barbados. They were famous for their sugar crops. In the other hand she holds one of the larger butterflies trimmed in gold which represents her dream to achieve something great. As you can see, she manages to capture the butterfly of her dreams!
Go Higher
Friends should always challenge one another to reach for the stars and to set higher goals. A true friend will stay right by your side cheering you on as you cheer them on! This is a 12X16 acrylic painting of a familiar childhood scene. It was one of my favorite things to do every time I went to the park. This was painted on canvas board. The subject is simple but you can draw something important from it.
Friends should always challenge one another to reach for the stars and to set higher goals. A true friend will stay right by your side cheering you on as you cheer them on! This is a 12X16 acrylic painting of a familiar childhood scene. It was one of my favorite things to do every time I went to the park. This was painted on canvas board. The subject is simple but you can draw something important from it.
Little Black Girl
This 11X14 watercolor painting says it all. The eyes are the window to her soul. You can only imagine what she's thinking. Although somewhat monochromatic, it seemed to be the best interpretation for her. This painting took the least amount of time compared to my other works, but the meaning isn't any less profound.
This 11X14 watercolor painting says it all. The eyes are the window to her soul. You can only imagine what she's thinking. Although somewhat monochromatic, it seemed to be the best interpretation for her. This painting took the least amount of time compared to my other works, but the meaning isn't any less profound.
Young Miss
Young Miss is a 9X12 pencil drawing. Once again, the eyes are the window to her soul. There are so many young girls of all cultures who need someone to listen to their dreams, their wants, their fears, and their heart. The next time you come across a 'young miss', give her five minutes of your time.
Young Miss is a 9X12 pencil drawing. Once again, the eyes are the window to her soul. There are so many young girls of all cultures who need someone to listen to their dreams, their wants, their fears, and their heart. The next time you come across a 'young miss', give her five minutes of your time.
My Bajan Roots
Field Hands
Nobody worked as hard as enslaved blacks did! They worked from sun-up to sun-down, and continued that work behind closed doors with their families. Day in and day out, year after year, a life that never seemed to end. They planted and harvested those fields of sugar cane, and their tremendous contribution to countries everywhere, is what made everywhere they were, thrive! My family is from Barbados West Indies. Sugar was their main crop during slavery. When I go back to visit, I try to stop by some of the remaining sugar cane fields that are there, just to take a look and to remember the toil of my family five generations before me. This 24X36 acrylic painting was one of the most enjoyable, and powerful works of art I possess. Those burnt looking faces from hours upon hours in the hot sun tells their story.
Nobody worked as hard as enslaved blacks did! They worked from sun-up to sun-down, and continued that work behind closed doors with their families. Day in and day out, year after year, a life that never seemed to end. They planted and harvested those fields of sugar cane, and their tremendous contribution to countries everywhere, is what made everywhere they were, thrive! My family is from Barbados West Indies. Sugar was their main crop during slavery. When I go back to visit, I try to stop by some of the remaining sugar cane fields that are there, just to take a look and to remember the toil of my family five generations before me. This 24X36 acrylic painting was one of the most enjoyable, and powerful works of art I possess. Those burnt looking faces from hours upon hours in the hot sun tells their story.
My Labor
The intensive work in those sugar cane fields that produced sugar, not only for consumption, but for the wealth of the island, was borne on the backs of women, men and children. Although this Acrylic painting is only 4X12 in size, it is huge in the story that it tells. Always remember that the eyes are the window to the soul. Let her speak to you.
The intensive work in those sugar cane fields that produced sugar, not only for consumption, but for the wealth of the island, was borne on the backs of women, men and children. Although this Acrylic painting is only 4X12 in size, it is huge in the story that it tells. Always remember that the eyes are the window to the soul. Let her speak to you.
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Sweetness
Sugarcane is sweet and juicy! As a little girl, my grandfather would bring it home and I would chew on it until all of the sweet juice was gone. This 4X12 acrylic painting represents a time in history that carries such deep rooted meaning for those who are connected by ancestry. As I painted, I reflected on the simple way of life in the island of Barbados, and the rich heritage that remains there to this day.
Sugarcane is sweet and juicy! As a little girl, my grandfather would bring it home and I would chew on it until all of the sweet juice was gone. This 4X12 acrylic painting represents a time in history that carries such deep rooted meaning for those who are connected by ancestry. As I painted, I reflected on the simple way of life in the island of Barbados, and the rich heritage that remains there to this day.
Cane Fa' Market
This 9X12 acrylic painting is another representation of the sugar cane field hands. I will always include sugarcane in my collection of art.
This 9X12 acrylic painting is another representation of the sugar cane field hands. I will always include sugarcane in my collection of art.