Spirit of the artist

“Not everything you do is going to be a masterpiece, but you get art there and you try and sometimes it really happens. The other times you’re just stretching your soul.” - Maya Angelou

“I suggest that the great art belongs to all people, all the time--that indeed it is made for the people, by the people, to the people.” Maya Angelou

When I create my abstract paintings whether on canvas or digital, I insert my entire spirit into my artwork using specific brushstrokes, technique and colors.

Spirit of the artist. Digital art created on canvas. Afrika Abney

Cerulean Canvas

“The color blue in abstract paintings often embodies a range of qualities that evoke various emotional and psychological responses. It is frequently associated with tranquility and calmness, creating a serene atmosphere that invites viewers to reflect and contemplate. The use of blue can also suggest depth and infinity, reminiscent of vast skies and deep oceans, which can lead to a sense of exploration and introspection. Artists may employ different shades of blue to convey distinct moods, from the soft pastels that evoke a gentle, soothing feeling to the bold, vibrant hues that can energize and inspire. In the realm of abstract art, blue serves as a powerful tool for expression, allowing artists to communicate complex ideas and emotions without the constraints of representational forms. The versatility of blue enables it to interact harmoniously with other colors, enhancing the overall composition and creating dynamic contrasts. For instance, when paired with warm colors like or...

Creative Chronicles

Creative Chronicles. Digital art created on canvas. October 26, 2024. Afrika Abney At the time when digital art began in the 1980s, I was 4 - 13 and a student at NationHouse. I did not start creating digital art until 2009. With over a decade of experience in digital art, I have honed my skills in various techniques and styles. I specialize in creating captivating and visually stunning digital artworks that evoke emotion and tell a story. Upon waking up from my restful sleep and unaware of the discussions taking place, I began to implement my routine and examine my digital art. Creative Chronicles using vibrant colors and varied brush techniques. “Personal storytelling plays a crucial role in my artistic journey, particularly in conveying insights about my digital abstract paintings, abstract artworks, and collages. Recently, I have delved into the significance of color symbolism within my digital creations, which has led me to recognize that color serves as a vital c...

Warmth of Experience

“The intentional incorporation of orange-red in illustrating life experiences can significantly enrich the narrative journey, creating a vibrant canvas that accentuates both personal and professional achievements. This particular hue, with its energetic and warm qualities, invites contemplation and conversation, allowing for a more profound grasp of the various experiences that shape our lives. By using such a striking color, the storytelling becomes not just a recounting of events but an immersive exploration of emotions and insights. My own journey has been marked by a series of impactful experiences, including the persistent challenges posed by racism and discrimination, as well as the significant milestones of graduating from both high school and college. Each of these moments has contributed to my personal growth and understanding of the world around me. The struggles I faced with prejudice have not only shaped my identity but have also fueled my determination to succe...

Golden Milestones

“The color gold serves as a powerful reminder of the past, encapsulating the essence of cherished memories and significant life events.It's warm and radiant quality can evoke feelings of joy and accomplishment, often associated with milestones such as art exhibitions, professional experiences and past workshops.” PAST SELECTED ART EXHIBITIONS • Virtual Art Exhibition and Poetry Reading. February 19, 2023 • The National Daughter Daddy Tour. National City Christian Church, Washington, D.C. 2004 - 2006 • Every Picture Tells A Story. Moca DC, Washington, D.C. January 6, 2006 – January 27, 2006 • "Visions." Ellingtons on 8th, Washington, D.C. May 31 - June 28, 2006.Curated by Prelli Anthony Williams. Reception, May 31, 2006 from 6-8pm and Closing Reception, June 28, 2006 • "The Power Within." El Tamarindo, Washington, D.C. July 1 - 31, 2006. Curated by D.Edward Dyer, President of Art N Deed, LLC. • "Images of Life." Phish Tea Cafe, Washington, D.C. J...

Women Blossoming

Women Blossoming: A Traditional Tea & Celebration to Inspire and Empower is the event of the spring season that features fantastic speakers and creatives: Business and cultural leader Ana R. Harvey, a former senior executive in President Barack Obama's administration and current director of Dupont Underground, a dynamic cultural hub national and international in the nation's capital, will provide information and guidance to help women lean in--whether creating their own business or lifting and amplifying their voices. Jennifer Y. Okoson, reminds us that "our capacity to create is where we begin to live more fully, experience transformation, and embark on a journey of healing." In a mini-workshop she will help participants "explore Creativity as a Wellness Practice!" Come and enjoy a creative activity to enhance your personal self-care. Speaking of creativity, the members of the Kaleidoscope Women's Writing Collective ...

Nature's Narrative

Nature's Narrative. Digital art created on canvas. September 15, 2024. Afrika Abney “The autumn season unfolds in a spectacular display of colors, featuring deep oranges, fiery reds, and golden yellows that captivate the senses. This transformation is not simply a shift in the appearance of leaves; it represents a grand exhibition of nature's creativity, where each leaf embodies a unique narrative. As these leaves descend from their branches, they carry with them the essence of sunlit days, the warmth of summer, and the lively energy that once flourished in their canopy. Their descent forms a vibrant carpet of color on the ground, inviting us to appreciate the intricate beauty found in both decay and renewal. This natural cycle serves as a poignant reminder that change, while constant, can also be profoundly beautiful. In this season of change, every leaf becomes a symbol of the passage of time and the cyclical patterns inherent in the natural world. The landscape transforms i...

Luminous Falls

Luminous Falls. Digital art created on canvas. September 5, 2024. Afrika Abney “The rays of sunlight cascade down, filling my spirit with a radiant energy that encourages me to select a vibrant array of colors that reflect joy and liveliness. I am particularly captivated by shades such as yellow ochre, bright yellow, and gold ochre, each of which resonates with a profound sense of warmth and positivity. Yellow ochre, along with its brighter variations, conjures a vivid spectrum that mirrors the essence of sunlight itself. The lively and cheerful nature of yellow ochre captures the sun's radiant glow.This particular hue not only reflects the warmth but also embodies a spirit of hope and optimism. On the other hand, light ochre offers a more subdued and cooler interpretation of yellow, marked by its gentle presence and lower saturation. Unlike its more vibrant relatives, this shade provides a soft touch that fosters a tranquil ambiance. In contrast, golden ochre emerges with its ri...

The Masks That I wear

The Masks That I wear have represented who I am as an African American female and woman. I have worn many types of masks from dance customs to paper masks. Each of the masks that I have worn represent a different part of my character, background and personality. "All of us have ways in which we mask and cover our pain." - Iyanla Vanzant "Because the mask is your face, the face is a mask, so I'm thinking of the face as a mask because of the way I see faces is coming from an African vision of the mask which is the thing that we carry around with us, it is our presentation, it's our front, it's our face." - Faith Ringgold The Masks That I wear. Digital art created on canvas. Afrika Abney All of us have ways in which we mask and cover our pain. Share this Quote Iyanla Vanzant Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/topi...

Christmas Eve

Quote found on the Internet It is Christmas Eve and I pray that those that celebrate Christmas prayers are answered. On this Christmas Eve, I would like my only prayer for a single hetrosexual male over the age of 30 to marry me. I believe that Christmas eve and Christmas are about genuine love, affection, showing compassion, demonstrating understanding, being trustworthy, loyal, faithful, having mutual respect and meaningful conversations without judgement, bias and prejudice. I do not want a hetrosexual husband that has no respect for himself and those that raised him to be a gentleman with standards, values, ethics, and self-expression. I do not believe in the superficiality of Christmas eve and Christmas. I believe in the essence of gifts that come from the heart and treasured stories that have symbolism, inspiration and instill principles such as determination and purpose. Some of the movies that I watched in the past on Christmas Eve include Frosty Snowman and ...

Vibrant Earth Tones

Vibrant Earth Tones. Digital art created on canvas. September 21, 2024. Afrika Abney “Nature itself showcases the exquisite blend of burnt umber and turquoise, acting as an unparalleled artist in its own right. The lush, dark browns of the forest floor, rich with organic matter, contrast beautifully with the bright, crystalline blues of tropical waters. This natural juxtaposition serves as a reminder of the intricate relationships that exist within ecosystems, where each color plays a vital role in the overall tapestry of life. Whether it’s the earthy tones of autumn leaves or the vibrant hues of coral reefs, these colors are omnipresent, illustrating the beauty of diversity in the natural world. In the creative sphere, the synergy of burnt umber and turquoise not only enhances visual appeal but also enriches the narrative quality of art. Artists harness this color combination to explore themes of duality, balance, and the emotional spectrum, allowing viewers to experience a range of f...

Ms. Afrika Abney, Professional Visual Artist and Art Consultant- Branding Blog

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