This painting was also inspired by Nigerian brides wearing gele. I wanted to represent the beauty of the different cultures in Africa hence my new venture into painting African women. I hope to be able to cover every culture in Africa ( an  impossible task considering the sheer number of African cultures but I will try).

'African beauty'

Pastel on canvas board

11" X 14"

My inspiration for this piece came from Nigerian Traditional weddings where the brides adorn themselves in elaborate headgear called 'gele'.  I remember tying one myself and how much I liked it as it gave so much color to the whole outfit.Going through pictures on Pinterest reminded me of my cultural heritage and inspired this painting of a beautiful Nigerian bride with 'gele'.

'African Bride'

Pastel on Canvas board

14" X 11"

A couple of years Ago, I lost one of my favorite Aunts to breast cancer. It was a devastating experience for me and my whole family. I remembered her when I read about Talia, this little girl that has been struggling with two forms of cancer for more than seven years. I can not even begin to imaging the pain she is passing through and her family as well. Talia and my late aunt inspired this piece. I painted the figure without hair indicating the patients going through chemotherapy, the Iris flowers represent rebirth and hope. 

Graphite on Paper

11" X 14"