Youth Art Month

Ms. Afrika Abney attended Bell from 1991-1993. She graduated in 1993 and was 16 at that time. Years later, Ms. Abney donated the painting shown in the above photo. Additionally, she gave away the clothing articles and jewelry shown in the photo above.
Ms. Abney's art teacher when she was a student was Mr. Jorge Somarriba.

Ms. Afrika Abney attended Corcoran from 1993-1997. She graduated in 1997. Years later, Ms. Abney donated the charcoal drawing shown in the above photo. Additionally, she gave away the clothing articles and jewelry shown in the photo above.

When I was a youth, I studied visual art at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, Corcoran School of the Art (1980s and from 1993 - 1997) and Bell Multicultural High School (1991-1993). I used various art materials. Some of them included pastels, oil paints, acrylic paints, and charcoal.

https://nationaltoday.com/youth-art-month/

"Pastels or pastel colors belong to a pale family of colors, which, when described in the HSV color space, have high value and low saturation. They are named after an artistic medium made from pigment and solid binding agents, similar to crayons." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pastel_(color)

"Oil paints are primarily used on canvas or thicker boards, but they can also be used on wood, certain metals, and ceramics. Because of their oily base, these paints work best when using a primer as a base coat."

"Acrylic paints contain a pigment, a binder and a vehicle or carrier for the pigment and binder."

"Charcoal is a lightweight black carbon residue produced by strongly heating wood in minimal oxygen to remove all water and volatile constituents." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charcoal

Compassionate Harmony Palette

Compassionate Harmony Palette. Digital art created on canvas. September 20, 2024. Afrika Abney “The colors hot pink, pink, red, and orange embody essential qualities of compassion and harmony. Each hue carries its own emotional resonance, contributing to a palette that evokes feelings of warmth and understanding. Shades of pink, often associated with compassion, fosters a sense of nurturing and care, while red symbolizes passion and energy, igniting a fervent connection among individuals. Orange, a blend of the two, radiates enthusiasm and creativity, further enhancing the atmosphere of unity and support.”

Blended Serenity

Blended Serenity. Digital art created on canvas. August 30, 2024. Afrika Abney “Blended Serenity represents a seamless integration of diverse components that collectively foster an atmosphere of tranquility and relaxation. This concept emphasizes the importance of combining different aspects—be it environmental, emotional, or sensory—that work together to create a soothing experience.”

Thunderstorm Palette

Thunderstorm Palette. Digital art created on canvas. August 31, 2024. Afrika Abney “The hues observed evoke the essence of isolated thunderstorms, capturing the unique atmospheric conditions associated with such weather phenomena. These colors reflect the dynamic interplay of light and shadow that characterizes a storm, where deep grays and vibrant blues intermingle with flashes of electric white. This visual representation not only highlights the intensity of the storms but also conveys a sense of isolation, as these weather events often occur in localized areas, creating a striking contrast against the surrounding landscape.”

Orange Linked with Creativity and Optimism

“Orange, a vibrant and energetic hue, is intrinsically linked with creativity and optimism. Its association with the sun and autumnal harvests evokes feelings of warmth, joy, and abundance. This bright color stimulates the mind, encouraging a free flow of ideas and a positive outlook. Just as the sun's rays invigorate life, orange fuels creative energy, inspiring individuals to embrace new challenges and possibilities with enthusiasm. It is a color that fosters a sense of playful exploration, encouraging us to step outside the box and think unconventionally. The optimistic energy of orange empowers us to approach life with a can-do attitude, believing in our ability to achieve our goals and overcome obstacles with a cheerful spirit. Creativity in abstract art involves challenging artistic norms through techniques like layering and brushwork to create captivating compositions that reflect inner thoughts and emotions, inviting viewers on a journey of discovery of human complexities....

Vibrant Intentions

Vibrant Intentions. Digital art created on canvas. September 18, 2024. Afrika Abney “The concept of prayer is often intertwined with a rich tapestry of colors, each hue symbolizing different aspects of spirituality and devotion. These colors can evoke a range of emotions and signify various intentions behind the act of praying. For instance, the color white is frequently associated with purity and peace. Similarly, blue can represent tranquility and divine connection, while red may symbolize passion and sacrifice.Yellow, on the other hand, is seen as a color of enlightenment and joy, embodying the uplifting spirit that prayer can inspire. Each color serves as a visual representation of the deeper meanings and feelings that accompany prayer.”

Dynamic Contrast Hues

Dynamic Contrast Hues . Digital art created on canvas. September 13, 2024. Afrika Abney Dynamic Contrast: https://abneyartist.blogspot.com/2024/08/dynamic-contrast.html

Innovative Solutions

Innovation Spectrum. Digital art created on canvas. August 11, 2024. Afrika Abney “The art of painting embodies creative approaches to address everyday obstacles. Through the use of color, form, and technique, artists convey unique perspectives that can inspire viewers to think outside the box when faced with routine difficulties. This medium serves not only as a form of expression but also as a catalyst for problem-solving, encouraging individuals to explore new ideas and solutions in their daily lives. In the realm of visual arts, painting stands as a testament to the power of innovation in tackling common challenges. Artists utilize their craft to reflect on societal issues and personal experiences, offering fresh insights that resonate with audiences. By transforming ordinary subjects into extraordinary works of art, painters invite us to reconsider our approaches to the problems we encounter, fostering a mindset that embraces creativity and adaptability. The practice of painting...

Visual Art Process

"The artistic process is a complex multiplicity of processes. It is a consilience, literally a jumping together of beliefs, aesthetic sensibility, personal interactions and cooperation, access to and expenditure of a variety of resources—specific to each arts entity; all supporting the making and connecting of art." Two years ago, I created visual art process digital art pieces using a computerized application.

WaterWhirl Palette

WaterWhirl Palette. Digital art created on canvas. August 31, 2024. Afrika Abney I position myself beneath the cascading water, allowing it to envelop me completely as I immerse myself in the experience. The sensation of the water flowing around me inspires a sense of freedom and creativity, prompting me to engage with my digital brush. With each stroke, I begin to apply various shades of blue to my digital canvas, capturing the fluidity and movement that surrounds me.

PresentPath

PresentPath. Digital art created on canvas. September 4, 2024. Afrika Abney “The power for creating a better future is contained in the present moment: You create a good future by creating a good present.” - Eckhart Tolle “ Tolle advocates for the idea that our thoughts and actions in the present are crucial in determining the trajectory of our future. By concentrating on the present, we can create a solid foundation that aligns with our goals and desires. This perspective encourages individuals to engage in activities that are not only fulfilling but also resonate with their core values, thereby ensuring that the future we envision is a natural extension of our current efforts and mindset.”

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

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