"Dr.J" by Sherwin Long

medium: Acrylic

size: 11"x17"

This was the result of a homework assignment for an alphabet book.  I guess the letter here is "J" lol. I originally wanted it to be "S" for slam dunking on the opposition, but I thought this composition worked better.  I enjoyed painting this because it was very challenging to squeeze all those bodies together but I like the end result. 

"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!

"DMT Trip" by Sherwin Long

medium: graphite

size: 11"x14"

This piece was a commission for Loe Pesci's song DMT with Joe Rogan. I drew this while working on 12 other drawings, at times I felt overwhelmed because I didn't feel I had much time to breath.  So what I did was focus on this drawing for a whole day and make sure I did everything right.  I enjoy drawing when it involves collaging different elements together because it keeps me interested and engaged in the image.  I wanted to visualize what a DMT trip would look like.  So I watched documentaries and Joe Rogan's podcast to gain an understanding of what I was drawing.  This is a drug they call the "spirit molecule" that gives you an experience of another world made of energy, light, and geometric lines and patterns.

"Not afraid to be real" by Sherwin Long

medium: charcoal pastel

size: 8x11

In this self portrait I just wanted to show my sad side  because I think its a side of me that I have yet to explore.  In my future work I will show more of my internal self.

"Maria" by Sherwin Long

medium: charcoal pastel

8"x11"

Maria is one of my best friends.  She is one of the few people that know me and can make me laugh.  My favorite part of this is the eyes, and the highlights because they capture her character very well.  She is very light hearted and free spirited so I wanted to choose some lively colors to articulate that feeling.

"Jill" by Sherwin Long

medium: charcoal

8"x11"

This portrait is a part of a series I did for class.  I like using charcoal because I can be messy and free.  The best part about this is the hair for I guess...because of the level of subtly and detail I balanced. She is a mystery to me and I wanted to capture the emotion of curiosity and intrigue in her gaze.  Its easy to get lost in I guess.

"YUK" by Sherwin Long

medium: graphite

8"x11"

I drew this for an editorial on the science of being disgusted.  I was experimenting with different line weights and techniques.  I actually had fun drawing this and will be doing some more portraits very soon, so stay tuned.