Passionate Horizons

Passionate Horizons. Digital art created on canvas. September 26, 2024. Afrika Abney

“Embracing my passions allows me to experience life in a vibrant and fulfilling way. The association of white, pink and red with passion not only reflects my emotional landscape but also encourages me to pursue what I love with vigor and determination. Each day presents an opportunity to delve deeper into these interests, and I cherish the journey of discovery that comes with it.”

Awareness in Color

Awareness in Color. Digital art created on canvas. October 2, 2024. Afrika Abney According to my research, “October serves as a significant month dedicated to various important causes, including Bullying Prevention Month, National Arts and Humanities Month, and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, particularly within the context of abstract painting. Each of these observances plays a crucial role in raising awareness and fostering discussions around their respective issues, encouraging communities to engage in meaningful dialogue and action. The focus on Bullying Prevention Month highlights the need for awareness and proactive measures to combat bullying in all its forms. This initiative aims to educate individuals about the impact of bullying and promote a culture of kindness and respect. Concurrently, National Arts and Humanities Month celebrates the vital role that the arts play in enriching our lives and communities, emphasizing the importance of creativity and expression in address...

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.

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.”

Sleepy Sky

Sleepy Sky draws inspiration from the soothing hue of light blue, which is closely associated with the vastness of the sky. This particular shade is not merely a visual element; it embodies a psychological effect that has been the subject of various studies. Research indicates that “light blue can significantly enhance feelings of serenity and peace, creating an environment conducive to relaxation and restful sleep.” The choice of light blue in Sleepy Sky is intentional, as it reflects the natural beauty of the sky while also promoting a calming atmosphere. “The psychological impact of this color is profound, as it has been shown to lower stress levels and induce a sense of tranquility.”

Afrocentric Journey

My Afrocentric journey began at the private Afrocentric institution known as NationHouse, where I attended from the age of two until I was fourteen. This school provided a unique cultural environment that emphasized the importance of African heritage and identity. While my formal education at NationHouse did not include visual arts, the experience was rich in lessons about the natural world and the vibrant spectrum of colors that exist within it. "NationHouse instilled in me a deep appreciation for African history, traditions, and values. The curriculum focused on celebrating the contributions of African civilizations and challenging Eurocentric narratives that often marginalized the achievements of people of African descent." As I reflect on my time at NationHouse, I am grateful for the Afrocentric education I received and the impact it has had on my personal and professional development. The values and principles instilled in me during those formative years continue to gu...

Prism of Emotions

Prism of Emotions. Digital art created on canvas. August 17, 2024. Afrika Abney Prism of Emotions is a captivating abstract digital artwork that beautifully captures a spectrum of vibrant colors, each hue resonating with profound emotional significance. This piece serves as a visual representation of complex feelings, inviting viewers to explore the intricate layers of human experience. The interplay of colors not only draws the eye but also evokes a deep sense of connection to the emotions portrayed, making it a powerful reflection of the human condition. Within this artwork, a range of emotions is vividly illustrated, including feelings of disrespect, isolation, and exclusion. These sentiments are often difficult to articulate, yet the painting manages to convey them through its dynamic use of color and form. The sense of solitude and betrayal is palpable, as the viewer is encouraged to confront these challenging emotions, while also recognizing the moments of tranquility...

World of drawing

My journey into the world of drawing commenced in my early childhood, and it has since evolved into a profound passion for visual arts. Over the years, I have sought formal education when I was enrolled into various art institutions, where I honed my skills and explored different artistic techniques. While I primarily gravitate towards an abstract drawing style, I have also ventured into portraiture, capturing the essence of individuals through my art. Unfortunately, some of the pieces I created during my student and younger adult years have either been donated to charitable causes or discarded, which has been a bittersweet aspect of my artistic journey. 1996. Afrika Abney. All art thrown away. Recently, I stumbled upon a digital drawing application known as Sketchbook, which has revolutionized the way I create art. This innovative software enables me to express my creativity without the need for traditional sketchbooks, allowing for a more flexible and modern approach to d...

Tapestry of Time

Tapestry of Time. Digital art created on canvas. September 23, 2024. Afrika Abney “The season of autumn serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of life, where light and shadow coexist in a delicate balance. As the vibrant colors of the leaves begin to fade, the shadows deepen, creating a rich tapestry that reflects both the beauty and the impermanence of the world around us. This contrast of colors such as dark red, gold ochre, brown ochre and dark orange not only highlight the transition from one season to another but also encourages a deeper reflection on the passage of time and the changes that accompany it.”

Bold Expressions

Bold Expressions. Digital art created on canvas. August 20, 2024. Afrika Abney

Importance of Art Supplies for Visual Art Instruction

When you ask me to send you a list of supplies and art materials that I need to teach my art class, then say nothing was ordered. I, then, begin to inquire how do you except me to teach my art lessons? For example, paper is crucial for running a smooth art class. Maybe you wanted the students to paint on their skin. When you hire me to teach an art class, please do not think I am some beginner. That is an insult. Therefore, having art supplies is important for visual art instruction. If you do not have the art materials available for visual art instruction, why bother requesting for a list of art supplies that I needed? I should not have to use my own resources to provide visual art instruction. In conclusion, I have had to struggle with the use of limited materials to operate visual art instruction. Students should be able to use other colors other than the primary colors to create their masterpieces and painting on regular paper does not produce the best qua...

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

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