Overdue Recognition Art Gallery
TODAY’S
Volume 1
Overdue Recognition Art Gallery
proudly represents over 75 renowned and emerging African American artist. Specializing in everything, from Originals to Fine Art Reproductions including Serigraphs, Giclees, Limited and Open Edition Lithographs. We have been helping clients build impressive art collections for years….. Making The List The artist on this list offer a range of intentions, styles and view points. These artists works have either appreciated well in the past and is expected to continue that trend, to artist who have recently gained recognition. The art produced by these gifted artist evoke the African American Experience. The Result: An exciting time in the world of African American Art! Overdue Recognition Art Gallery Today’s Top Artist is a pictorial treasure of biographical profiles on all represented artist. “Black art has always existed. It just hasn’t been looked for in the right places” Romare Bearden (1911-1988)
Overdue Recognition Art Gallery
Today’s Top Artist
Cover By: Larry Brown Poncho “Wait for Love”
Born: Deland, Florida Style/Medium: Abstract Cubism/ social commentary, acrylic/ mixed media on canvas and paper. Artistic Inspiration: Stories from the bible, recent African American History and spiritual awareness.
ANTHONY ARMSTRONG
Anthony Armstrong Painter, illustrator, graphic artist and social commentary artist…. Anthony Armstrong is a multi- talented master of visual imagery. He combines his flair for abstract cubism, command of colors, and unique cultural, social and spiritual experiences. As an African American, he creates works of art that are among the most powerful and visionary of our time. With the use of geometric formulas, harmonious color compositions and design motifs he endeavors to fulfill principal of meaningful spatial relationships. As an artist, I want to establish an Artistic aesthetic that reflects my heritage a person of African descent in the United States, an aesthetic that also reflects my social conscience and technical excellence.
“Nude In Red Chair” Giclee Artistic Influence: Aaron Douglas, Romare Bearden and Pablo Picasso to interpret realism, cubism and Afrocentric Iconography. Formal Education: AA Print Management, University of District of Columbia Bachelors of Fine Art, Philadelphia University of the Arts
I strive to create images inspired by African American people whose real life experiences are echoed in those images which African American people can relate to directly with or without formal art training. I try to create images that appeal to the senses, and to the intellect. One cannot view my work without seeing there are three distinct categories: Definition - images that deal with the past. Identification - images that relate to the present Direction - images that look into the future.
“To The Colored Waiting Room” Giclee
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY
Today’s Top Artist
TODAY’S
T O P
“I strive daily to continue my life’s work and dedicate myself to conveying the concerns, sentiments and beauty of African Americans.”
It is my hope that through intelligent reflection of the past, it will allow the viewer of my art a historical perspective of my life journey. Having lived a half century, I believe I have a unique vision as an artist and a duty to capture snapshots of the history experience. I was borne colored as an adolescent I was a Negro, my teen years I was Black and as an Adult I became an African American. Those who view my art have asked why there is such a diversity of styles.
“Nude with Drapery “Serigraph
My answer to that question is that I paint who and what I am, and I am Colored, Negro, Black and African American. Over the years Armstrong has become well versed in all phases and styles of art. The demand for his art continues to escalate as galleries and private collectors throughout the United States and Europe celebrate his paintings.
“Forty Acres” Giclee
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY
Today’s Top Artist
A R T I S T
Born:
Baltimore, Maryland
Style/Medium:
Afro centric realism, Ancient Egyptology , Acrylic and Mixed Media on paper or canvas
Artistic Inspiration:
The term “We are colorful people comes to mind. Our energy, spirit, attitude and style is my constant inspiration. I could never run out of subject matter.
LARRY PONCHO BROWN
Larry “Poncho” Brown, is a native of Baltimore, MD. He started his first business at the age of 17 as a sign writer and he has been a full time artist ever since. Much of his early sign work was featured on television commercials. Poncho received his Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from the Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, MD. His art, both fine and commercial, has been published nationally in Upscale, Ebony, Ebony Man, Essence, and Jet magazines. In February ‘99 his art was featured in the UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History Textile Series No. 2 book entitled “Summer-Friend” Giclee “Wrapped In Pride”. His popular works have been prominently featured on several TV shows and movies Artistic Influence: including “Soul food”, “The Wire”, Being a second generation art“A Different World”, “In The House” ist, my father is my and “Avalon”. His work adorns the greatest Artistic influence. walls of the likes of Bill Cosby, Dick Watching and imitating him in Gregory, Anita Baker, Susan Taylor, the late 60’s Ed Gordon and Bernard Bronner just to feed my early interest. He later name a few. moved away from his art to take care of our family. Art became my best friend and entertainment.
Formal Education:
Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from the Maryland Institute College of Art 1984
In pursuing his philanthropic goals, he founded Raising The Arts which has created over 55 images to assist non-profit organizations and African American Organizations with fund raising for the past two decades.
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY
Today’s Top Artist
TODAY’S
T O P
“My creations are a reflection of my personal values and pay homage to ongoing themes of unity, family, and spirituality.”
He also co-founded the Creative Quarantine which is a collaboration with other professional artists that dedicate the entire month of January to creating new experimental works.
“Real Love” Giclee He is the youngest honorary member of Art 2000, a national multi-cultural visual arts association. Among his convictions is educating young artists. He is the founder of “The African American Youth Art Exhibition” which has been sponsored in Baltimore annually since 1990. “My goal is to provide and outlet for young artists to express themselves, as well as enlighten them on the importance of art in our culture.” Admirers often site rhythm, movement, and unity, as favorite elements in his work. He primarily works in acrylic, although he uses a variety of mediums and styles to express his interests in Afrocentric themes, Ancient Egyptology and dance. Poncho’s unique style combines past and present art stylizations to create a sense of realism, mysticism, and beauty, which gives his art universal appeal.
“Looking 4 Lov” Giclee
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY
Today’s Top Artist
A R T I S T
CALVIN COLEMAN
Born:
Hampton, VA
Style/ Medium:
Abstract Expressionism/ Fauvism, using Acrylic/ Mixed Media on Canvas, Oak and Birch Wood, Paper and Ceramic Tile
Artistic Influence:
Richard Mayhew’s fluidity with color and Chaim Soutine’s dense textural characteristics.
Formal Education:
B.S. Early Childhood, Lincoln University Calvin Coleman Born in Hampton, Virginia Calvin Coleman II spent his adolescent years in Swartmore, a Pennsylvania suburb. After graduating from Lincoln University where he earned his B.S. degree in early Childhood Education, Coleman taught at the elementary level for fourteen years. While teaching, Calvin was also preparing himself to become comfortable enough to pursue art full time. In 2004, Coleman made the transition that changed his life forever. Following this decision, his paintings have shown in a number of galleries throughout the United States and in Europe as well. As a self- taught artist, that incorporates abstract expressionism and Fauvism, Coleman builds upon the canvas with an assemblage of heavy body acrylic paint, a variety of textiles and other mediums to embellish his uninhibited style of painting. Infusing movement and color in many of his works, Calvin sets out to capture feelings and emotions in his paintings. In recognizing a great interest in brilliant colors and texture, he has admired the techniques of Richard Mayhew, who has been an influence in Coleman’s development, and more recently, the style in which Chaim Soutine’s dense textural characteristics can account for the structure of manipulated canvas strips and textiles. The inspirations behind the contemporary style that Coleman conveys to his audience, has much to do with his spirituality, love for natures beauty, lyrics of songs from a vast genre of music, his journey through life.
“She Rises Above All” Original
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY
Today’s Top Artist
T O P
TODAY’S
“At this stage in my career, I seek to perpetuate and develop my skill in such a way that my art offers encouragement, self-worth and beauty in a visually appealing manner.”
The messages that Coleman’s work relay are global as he strongly believes that his spiritual beliefs are global and has the power to transcend cultural, ethnic and national barriers. Works by Calvin Coleman are included in numerous public, private collections and publications as well.
“If you love Someone “ Giclee
“Queen For a Moment” Original
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY
Today’s Top Artist
A R T I S T
Born: Winter Haven, Florida Style/Medium:
Mixed Media Collage
Artistic Inspiration: African American Master Artists, Teachers, Writers, Musicians and Expressions learned from street life.
JAMES DENMARK
Artistic Influence:
Abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock, Clifford Still and William E Kooning
Formal Education: Bach-
elor of Fine Arts from Florida A&M University and Masters of Fine Arts Pratt Institute.
James Denmark was born in Winter Haven, Florida on March 23, 1936 into a family of artists. He was exposed to color and form at an early age. Denmark was influenced by his grandmother, a wire sculptor and quilt artist, and by his grandfather, a bricklayer noted for his unique custom design molds. He was profoundly inspired by his mother who was gifted with an intuitive feeling for design and a fastidiousness for detail which she expressed in all aspects of her daily life. This rich beginning is the root of James Denmark’s creative expression. He attended Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida on a sports scholarship. While pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at FAMU, Denmark came under the tutelage of the artist and acclaimed African-American art historian, Dr. Samella Lewis, who exposed him to the great traditions and accomplishments of the African-American art movement. After graduating from FAMU, Denmark moved to Brooklyn, New York and began a career as an art teacher in the public school system. From 1973 to 1976, Denmark earned his Master’s of Fine Arts degree at the prestigious Pratt Institute of Fine Arts in New York. While at Pratt, Denmark met and was nurtured by an immensely talented community of artists. During this period, he was heavily influenced by African-American masters Norman Lewis, Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence and Ernest Crichlow, they instilled in him an appreciation of African-American artistic heritage. “So much richness reinforced my natural talents,” Denmark says of his growth at Pratt. He likens it to picking up a baton and carrying it to the next leg-his collages. Denmark’s work underwent a stylistic transition at this time. He began experimenting with collage. Prior to this period, he worked primarily in watercolors and charcoal.
“Improvisation 20x27” Giclee
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY
Today’s Top Artist
T O P
“The main themes in my art primarily idealized and stylized people caught in a moment of Joy, Hope, Exhilaration and Ecstasy. They share moments of pure spiritual expression. Dancing, Making Music, in love or just celebrating life.”
TODAY’S
Denmark has a natural affinity for the difficult and largely improvisational medium of collage and quickly developed his own - “The Gift” Lithograph unique and easily identifiable style. With brightly hand colored papers, fabric and objects, Denmark creates compositions that go beyond the superficial and transitory and focuses, instead, on what is eternal and universal. Denmark’s collages, watercolors, woodcuts and reproductions are consistently and eagerly sought by galleries and collectors worldwide. He has had over 60 one-man exhibitions and has participated in a number of group shows. His level of acclaim is reflected in the number of prestigious collections in which his works are represented, most notable that of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Denmark’s works are a part of well recognized private and corporate collections in this country, as well as in Mexico, South Africa, Europe, Japan and Africa. James and his wife. Ethel now enjoy living in rural Yemassee, South Carolina.
- “Low Country Blues” Lithograph
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY
Today’s Top Artist
A R T I S T
Born: Chicago, Illinois 1946
PAUL GOODNIGHT
Style/ medium: Acrylic, pastels and other media Artistic inspiration: He draws his inspiration from his life of world wide travels that include extensive study in Africa, Russia, China, Haiti, Nicaragua and Brazil. Artistic Influence: John Biggers, Allan Rohan Crite and his aunt Mae Gadpaille as well Mr. & Mrs. Lockett who made positive and strong impressions upon him growing up. Formal Education: Roxbury Community College and Vesper George School of Art in Boston. Bachelors and Masters in Fine Arts at Massachusetts College of Art
Paul Goodnight, born in Chicago on December 31, 1946 was raised in Boston and Connecticut, discovered early that he had the gift of art. After serving a stint in the Army during the Vietnam War, he returned to Boston where he decided to professionally pursue art as a career. He received his BFA from Massachusetts College of Art in 1975. The college bestowed him an honorable MFA in 1987, recognizing his dedicated work in the arts. Paul had received numerous honors and awards over the years, including the U.S. Sports Academy Artist of the Year in 1996. His work is held in scores of private & institutional collections, including the Smithsonian Institute and Hampton University Museum. Mr. Goodnight’s work has also been featured on the sets of The Cosby Show, Seinfeld, ER and The fresh Prince of Belair to name a few. His work has been featured in publications such as Ebony, Architectural Digest, Essence, People, Boston Globe and Décor. Bishop Desmond Tutu, Maya Angelou and Samuel L. Jackson are among the many notables who collect Mr. Goodnights work. Mr. Goodnight stated “I would like to be a skilled and consummate draftsman.” He uses a collection of sensuous colors, often revealing mysterious hidden forms. He loves to convey the ability to see between the figures, melding and infusing them into an environment of endless nuances where abstraction and representational images are comfortable in the same space and where passion and humanity resonate. He said that once he has learned to do this well, he will be obligated to pass this on, just as this information has been passed on to him. “ thank God for our masters!”
“Violin” Giclee
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY
Today’s Top Artist
“I try to offer the rich evidence of love in the composition of ordinary Black people whom I’ve witnessed in my travels around the world. Men, women and children who are familiar, intimate and engaging have stories written all over them, waiting to be told. My goal is to expose these stories to delight the eye and to satisfy the spirit- inshort, to make them live.” live.”
T O P
TODAY’S
“Changing Times” Serigraph
“Prayer Messenger” Giclee
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY
Today’s Top Artist
A R T I S T
Born:
Clarksville, West Virginia
Style/ medium:
Visual story telling, Oil paints
Artistic Inspiration:
His grandmothers are his greatest inspiration; which explains the repetition of women in his works.
JOHN HOYLFIELD
Artistic Influence:
Ernie Barnes, Norman Rockwell and Frederic Leighton
Formal Education:
Graphic Design, Howard University and University of D.C.
Was born and raised in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Early in childhood, John’s interest in art was evident. Encouraged by teachers, family and friends, he went on to study art at Howard University and the University of D.C., majoring in graphic design. John’s interests, however, soon switched to the finer arts. Realizing the appeal of his work, he entered the art market in 1991 and has become a leading African-American artist. John’s work has a strong southern folksy feel, capturing the essence of rural life. His main themes are family, spirituality and culture. For much of his subject matter, he draws from his family members, childhood memories and stories from his grandmothers. His grandmothers are his greatest inspiration; which explains the repetition of women in his works. John has always been captivated by the church and often depicts images related to spirituality. John focuses on aspects such as music, heritage and traditions that set his race apart from others...yet his use of timeless themes make the images relative to anyone who views them. Such artist as Ernie Barnes and Norman Rockwell inspire John’s style. Like Barnes, his compositions are full of movement and his characters elongated and distorted. John’s images seem to capture a snap-shot of a moment. This style of visual story-telling is inspired by the narrative style of Norman Rockwell.
“Love Jones” Lithograph
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY
He’s currently working on a painting entitled “The Entertainers-Softshoe”, a follow-up piece to the wildly popular “The Entertainers”, released several years ago. The new painting features the two harlequin boys paying tribute to the classic African-American art form of tap-dancing.
Today’s Top Artist
“My goal is to reaffirm every positive aspect of being African-American by focusing on our families, our spirituality and our heritage and traditions. I believe that every race can relate because, in essence, I’m shining a light on the beauty of being human. Maybe my images will evoke fond memories of your life’s experiences, and hopefully, they will influence the young minds and hearts of generations.”.
T O P
TODAY’S
“Entertainers” Serigraph
“Grown and Sexy” Lithograph
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY
Today’s Top Artist
A R T I S T
Born:
Louisiana, near Lake Charles
Style/ Medium:
Expressionistic, acrylic and oil mixed media on board
Artistic Inspiration:
Life experiences steeped in the music. Juke joints and back roads of the deep south
GEORGE HUNT
Artistic Influences:
Picasso, Romare Bearden, Charles Alston, Modigliani and Dewitt Jordan
Formal Education:
BA Degree, University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff and a Graduate Degree, University of Memphis
George Hunt was born more than 60 years ago of humble beginnings, and over a lifetime of living, learning, watching, growing, creating and translating his visions into paintings, he has emerged as one of the most important African-American artist in the South. George Hunt has made a significant mark on not just African-American art, but American art as a whole. Memphis artist George Hunt was born in rural Louisiana, near Lake Charles, and his grandmother noted early in life that he had a special power to “see things.” In addition to large doses of indigenous music, one of the things he saw was the civil rights movement and that experience became a painting in 1997, which in turn, became a US Postage Stamp issued in 2005 as part of the United States Postal Service series, “To Form A More Perfect Nation.” In the 1960’s George started incorporating the cubism style of painting in his own style. His personal stamp on style includes collage, vibrant colors and lively textures. As a youth George was personally connected to one of the most devastating periods in American history as he was one of the pallbearers assisting in putting Dr. King’s body on a plane for his return to Georgia to be laid to rest. In 1993 Mr. Hunt created a piece titled “I am a Man” as a tribute to the sanitation worker’s strike. Today that piece hangs in the National Museum of Civil Rights and will forever be connected with the legacy of George Hunt.
Lithograph
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY
George Hunt was also honored for his painting, “America Cares/Little Rock Nine” at ceremonies in Little Rock and Memphis. The paint was originally commissioned for the Central High School Museum, but first spent five years hanging in the White House in Washington, D.C. First Lady, Hillary Clinton, in a personal note to Mr. Hunt, wrote, “we are grateful that our visitors and staff have such a powerful image of hope and freedom to greet, inspire and inform them.” Today’s Top Artist
My work is always characterized by images which relate my emotions and experiences. My style is expressionistic. I love color and I am always experimenting with it. I try to use bright, primary, powerful colors. I also love to create different textures, textures that are not only visual, but are tactile as well. My particular collage style of painting is the result of these loves.”
T O P
TODAY’S
In 2002, the U.S. Congress brought attention to America’s indigenous music by officially declaring 2003 as the “Year of the Blues.” George Hunt was named the Official Artist for the “Year of the Blues,” and he created a new body of work for a national tour .
“I am a Man II” Serigraph The exhibit, ‘Conjurating the Blues, The High Cotton Tour,” consisted of 26 large paintings that depicted the history of blues music in America.
A R T I S T
. Mr. Hunt spent three decades teaching art education and coaching at George Washington Carver High School in Memphis before dedicating full time to painting. He now works in a studio overlooking world-famous Beale Street.
“We Shall Overcome” Serigraph
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY
Ninety-nine percent of what George Hunt paints come from the Southern African-American experience, especially the folk tradition, civil rights movement, the mythic heroism of Black manhood, and of course blues music and culture. Mr. Hunt’s work has been exhibited in both individual and group shows nationally, and it is part of the permanent collections of museums as well private collectors such as Steve Wynn, Anthony Quinn, Eddie Murphy, Steven Seagal, Justin Timberlake and David Simmons. He has been featured and written about in many publications including an Ebony Magazine feature in 2005. Today’s Top Artist
Born:
Memphis, TN 1975 Style/Medium:
Formal Education:
BFA, University of Memphis (Terry Lynn) BBA, University of Memphis, ( Jerry Lynn)
JERRY & TERRY LYNN Identical twin brothers Jerry and terry Lynn are one of the most incredible stories in the art industry. Each is a talented artist in his own right, but it’s their collaborative artistic genius which has won them acclaim for creating some of the most vibrant, exciting art the industry has seen in recent years. It’s not unusual for artists to join artistic forces to create an image. It is unusual that two artists can work simultaneously on the same image, to produce an image so succinct in technique and style that it cannot be distinguished as a collaboration by two artists. A true artistic phenomenon, the painting styles and techniques of Twin are as connected as their physical presence. Born and raised in the suburbs of Memphis, Tennessee, the artists were highly influenced by the vibrant sounds of blues and jazz, which carries into their art. First published in 1995, the collaborative paintings of Twin are an overwhelming success. Offering a wealth of versatility, both artist are proficient at realism, as well as abstractual painting styles; in working in oil or acrylic; and in fine print making. The brothers have accomplished much in their short career, including exhibitions in some of the country’s top art shows, but they’re not resting on their laurels. Twin were the official artists of the 1998 Essence Music Awards in New York and the official artists at the 12th Annual National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in American Higher Education.
“Last Stroll” Serigraph
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY
Today’s Top Artist
T O P
TODAY’S
“The Big Easy” Serigraph
“Honey Colored Harmony” Serigraph
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY
Today’s Top Artist
A R T I S T
Born: Fayette, Alabama 1960 Style/Medium: mixed media collage on canvas
Artistic Inspiration: I have
so many, Paul Goodnight (colors and energy), Carl Ownes (craftsmanship), Charles White (his ability to create everyday people), and Norman Rockwell (because of his storytelling and excellent skills).
CHARLY PALMER
Artistic Influence: GOD, I
feel blessed that I have been selected to channel this gift. If you love the work I do, Compliment GOD.
Charly Palmer was born in 1960 in Fayette, Alabama and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A successful graphic designer and illustrator with his own design studio and Fortune 500 clientele, Palmer devotes much of his life to pursuing his fine art dreams and is well on his way to establishing himself as a fine artist of note. Formal Education: The School of the Art Institute, Chi- He remembers being fascinated by illustrations in Ezra Jack Keats’ “The Snowy Day” cago Il. 1980 around the age of five. “I could never get enough of the imagery in the book”, he Bachelors of Fine Art, The says, American Academy of Art, “This planted a seed in my young heart. Keats’ works were magical to me”. He Chicago Il. 1982 would later realize that what appealed to him most were the random geometric shapes, the simplicity of the layered textures and patterns, along with the mix of bold colors. Palmer has brought to his complex pictorial compositions a technique and style that is unique and readily identifiable. He has in the recent past created work under the assumed name “Carlos”, his alter ego. This allowed him, he says, the freedom to experiment, be spontaneous, and have fun with his art. The result is a body of work that is less controlled and more abstract and primal. Constantly evolving and growing as an artist, Palmer has over time fused the two artistic styles to the degree that he found the perfect sty“Worth The Wait” Lithograph listic voice with which to express himself in the powerful “Civil Rights” series.
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY
Today’s Top Artist
“What makes my work unique is not what I’m saying, but how I’m saying it. A trademark of my art is the circles and hidden messages throughout the piece. What I have also discovered is that my work is most successful when I allow the experience to happen and not to control it.” Charly Palmer studied art and design at the American Academy of Art and the School of the Art Institute, both in Chicago, and has taught design and illustration at the college level. His work is in private and public collections which include Atlanta Life Insurance, McDonald’s Corporation, Miller Brewing Company, the Coca Cola Company and Vanderbuilt University. He has had a number of one man shows in galleries in the United States. The artist has been the recipient of significant commissions including an official poster for the 1996 Olympics and the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau. He currently lives and works in Atlanta.
T O P
TODAY’S
“Mama Always Made Away”
“Little Rock Nine” Giclee
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY
Today’s Top Artist
A R T I S T
Born: Opelika, Alabama Style/ medium: Impressionistic/ Figurative Abstract, Mixed Media
Artistic inspiration:
Life and Love, The beauty of God’s creation
Artistic Influence:
Collectors of my artwork
DEBORAH SHEDRICK
Formal Education:
Masters Degree in Psychology
Deborah Shedrick’s work is vibrant, colorful, and full of texture. Utilizing a palette knife, rollers and assorted objects, she shapes color and builds texture in rhythmic patterns and brilliant eruptions. Stylistically she combines realism and abstractions as she forges a unique and distinctive expression that has found tremendous resonance with her audience. She lets the vivid tints take over, leaving her figures elongated and suggested in her vertical canvases with some collaged materials. Shedrick lives and loves art. What began as painting lessons in 1986, honing her artistic skills through workshops with other prominent artists, has developed into a career of her artwork being used nation- wide in hotels, on book covers, television shows, and for fund raisers. Articles have been written about her work in several newspapers and magazines. She defines her paintings as free-style, uniquely her own. Her passion for art shines through her work. She captures the nuance of a moment, with the celebration of color and energy. Her artwork strikes a harmonious cord from a universal perspective and she is part of collections throughout the United States and abroad. “Basket Lady” Giclee
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY
Today’s Top Artist
T O P
TODAY’S
“I am a representative of our ancestors, bringing attention to their beauty and devine spirit.”
“Mommy Daughter Day” Giclee
“Summer Lace” Lithograph
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY
Today’s Top Artist
A R T I S T
Born: Vicksburg, Mississippi Style/Medium:
abstract, realism, cubism and impressionism oil, acrylic, watercolor, oil pastel and dimensional relief’s
Artistic Inspiration:
a desire to capture the landscapes and people of his native deep south.
WILLIAM TOLLIVER (1951- 2000)
Artistic Influence: George Hunt, Picasso and Vincent VanGough Formal Education: self- taught prodigy
William Tolliver was a master in every medium: he handled figure studies, portraits, human interest situations, landscapes and semiabstract, all with equal perfection and all from a “photographic” memory. Nothing in his paintings are decoration: everything serves a purpose in creating the mood or atmosphere of a painting. He says “I have no favorite medium. Once you learn the basic principles of how a particular medium works, it’s no problem: water colors lend themselves to wash technically on paper, and oil builds texture.” William Tolliver spent more than 38 of his 48 years perfecting his skill as an artist. It all began when he was about seven; his mother would conduct art contests between herself, Tolliver and his older brother to see who could draw the best. Although his brothers interest in art waned, Tolliver’s never did, it only got stronger. He never received any formal training, however, Tolliver attests to reading more than 4,000 books on different subjects, but mostly on art- his thirst for the subject was unquenchable. “Emerald” Giclee
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY
Today’s Top Artist
“I Love my work and I have worked very hard to portray AfricanAmericans with pride and dignity. My goal is to bring to the forefront the seriousness of art as a part of a person’s heritage. I want my art to serve as a history lesson.”
He educated himself by studying the classics: Chagall, Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso. He incorporated cubism, abstract, realism and impressionism with his own techniques.
T O P
TODAY’S
“Delta Blues” Lithograph
He used them all like tools to create the different elements in his paintings. The people in his paintings display pride, strength and soul. Whether they are cotton pickers, or radiant beauties, the consistency of a proud and beautiful people is there. Topping his long list of achievements, Tolliver has had one of his masterpieces works travel with Smithsonian Museum. He was also commissioned by the Olympic Games Committee to create a piece (depicting the “Spirit of Georgia”) for the 1996 Olympic games held in Atlanta, GA. His work is also in the permanent collections of the Corcoran Museum, the Mckissick Museum, Hampton University museum, New Orleans Museum of Art and the Zigler Museum. Art demand a response, whether it’s good or bad- that was the objective of this artist. When looking at Tolliver’s art, one is sure to respond- to the artist’s creative and vivid use of colors, his composition, lines or subject. In all those area’s, he demonstrated the God- Given talent that he discovered early in life. William Tolliver died at an early age of 49, in his short life he rose to meteoric heights as an artist and art entrepreneur.
“Ascending Nude” Serigraph
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY
Today’s Top Artist
A R T I S T
Born:
Washington, DC Style/Medium: Oils, acrylics, watercolor, gouache, pen and ink, lino-cuts
Styles:
Expressionism/Realism/Abstraction
Artistic Inspiration:
Currently: Line and Life,. I have a love affair with the intricacies of line and how it can convey emotions and thought, contort with the shifting of focus, or express the tiny details that make a figure unique. Life is always the great umbrella of inspiration; both my experiences and others.
Greatest Artistic Influence: Norman Lewis, Pablo Picassos “Guernica”, Egon Schiele, and life experiences
Formal Education:
BFA Syracuse University, 2001. Classes at The Art League 2008
WESLEY CLARK
K. Wesley E. Clark is a native of Silver Spring, MD. He is an accomplished painter and printmaker, whose passion for art seeded in high school. He went on to receive a BFA in Painting from Syracuse University. At Syracuse, Wesley was introduced to various mediums ranging from painting to metalsmithing, from photography to crochet. His prodigious talent and diversified training have blossomed into endless possibilities of artistic expression, which manifests in multifarious moods and environments. Wesley’s budding career has proliferated into creative and poignant artworks, which stir the soul and move the mind. Currently, Wesley is the Art Director for Artwork Mbilashaka (AM Radio, a DC based art marketing company).
“Fro” Giclee
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY
Today’s Top Artist
“My work is about exploration; diving in subject matters with the tools I have and beginning to excavate works of art. From what I uncover (create) I hope people see a new fresh perspective on the chosen subject; bringing interest where they previously lacked. A common thread links all my current work together. That thread is the study of line. Whether Im looking at he edges of letters on a flag piece, the right side of a curved back, the bridge of a nose, or a tree line of a landscape, I am looking to see how that line dances along to create forms- the subtle shifts in its weight and value, its rise and its fall, its end and its beginning. I have a love affair with line that began once I viewed works of art by painters such as Jackson Pollack, Norman Lewis and Wosene Kosrof. That love affair flourished in my abstract body of work entitled “City Views” and continues as that body of work morphed into pieces (currently untitled) focused even more intently on line and its conveyance, as well as the body of nudes currently in progress.”
A R T I S T “Inspire Justice” Original
“A Day Once Passed” Original
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY
Today’s Top Artist
T O W A T C H
KERREAM JONES
Born: Reading, PA Style/Medium: Contemporary Art/ Painting
Artistic Inspiration: Life Experiences
Greatest Artistic Influence: Women and Artist
Formal Education:
Bachelor Degree in Visual Communication Art
ALTHOUGH THE TERM “STARVING ARTIST” DOES NOT APPLY TO THE ATLANTA-BASED PAINTER KERREAM JONES, the hunger of the self-described visual griot is evident in the sensual depths of his paintings, the relentless drive of his business ventures, and in his appreciation for all things creative, expressive, and true. Since beginning his journey toward artistic excellence as a high school student, Kerream has gone on to create some of the most definitive and distinctive work to emerge out of the modern era of fine art. Among them are Long Day, Sleeping Beauty, and Déjà Vu: evocative and iconic pieces steeped in rich earth tones and languid poses. Kerream’s work effortlessly infuses the bright and dark realities of life with the fantasy of frozen moments. Emotions seem to leap off his brush, land on the canvas, and distill art from the vapors of life. Beginning as an illustrator in high school, Kerream was first introduced to the art world through his imitations of comic book characters and sketches. Soon thereafter he was encouraged by an art teacher to examine the craft more seriously and challenge himself to seek his own style. After entering and winning several art contests, Kerream went on to attend the Art Institute of Atlanta, where he studied graphic design, and the American Intercontinental University in Atlanta, where he graduated with a degree in visual communications. Wasting little time, Kerream immediately set about the task of joining the art community in Atlanta and constructing a business operation that would serve as a platform for his burgeoning catalogue.
“Sassy But Classy” Lithograph
Overdue Recognition ART GALLREY
Today’s Top Artist
“Art is an outlet for me to get out my emotions and thoughts about life. These thoughts are inspired by relationships and positive people in my life. My work infuses both bright and dark realities and pairs those truths with the fantasy of frozen moments.” “Art is like a breath of fresh air, and with out it my life would be polluted.”
Along with several personal appearances on television, Kerream’s work has appeared in such publications as Upscale, the Dallas News, Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine, the 2003 Pepsi “Notes From Heaven” Original Black History Calendar, Verizon Wireless and other major media. In 2007 Kerream was chosen as the featured artist for the 29th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival, an honor that included the commission of his piece Mixing It Up as the event’s official design image for marketing and promotional materials. From the rhythmic hues of Jazz Rehearsal, to the quiet pain of Untitled, the work of Kerream Jones is singular in its ability to examine a moment and create the context that surrounds our joy, and the emotions that encapsulate our sadness. His hunger has made him the epitome of the new artistic entrepreneur: an artist who has successfully married his talent to his ambition and merged his passion with his profession. With brush strokes dipped in colors that are vivid with universal truths, Kerream Jones has captured the world as he sees it and offered this incredible vision to all of us.
“Music Lovers” Original
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY
Today’s Top Artist
A R T I S T T O W A T C H
“First Day” Silkscreen
Master Printmaker Lou Stovall is pleased to collaborate with gifted social commentary artist Anthony Armstrong in the creation of the exceptional 26 X 27 silkscreen print “First Day”. The historically significant and stylized neo– abstract mixed media painting on canvas is superbly translated into a 70 color hand– pulled print. The reoccurring Civil Rights theme in Armstrong’s other important works such as “Frontline, Tears for Dakfur, To the Colored Waiting Room & The Black Wall Street Series, is visually prominent in “First Day” Ruby Bridges, the first African American to integrate the William Frantz Public School in New Orleans is depicted escorted by federal marshals into the formerly all– white elementary school . “First Day” also commemorates the Supreme Courts decision to ban segregation in schools throughout the United States. Overdue Recognition Art Gallery is proud to offer this 90 piece Limited Edition historic silkscreen.
Since its inception in 2004,
Overdue Recognition Art Gallery has been a major advocate of African American Art .
We are committed to educating our visitors and clients about African American Art and strive to provide personalized service and resources whether about the artist, artwork or the market trend. This exciting art publication offers the art community a look at the most innovative artist in the art market today
Ovedrdue Recognition
Art Gallery
6828 RaceTrack Road Bowie Maryland 20715 (301) 262-3553 www. overduerecognition.com
“Beautiful results is just a phone call away”
12138 Central Ave. Suite 939 Mitchellville, Md 20721 phone: 240-744-9527 Toll Free 1800-6093454
Platinum House Design Studio
“
is proud to be a sponsor
Overdue Recognition ART GALLERY Top artist catalog”.