"Malcolm X" by Sherwin Long

medium: Acrylic

on illustration board

size: 12.5"x 15.5"

I enjoy being expressive and spontaneous. It allows me to recreate myself and be a completely new person to roam free in my own universe where the colors and emotions are one. Where frequency and sound resonate on a spectrum in different forms of energy. It may seem strange at first but the more you master something or concentrate and focus you reach a state of consciousness that allows you to become more intuitive. I decided to paint Malcolm X because he allows has such an intensity that is hard to capture in just one image, so I decided to represent him as a form of energy. An explosive rebel. I chose to paint his glasses and ring with a metallic paint because I liked the luster it gives from certain angles and lighting situations. My inner child jumped up and down because this painting was like going to the playground during recess after taking a hard test. I have been so busy doing so much serious assignments that I sometimes forget to paint for fun and be a kid again. I always thank God for blessing me with a way to let out my stress and emotions in such a creative 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.  

"Face of Hope" by Sherwin Long

property of SJLart inc.

medium: Acrylic

size: 16"x20" canvass

This painting is one of my favorite I have done because of the size and composition.  When you see it up close and personal you will realize the texture and detail that went into the background and the face. Obama is one of the presidents that is for the common people.  He has been working to make the right reforms that will allow the economy to start moving forward. We cant expect change immediately, but understand that it will take time and a mutual effort from the rich percent of the population to share. I hope on my journey to become a great artist that I inspire change for the greater good of the world. 

"Modern Age Pharaohs" by Sherwin Long

Property of SJLart

medium: Acrylic on wood 

size: 12"x17.75"

This painting is a representation of the modern age of man where technology is the making everybody complacent and apathetic. Slowly we are losing our grip on humility and demanding more and more resources. In the search for knowledge have we lost touch with the purpose of our existence and how to coincide with the natural world. As we move forward I wonder if this progression is going to be as beneficial as we are promised. we must remain hopeful and keep seeking the truth. I enjoyed making this painting on the wood surface because it gave a nice texture to the background and to the gold as well. I work with light washes of paint so that it allows the wood grain to stay visible.  As I keep experimenting with new materials I am finding new ways to articulate myself. I am enjoying this journey and hope that along the way I inspire others to embrace innovation and remain passionate as we venture forth.  

"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.

Mass Art Holiday Sale 2012

Here is some of my Art in the Mass Art Holiday sale.

You're invited to attend MassArt's Holiday Sale in Boston. Sunday Dec 2 thru Saturday Dec 8! 10am-7pm. You will find unique gifts from hand-blown glass, ceramics, oil paintings to handmade jewelry and much more created by MassArt students and alumni. Sales support MassArt artists and student scholarships. 621 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA

"Grape Lady" by Sherwin Long

medium: Acrylic and watercolor

size: 20"x 24"

This painting was a school assignment that took me a long time to work on. I enjoyed painting this but I didn't enjoy how long it took me to finish. I made this whole image up from my head and I am proud of how far I have come, I remember when I could only draw from references. This piece is about a mythological woman that cries wine.