"Great Balls of Fire" by Sherwin Long

Acrylic painting on canvas 

size:8"x11.5"

This painting is about me and my addiction to candy. I am sleep walking to the gum ball machine and using my super powers to melt it and eat all the candy. I painted several layers on the canvas then scraped some off in certain areas and thats how I created the texture. I painted the gum ball machine then the flame pattern after. I really like this painting because it is a metaphor.

"Dreaming of a Queen" by Sherwin Long

medium: graphite

size: 8"x 11"

In this drawing I drew my girlfriend the way she looked in my dream. She has always been there for me and by my side when I needed her. I love this woman and I am thankful for every moment she spends with me. Its hard to find someone who cares and wants the best for you no matter what, we have known each other since 5th grade. We are best friends and are so passionate about each other because we have grown together and seen the stages of progression through our lives from children to adults. Even though the journey has been far from easy we continue to embrace each other and are ready for anything life throws at us.

"Spike Lee" by Sherwin Long

medium: Acrylic

size: 6"x 8"

I enjoy painting portraits because they allow me to gain a better understanding of anatomy and how to convey the emotion of a person. In this painting I wanted to experiment with different techniques. I textured the canvas first then painted him over the bumps and creases. The last thing I did was cut out fabric cloth and use it as his shirt. In person the piece is made to be touched and rubbed. I enjoy the process of working on the art and watching how the audience interacts with it. I chose him as a subject because I think he is innovative, bold, enlightening, real, philosophical, and intellectual. He inspires me to be better and not to settle for mediocre, but strive to be the best at what I do.

"The Dream Chaser" by Sherwin Long

medium: charcoal, ink pen, and marker

size: 3ft x 6ft 

This drawing was one of my favorite things I have done because it pushed me to work to a level that I never have. I always limit myself in how much time I give myself to work on something. This drawing represents my journey to becoming who I am today. The children on the left represent see no evil, hear no evil, think no evil. The angel represents blind faith and hope. The elephant is my spirit animal/totem. The car represents my fire burning passion and classic style. I just wanted to pay homage to those people I look up to, All these people  inspired me and others are my temptation. I enjoy drawing things that are metaphorical because they allow me to say all the things I feel in a subtle way. 

"The Haunted Wall" By Sherwin Long

medium:graphite
size: 14"x17"
on Bristol Paper

This drawing was hard but was fun to do. This is exactly how I saw it in my head, its rare that I draw something the way I envision it in my mind.  The concept behind this image is a person is soul is trapped on the wall because he tagged the forbidden wall. Now he is a warning sign to all those who dare to try. In this drawing I decided to use my line work to my advantage and create a sense of depth in a dimension of my own.. This is a drawing from my graphic novel that I am working on. It is at the beginning when one of the main antagonist is introduced, the character on the wall, his name is knamelis (nameless). I though it would be interesting to create my own world with a great narrative to drive the imagery. In all my artwork my lifework tells a story of its own, and allows me to show how vast my imagination is. This is my first Thesis Project drawing and I wanted to show a little of what I can do when inspired by a narrative.  

"Tyler the Creator" by Sherwin Long

property of SJLart

medium: charcoal

size: 8"x11"

I enjoy drawing celebrities because they have some interesting traits that artist can exaggerate.  He is a unique rapper and has a weird aura about him. I wanted this drawing to be him caught after doing something awkward, lol. I have a lot more coming....stay tuned.

"Nas" by Sherwin Long

medium: Acrylic

size: 9"x13"

I enjoyed working on this painting because it allowed me to be a little more expressive and experimental.  I chose the colors based on my emotional state at the moment, I guess you can say I have been very neutral but forceful at the same time so I wanted to somehow hint that with the inner glow of yellows and oranges. I made each color so I am proud of the vibrance I established with the aura.  I enjoy working with complimentary colors.  I have a few more in this 90's hip hop tribute series. Stay Tuned!