"Mother Nature" by Sherwin Long

Acrylic painting on wood

12"x12"

This painting is about "Gaia" mother earth whistling to the birds secrets through the wind. I like to paint the things I see in my mind when I read stories. Art is a type of meditation for me that allows me to escape the disappointments and limitations of reality. I think creative thinking is the secret to evolution if we harness it.

"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.  

"Sing to me Billy" by Sherwin Long

property of SJLart inc.

medium: Acrylic Paint

size 11"x14"

What inspired me to do this painting was that I didn't feel I painted enough classic women that embodied the strength and confidence a real woman is known for. I usually draw women looking seductive but I wanted her to look like she was contemplating something important. I also wanted to stay true to my style and have fun in the process of making such an intricate piece. I think its hard to find a lot of women that still have the composure that woman back then portrayed, but maybe thats because the chivalry has dissipated as well. Billie Holiday is looked up to by performers,singers,visual artist, and aspiring black women around the world because she was able to put so much passion and emotion into her music that you could feel her pain.