I’m improv’ing today….no theme — just different artists with different styles.
Since we’re still in June, which is Caribbean American Heritage Month, I will also be featuring a few Caribbean American artists: Gwendolyn Knight, Laura James, Paul Lewin, and Richard Nattoo.
Amy Sherald, “Well Prepared and Maladjusted,” oil on canvas, 2008; private collection; photo: Hauser & Wirth National Museum of Women in the Arts.Amy Sherald, “Well Prepared and Maladjusted,” oil on canvas, 2008; private collection; photo: Hauser & Wirth National Museum of Women in the Arts.
Amy Sherald, “Well Prepared and Maladjusted,” oil on canvas, 2008; private collection; photo: Hauser & Wirth National Museum of Women in the Arts.
Amy Sherald, Miss Everything (Unsuppressed Deliverance), 2014. Oil on canvas, 54 × 43 × 2.5 in. (137.16 × 109.22 × 6.35 cm).Amy Sherald, Miss Everything (Unsuppressed Deliverance), 2014. Oil on canvas, 54 × 43 × 2.5 in. (137.16 × 109.22 × 6.35 cm).
Amy Sherald, Miss Everything (Unsuppressed Deliverance), 2014. Oil on canvas, 54 × 43 × 2.5 in. (137.16 × 109.22 × 6.35 cm).
Peter Uka (Nigeria, b. 1975), “Dawn Dreamers,” oil on canvas, 2025; photo: Mariane Ibrahim Gallery.Peter Uka (Nigeria, b. 1975), “Dawn Dreamers,” oil on canvas, 2025; photo: Mariane Ibrahim Gallery.
Peter Uka (Nigeria, b. 1975), “Dawn Dreamers,” oil on canvas, 2025; photo: Mariane Ibrahim Gallery.
Kehinde Wiley, “The Three Graces (Coumba, Mariama, Rokhaya),” oil on canvas, 2023; Stephen Friedman Gallery, London.Kehinde Wiley, “The Three Graces (Coumba, Mariama, Rokhaya),” oil on canvas, 2023; Stephen Friedman Gallery, London.
Kehinde Wiley, “The Three Graces (Coumba, Mariama, Rokhaya),” oil on canvas, 2023; Stephen Friedman Gallery, London.
Pierre Bonnard, The Terrace, La Terrasse ou Une terrasse à Grasse, 1912Pierre Bonnard, The Terrace, La Terrasse ou Une terrasse à Grasse, 1912
Pierre Bonnard, The Terrace, La Terrasse ou Une terrasse à Grasse, 1912
David Hockney, “Large Interior, Los Angeles”, 1988, Oil and Ink on cut and pasted Paper on Canvas, 183.5 × 305.4 cm., The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
David Hockney, “Large Interior, Los Angeles”, 1988, Oil and Ink on cut and pasted Paper on Canvas, 183.5 × 305.4 cm., The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Raoul Dufy, Interior with Open Windows (1928), oil on canvas, 82 x 66 cm (32.2 x 25.9 inches).Raoul Dufy, Interior with Open Windows (1928), oil on canvas, 82 x 66 cm (32.2 x 25.9 inches).
Raoul Dufy, Interior with Open Windows (1928), oil on canvas, 82 x 66 cm (32.2 x 25.9 inches).
Georgia O’Keeffe – From the Old Garden No. I, 1924.Georgia O’Keeffe – From the Old Garden No. I, 1924.
Georgia O’Keeffe – From the Old Garden No. I, 1924.
Kataoka Tamako (1905-2008), “Mt. Fuji,” lithograph, 2014; Takato Kano Gallery.Kataoka Tamako (1905-2008), “Mt. Fuji,” lithograph, 2014; Takato Kano Gallery.
Kataoka Tamako (1905-2008), “Mt. Fuji,” lithograph, 2014; Takato Kano Gallery.
Getahun Assefa (Ethiopia, b.1967), “Woman Making Music,” oil on canvas, 2000; photo: Bonhams.Getahun Assefa (Ethiopia, b.1967), “Woman Making Music,” oil on canvas, 2000; photo: Bonhams.
Getahun Assefa (Ethiopia, b.1967), “Woman Making Music,” oil on canvas, 2000; photo: Bonhams.
Moe Brooker, “Ancient Futures,” mixed media on wood panel 2006; June Kelly Gallery, NYMoe Brooker, “Ancient Futures,” mixed media on wood panel 2006; June Kelly Gallery, NY
Moe Brooker, “Ancient Futures,” mixed media on wood panel 2006; June Kelly Gallery, NY
Gwendolyn Knight,“Portrait of a Girl”, 1940.Gwendolyn Knight,“Portrait of a Girl”, 1940.
Gwendolyn Knight,“Portrait of a Girl”, 1940.
Gwendolyn Knight, Untitled (New Orleans Series), 1941.Gwendolyn Knight, Untitled (New Orleans Series), 1941.
Gwendolyn Knight, Untitled (New Orleans Series), 1941.
Gwendolyn Knight, “Cat”, 1994, Monoprint, 20 5/8 x 16 1/8 inchesGwendolyn Knight, “Cat”, 1994, Monoprint, 20 5/8 x 16 1/8 inches
Gwendolyn Knight, “Cat”, 1994, Monoprint, 20 5/8 x 16 1/8 inches
Richard Nattoo, Whispers of the Ancestors II, 2023, Watercolor, Pen & Ink using water from the Rio Grande River, Jamaica and Adom Waterfall, Ghana, on Canvas, 55 x 40 inches Richard Nattoo, Whispers of the Ancestors II, 2023, Watercolor, Pen & Ink using water from the Rio Grande River, Jamaica and Adom Waterfall, Ghana, on Canvas, 55 x 40 inches
Richard Nattoo, Whispers of the Ancestors II, 2023, Watercolor, Pen & Ink, using water from the Rio Grande River, Jamaica and Adom Waterfall, Ghana, on Canvas, 55 x 40 inches
Richard Nattoo, Song of the Ancestors, 2023, Watercolor, Pen & Ink, using water from the Rio Grande River, Jamaica and Adom Waterfall, Ghana, on Canvas, 79 x 118 inches Richard Nattoo, Song of the Ancestors, 2023, Watercolor, Pen & Ink, using water from the Rio Grande River, Jamaica and Adom Waterfall, Ghana, on Canvas, 79 x 118 inches
Richard Nattoo, Song of the Ancestors, 2023, Watercolor, Pen & Ink, using water from the Rio Grande River, Jamaica and Adom Waterfall, Ghana, on Canvas, 79 x 118 inches
Paul Lewin, Sacred Web, 2021, Acrylic on wood, 24” x 36” Paul Lewin, Sacred Web, 2021, Acrylic on wood, 24” x 36”
Paul Lewin, Sacred Web, 2021, Acrylic on wood, 24” x 36”
Paul Lewin, Messages in the Roots, Acrylic on wood, 24” x 30”Paul Lewin, Messages in the Roots, Acrylic on wood, 24” x 30”
Paul Lewin, Messages in the Roots, Acrylic on wood, 24” x 30”
James Denmark, “Two Generations,” 1984; Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts & Culture.James Denmark, “Two Generations,” 1984; Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts & Culture.
James Denmark, “Two Generations,” 1984; Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts & Culture.
Jite Agbro, Retrieve, 2024, paper, fabric, and beeswax on wood, 40″ x 30″Jite Agbro, Retrieve, 2024, paper, fabric, and beeswax on wood, 40″ x 30″
Jite Agbro, Retrieve, 2024, paper, fabric, and beeswax on wood, 40″ x 30″
Jite Agbro, Hamaratia, 2024, paper, fabric, and beeswax on wood, 48″ x 36″Jite Agbro, Hamaratia, 2024, paper, fabric, and beeswax on wood, 48″ x 36″
Jite Agbro, Hamaratia, 2024, paper, fabric, and beeswax on wood, 48″ x 36″
Omar El-Nagdi (Egypt, 1931-2019), “Group of Girls,” acrylic and gold leaf on canvas, 2008Omar El-Nagdi (Egypt, 1931-2019), “Group of Girls,” acrylic and gold leaf on canvas, 2008
Omar El-Nagdi (Egypt, 1931-2019), “Group of Girls,” acrylic and gold leaf on canvas, 2008
Odilon Redon (1840-1916), “Head of a Woman,” pastel on paper, nd; Dallas Museum of Art.Odilon Redon (1840-1916), “Head of a Woman,” pastel on paper, nd; Dallas Museum of Art.
Odilon Redon (1840-1916), “Head of a Woman,” pastel on paper, n.d; Dallas Museum of Art.
Carolyn L. Mazloomi (American, 1948–). Gathering of Spirits, 1997, cotton, silk, beads, metallic thread, shells.Carolyn L. Mazloomi (American, 1948–). Gathering of Spirits, 1997, cotton, silk, beads, metallic thread, shells.
Carolyn L. Mazloomi (American, 1948–). Gathering of Spirits, 1997, cotton, silk, beads, metallic thread, shells.
Ernst Fuchs (1930-2015), “A la Fin du Siecle,” pastel and collage on paper, 1988; photo: Toomey & Co.Ernst Fuchs (1930-2015), “A la Fin du Siecle,” pastel and collage on paper, 1988; photo: Toomey & Co.
Ernst Fuchs (1930-2015), “A la Fin du Siecle,” pastel and collage on paper, 1988; photo: Toomey & Co.
Erin Hanson,”Saguaro at Sunset”, n.d., oil on canvas, 60” x 60”.Erin Hanson,”Saguaro at Sunset”, n.d., oil on canvas, 60” x 60”.
Erin Hanson,”Saguaro at Sunset”, n.d., oil on canvas, 60” x 60”.
Erin Hanson, Ocotillo in Color, 2023.Erin Hanson, Ocotillo in Color, 2023.
Erin Hanson, Ocotillo in Color, 2023.
Edward Julius Detmold (1883-1957), “Birds in an Exotic Landscape,” watercolor and pencil, n.d.Edward Julius Detmold (1883-1957), “Birds in an Exotic Landscape,” watercolor and pencil, n.d.
Edward Julius Detmold (1883-1957), “Birds in an Exotic Landscape,” watercolor and pencil, n.d.
Jacob van Huysum, “Twelve Months of Flowers: May,” oil on canvas, c.1732-34; Fitzwilliam Museum.Jacob van Huysum, “Twelve Months of Flowers: May,” oil on canvas, c.1732-34; Fitzwilliam Museum.
Jacob van Huysum, “Twelve Months of Flowers: May,” oil on canvas, c.1732-34; Fitzwilliam Museum.
Araki Jippo, “Spring,” from Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons, 1917; Yamatane Museum of Art.Araki Jippo, “Spring,” from Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons, 1917; Yamatane Museum of Art.
Araki Jippo, “Spring,” from Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons, 1917; Yamatane Museum of Art.
Kaori Soutome (b.1981), “Breath of Spring,” (loose translation from the Japanese – 息吹·緑青), painting, 2021Kaori Soutome (b.1981), “Breath of Spring,” (loose translation from the Japanese – 息吹·緑青), painting, 2021
Kaori Soutome (b.1981), “Breath of Spring,” (loose translation from the Japanese – 息吹·緑青), painting, 2021
Zhou Chunya (b.1955), “Chrysanthemum,” oil on canvas, 1997; photo: Christie’s.Zhou Chunya (b.1955), “Chrysanthemum,” oil on canvas, 1997; photo: Christie’s.
Zhou Chunya (b.1955), “Chrysanthemum,” oil on canvas, 1997; photo: Christie’s.
James Denmark (b.1936), “Spotlight,” collage on board, 2014; The Johnson Collection.James Denmark (b.1936), “Spotlight,” collage on board, 2014; The Johnson Collection.
James Denmark (b.1936), “Spotlight,” collage on board, 2014; The Johnson Collection.
Laura James, “Inheritance”, 2024.Laura James, “Inheritance”, 2024.
Laura James, “Inheritance”, 2024.
Laura James, My Lady, 2013, acrylic on canvas, 27.5″ x 31.5″
Laura James, My Lady, 2013, acrylic on canvas, 27.5″ x 31.5″
Laura James, Self-Portrait as Frida Khalo, 2015Laura James, Self-Portrait as Frida Khalo, 2015
Laura James, Self-Portrait as Frida Khalo, 2015
Laura James, Upstairs, 2005Laura James, Upstairs, 2005
Laura James, Upstairs, 2005
Laura James, Yemoja, 2010.
Laura James, Yemoja, 2010.
Laura James, Oshun, 2011.
Laura James, Oshun, 2011.
Laura James, Photo Credit: Enda SuarezLaura James, Photo Credit: Enda Suarez
Laura James is a Brooklyn-born, Bronx-based painter of Antiguan heritage whose work re-imagines sacred and everyday narratives through a distinctly Black lens.
Paul Lewin, Photo Credit: Art House SFPaul Lewin, Photo Credit: Art House SF
Paul Lewin, Photo Credit: Art House SF
Paul Lewin was born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1973 and moved to the U.S. with his family in 1977. His work is inspired by Afrofuturism, nature, and by the folklore and cultural traditions of Afro-Caribbean, Native American, and Latin American communities.
Richard Nattoo, Courtesy Richard Nattoo.Richard Nattoo, Courtesy Richard Nattoo.
Richard Nattoo, Courtesy Richard Nattoo.
Richard Nattoo was born in 1993 in Spanish Town, Jamaica. He studied Architecture at the University of Technology, Jamaica, where his interest in the world of the arts propelled him into a career as a full-time artist. He specializes in the use of watercolors and pen and ink on canvas, utilizing water from natural sources.
Jite Agbro, Courtesy: Black Arts LegaciesJite Agbro, Courtesy: Black Arts Legacies
Jite Agbro, Courtesy: Black Arts Legacies
Jite Agbro was born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1982, to an African American mother from Chicago and a Nigerian father, and has lived in the U.S. since was two. Her work explores belonging and self-presentation in the Black American community. The figures in her collages are faceless, leaving other details — their clothing, hair, posture — to convey their inner worlds. For Agbro, these modes of personal expression are a kind of self-defense; they mirror the ways marginalized communities armor themselves to deal with the prying, extractive eyes of outsiders. Adding multiple layers of textiles, paint and glue is a way of strengthening the shield.
Moe Brooker, Photo: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.Moe Brooker, Photo: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
Moe Brooker, Photo: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
Moe Brooker (1940-2022) was a painter, educator and printmaker. He used vivid colors, lines, stripes, squares and circles in his abstract art to infuse his work with a feeling of improvisational jazz. He was an internationally known artist whose paintings are in the collections of major museums and other institutions.
Gwendolyn Knight, 1947, gelatin silver print by Irving Penn.Gwendolyn Knight, 1947, gelatin silver print by Irving Penn.
Gwendolyn Knight, 1947, gelatin silver print by Irving Penn.
Gwendolyn Knight (1913 – 2005) was born in Bridgetown, Barbados, and moved to the U.S. with family friends when she was seven years old, spending the majority of her youth in Harlem. She briefly attended Howard University in Washington, DC, where she studied with Lois Mailou Jones, then later studied painting and sculpture with Augusta Savage, upon her return to Harlem. Her paintings, primarily portraits and images of dancing figures, express her abiding interest in her West African heritage.
James Denmark, Courtesy Vallarino Fine ArtJames Denmark, Courtesy Vallarino Fine Art
James Denmark, Courtesy Vallarino Fine Art
James Denmark (born 1936) was raised in segregated Winter Haven, Florida. Hailing from a family of Southern artists, he learned at an early age to appreciate color and form. He was already an established artist—working predominantly in watercolors and charcoal—when he enrolled at the Pratt Institute of Fine Arts in New York in 1973, but his work soon underwent a drastic stylistic change.
As part of his studies towards a master’s degree, Denmark sought inspiration from some of the twentieth century’s most renowned artists, including Jackson Pollock, William de Kooning, Norman Lewis, and Jacob Lawrence, whose abstract, colorful style and dynamic collages had a profound effect on Denmark’s practice. While best known for his collages, which sometimes incorporate hand-colored paper, objects, and fabric, Denmark’s watercolors, woodcut prints, and sculptures have also been exhibited widely.
Njideka Akunyili Crosby with the work in progress in her Los Angeles studio, April 2026. Portrait by Joshua WoodsNjideka Akunyili Crosby with the work in progress in her Los Angeles studio, April 2026. Portrait by Joshua Woods
Njideka Akunyili Crosby with the work in progress in her Los Angeles studio, April 2026. Portrait by Joshua Woods
Njideka Akunyili Crosby was born in Nigeria, but has lived in the U.S. since 1999. Her works are technically complex, composed of dense layers of embedded images, which incorporate photo transfers. Her latest work is the first official portrait of former president Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama together, one of 28 original artworks commissioned for the new Obama Presidential Center