"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.  

"Lublu" by Sherwin Long

medium: Acrylic on wood

size: 12"x20"

This painting is a metaphor for how I interpret love. Love inspires me and keeps me motivated because it gives me passion and a new energy for life.  When you find that special somebody they can make you feel like anything is possible so it allows me to push myself past my limits. In a "good" relationship you and your partner should grow together and work to eliminate each others weaknesses. In the image I made my girlfriend into an Acacia tree growing from my heart and sprouting lilacs which are the flowers of new love, when you develop trust. I will be doing more paintings that are poetic and have some trippy visuals to express my emotions.  I wrote a poem that goes with this image and when the project is finished I will be releasing a graphic novel and poetry anthology when I get back to being productive.

"Elephant Warrior" by Sherwin Long

property of SJLart inc.

medium: scratchboard

8"x11"

This is my first piece using scratchboard! I was so excited to get started on this one, but before I started carving into the surface I had to decide on a concept. Spirituality was a subject that I was interested in so I became interested in rendering what my spirit looks like. I read many books regarding personality traits and different aspects of life that determine the spirit animal that each person represents. My spirit animal is the elephant, having an elephant totem gives you ancient wisdom and power to draw upon. They are the embodiment of strength and power. People with this power animal often have a very strong sex drive. Through using fragrances and incense, elephant can take you to new energies and power. Generally speaking elephant people are very affectionate toward family, caring for the young and the elderly. They also usually have an inborn knowledge about plants and roots. Elephants give us insights into our inner power. 

The process of making this was interesting because had to use a knife to carve into the black surface and then the white shows. So the harder I carve the brighter the white is.I decided to use a cross hatching method to imply depth and brightness for  the light source.I enjoyed doing this and will be uploading a new more complex image with a landscape.

My first showcase

http://youtu.be/ong7YyU204E

In this video I am talking about my art and my inspirations. I hope you enjoy it and I look forward to doing more things like this in the future army career progresses.

"HotRoD" by Sherwin Long

medium: Acrylic
size: 5"x 14.5"
$75
I enjoy painting random things because it helps me build my visual vocabulary. The more things I draw it allows me to memorize the shapes that compose each object.  I use these little paintings as experiments and studio for future work, I think these little exercises keep your drawing fresh and teach you to be fluid. Each line, each color, each splatter of paint means something so I try to relax and rely on my intuition to decide the colors. My emotion of feeling for the moment decides the colors and sometimes the composition. I find that the more I paint from my imagination the more I am beginning to learn about my self. 

I got BUSINESS cards!

property of SJLart inc.

I am very happy about the success of self made company where I am a freelance illustrator and sell artwork through galleries and this here blog. I work super hard and felt I needed to be more professional and prepared at every opportunity when it is presented. These business cards symbolize the next stage in my journey into the real world. There comes a point where you have to take it upon yourself to go get the things that you want instead of waiting for it to happen. 

As long as this fire burns in my chest I will strive to be innovative and original, but I must also gain an understanding of the business aspect of things.  The copyright laws and how much to charge per commission...what's too cheap and whats too much? It becomes a interesting process when you have to start pricing your art.  My impulse is always to think as a consumer but then I have to factor in how long it took to paint and how much supplies I used. In the last few months I have worked with over a dozen clients as well as being a student.  Though at times it was very challenging and I gave up hope in myself being able to handle the work load, Im lucky to have friends there to motivate me to be strong and optimistic. 

Along this journey I have met a lot of interesting people and learned a lot of life lessons that have taught me to appreciate each moment for they are not promised. So with each breath I embrace life and try to live it to the fullest. Thank you to everyone that has been there for me along the way you know who you are.

New Wood Blocks in the Mass Art Spring Sale

all artwork by Sherwin Long

These are some of many art pieces i have in the Mass Art Spring sale.  As of late I have been selling a lot of art work and establishing a name for myself, but that is only the beginning of my check list.  I am thankful and appreciate all the people that support me and believe in me believe it or not it takes me a long way and keeps me motivated and inspired to keep pursuing my passion.