Mr. Clayton Evans - Potential Client before the pandemic

Before the pandemic began, I met with Mr. Clayton Evans to try to obtain a position in the field of the visual arts and arts consulting. When I met with him, he served as as the deputy director of Arts on the Block.

"Clayton Evans is the new Executive Director of CREATE Arts Center. Prior to this position, Clayton was the Deputy Director at Arts on the Block for 9+ years.

Clayton Brian Evans was born and raised on Staten Island, New York. He graduated Brooklyn Technical High School in 1985, majoring in Industrial Design. Evans attended Lafayette College and graduated in 1989 with a B.A. in Studio Art, with an Education Minor. Evans then received his MFA in Painting from Maryland Institute, College of Art (Mount Royal School of Art).
Evans has taught visual art on all levels, but most notably at Cardinal Hayes High School (1994-1996), and as an adjunct professor Colgate University (1996-1997). 25+ years of Clayton's professional practice has been devoted to working with youth and families in out-of-school-time, arts not-for-profit organizations both in New York City and Montgomery County, MD."

Contrast Chronicles

Contrast Chronicles. Digital art created on canvas. August 20, 2024. Afrika Abney The essence of my life can be described as a canvas painted in shades of black and white. Through my abstract digital painting, I have chosen to express this dichotomy by focusing solely on these two colors. This choice not only emphasizes the simplicity of the palette but also invites viewers to engage with the complexities that lie within the interplay of light and shadow. In my abstract digital painting, Contrast Chronicles, unfolds through the contrasts of black and white.

Shades of Purple Horizon

Shades of Purple Horizon. Digital art created on canvas. August 23, 2024. Afrika Abney "If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it." ~ William Arthur Ward

Gentle Shades

Gentle Shades is a captivating artwork crafted through the use of digital software, employing a rich palette of oil pastels. The composition features a harmonious blend of light blue, turquoise, pale green, and seafoam, which together evoke a sense of tranquility and serenity. The digital medium allows for a unique interplay of colors and textures, enhancing the visual appeal and depth of the piece. Each hue is thoughtfully applied, creating a soothing atmosphere that invites viewers to immerse themselves in its calming essence. The use of pastel colors or gentle shades can also enhance the overall composition, drawing attention to the interplay of shapes and forms while maintaining a delicate balance.

Dynamic Spectrum

Dynamic Spectrum. Digital art created on canvas. August 19, 2024. Afrika Abney As a passionate digital artist, I specialize in creating abstract paintings that showcase a dynamic range of colors and demonstrate my expertise in manipulating hues. My mission is to push the boundaries of traditional art by harnessing the power of digital tools to create visually stunning pieces that evoke emotion and captivate viewers. When I was a high school student from 1991 - 1993, I did not study digital art. I obtained my high school diploma from Bell Multicultural High School in 1993.

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...

James A. Porter

"James Amos Porter was the first African American art historian. Born on December 22, 1905 in Baltimore, Maryland, he was the son of Lydia and John Porter, a prominent minister in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Porter graduated cum laude in 1927 with a Bachelor of Science in art from Howard University. After graduating, he became an instructor of drawing and painting at Howard, teaching for 40 years, during which he was described as a gifted and influential teacher. Porter continued his education at the Art Student League in New York City, New York under Dimitri Romanovsky. Later, he met research librarian Dorothy Burnett in Harlem and married her on December 27, 1929. They had one daughter, Constance Porter. In 1933, Porter, now an artist, received the Schomburg Portrait Prize, from the Harmon Foundation, for his piece “Woman Holding a Jug.” He continued his studies in 1935 after a fellowshi...

Sacred Spectrum

Sacred Spectrum. Digital art created on canvas. September 21, 2024. Afrika Abney “The concept of a sacred circle within the domain of abstract painting embodies a profound exploration of artistic expression and spiritual significance. This notion suggests a space where creativity transcends the ordinary. In this context, the sacred circle serves as a metaphorical boundary that encapsulates the essence of the creative process, allowing for a unique interplay between form, color, and emotion through red, white, purple, dark green, lavendar, and blue. The interplay of colors evokes a spectrum of emotions, each hue resonating with distinct feelings and associations. Red, often linked to passion and intensity.White, on the other hand, represents purity and peace, offering a sense of calm and clarity. Purple is frequently associated with creativity and spirituality, inviting introspection and deeper thought. Dark green conveys a sense of stability and growth, often linked to nature and renew...

BoldContrast

BoldContrast.Digital art created on canvas. September 5, 2024. Afrika Abney “The contrasting nature of these colors can help to convey specific messages or themes, such as creativity, enthusiasm, and stability.”

ColorForm

ColorForm. Digital art created on canvas. August 22, 2024. Afrika Abney “I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way—things I had no words for.”- Georgia O'Keeffe “The realization dawned on me that through the use of color and form, I could express sentiments and ideas that eluded verbal articulation—concepts for which I lacked the appropriate vocabulary. This unique medium allowed me to convey emotions and thoughts that were otherwise inexpressible, revealing a deeper layer of communication that transcended traditional language. I discovered that the vibrant hues and distinct shapes in my artwork provided a means of expression that words alone could not capture. This visual language enabled me to articulate complex feelings and abstract notions, offering a profound connection to my inner experiences that remained inaccessible through conventional dialogue. It became evident to me that the interplay of colors and shapes served as a powerful co...

Radiant Shadows

Radiant Shadows. Digital art created on canvas. September 11, 2024. Afrika Abney “The interplay of light and shadow is a fascinating aspect of visual artistry. It is important to understand the profound impact that these elements have on the overall composition of an image. By skillfully manipulating light sources and the resulting shadows, they can evoke a range of emotions, create depth, and guide the viewer's eye to focal points within the artwork. This mastery not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also adds layers of meaning, transforming a simple scene into a compelling narrative.”

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

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