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RARE FINDS!
"Oh No She Didn't"
by:
Thomas Blackshear

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Retired DADDY LONG LEGS COLLECTION

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Adams, Alonzo

His palette is dominated by the earth tones favored by Rembrandt and the American artists he admires, giving his work a poetic, pensive quality. His professional goal is to keep integrity in art, and his personal ambition is to hang in the world’s great art museums alongside the masters he reveres. For today, he remains engaged in portraying contemporary black lifestyles, inspired by everyday sights and sounds that deserve immortality in a constantly changing world. Alonzo Adams’ work has been featured in solo exhibitions at major public and private venues in the East, including Howard University and the Russell Senate Building in Washington, D.C., Rutgers University, Dow Jones and Uptown Records in New York. He has received commissions from Merrill Lynch, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Motown, Ortho Pharmaceutical, Absolut Vodka and Black Enterprise, among others.

Ayers, James

His art reflects the emotional connections he has made with the people of Africa as well as his own need to know more about his roots. The connections have enabled him to develop many visual images inspired by experience, exploration and observation of the peoples of Africa. James graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1991. Although his primary medium is oil on canvas, he also works in watercolor, gouache, crayon, pastel, charcoal, graphite, colored pencil and sculpting wax. He finds that changing medium keeps his work fresh.

Beal, LaShun

LaShun Beal was born January 28 1962. He's a native of Detroit, Who now resides in the Houston area. Although he's taken a few classess, he has no formal art training and really considers himself to be a self-taught artist Beal was adventurous in his youth; he wanted to see the world. Joining the United States Marines gave him a great opportunity to do so. Beal's subject matter seems to revolve around female characters. His style depicts the many differences of African American women. Over the last few years he's developed his signature Universal Women character which has came to be associated with his name.

Beck, John

As a native of Washington, D.C., John is constantly surrounded by symbols of his heritage and art, and this has motivated him to use the rich diversity of cultures in his work. Emphasizes Beckley, "It's important for me to demonstrate my African heritage, by creating these bronze masks or heads and also to stay in contact with my roots." What am I attempting to do....????? I am attempting to capture the spirit and dignity and character and elegance of a "people" collectively and persons individual that populated the neighborhoods of most big cities of the US in the 30's ,40's and 50's......The "colored neighborhoods". At a time when you walked from place to place.... When your "role model" appeared in your mirror everyday...When you and the neighborhood listened to Joe Lewis on the one radio sitting in a window blasting the "blow by blow"...When " what was the number ?" was a way of saying hello...When the corner store and the barbershop were information central....When everybody sat in the back of the bus.....When a maul was a wooden hammer....When Moms was Mabley...When Count was Basie and Jackie was Robinson.....When you "spoke easy" in the speakeasy...When pool rooms were centers of economic activity...and the neighborhood schools were place where learning took place...When you saved money to buy things and charging was what you did to a car battery...When the air on Sundays was filled with "church music" from churches blocks away...and When the "fast lane" was a dirt road... My neighborhood was Shaw..in Northwest Washington DC... Where Dunbar was a poet ,a movie theater and a High School....Where You Street was "your street"...Where men tipped their hats to ladies...Where "After Hours" was heard in the middle of the day and "Flying Home" had nothing to do with an airplane... These bronze "pieces" are my attempt to preserve the memories and feel, of the times and faces, of the decades past....and neighborhoods lost....and in many cases destroyed. Can you dig it....?????? His process of bronze casting uses the " lost wax " method. The piece of art is created first in wax, and then encapsulated in a "plaster- like" material and then subjected to intense heat, about 1500 degrees (F). This intense heat serves a dual purpose; it not only melts and burns out the wax, but it also hardens the "plaster -like" material, which then becomes the mold. Molten bronze is then poured into the mold. When the metal cools, the mold is broken away from the metal and voila...a masterpiece is created. The Melting Pot® is the furnace John invented and uses to melt the bronze. The core of his furnace reaches temperatures of 2400 degrees (F). Beckley mentions that the molten bronze is about "one/fifth" the temperature of the sun. The Melting Pot® is also used to "burn out the wax," and harden the mold.

Bibbs, Charles

An artistic genius educated in and a native of Los Angeles Bay Area, Charles Bibbs creates his special brand of stylized art capturing the attention of art enthusiasts around the world. Charles Bibbs' noble compositions and signature technique fuses acrylic paint and ink coupled with African and contemporary African American themes. The art of Charles Bibbs is born through a creative process which comes from a level of spirituality and commitment to empowerment in the African American community.

Biggers, John

April 13, 1924-January 25, 2001 Master artist, educator, muralist and mentor, John has been a major contributor to the evolution of American art and culture as well as the changing consciousness of the African American experience. With a career spanning more than 50 years, this prolific artist has documented the human experience with a rich universal visual language.

Blackshear, Thomas

Nationally acclaimed artist Thomas Blackshear has created a full range of works from fine collectibles to home décor and gifts. He is, perhaps, best known for his award-winning Thomas Blackshear’s Ebony Visions™ collection, which debuted in 1995. Incorporating the detail, realism and mastery of color that is the hallmark of his style, The Blackshear Jamboree Parade™ joined his repertoire as a celebration of youth in 2000. Blackshear’s latest creation, FlakeLing Tales™, which debuts in 2002, is sure to touch hearts and brighten homes, making perfect holiday gifts. Recently awarded the prestigious 2001 International Collectible Artist Award, Blackshear continues to provide collectors with sculptures of personal significance, high quality and value. He lives with his wife Ami and son, Elisha, in Colorado.

Brown, Larry Poncho

Larry Poncho Brown is a native of Baltimore Maryland. He pursued his art education at the Maryland Institute College of Art, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1984. He started his first business at the age of 17 as a signwriter, and has been a full time artist ever since. Much of his early sign work was featured on television commercials and movies including Barry Levinson's "Avalon." He is the youngest honorary member of Art 2000, a national multi-cultural visual arts association. Among his convictions, is educating young artists. He is the founder of "The African American Youth Art Exhibition" which has been sponsored in Baltimore annually since 1990."My goal is to provide and outlet for young artists to express themselves, as well as enlighten them on the importance of art in our culture." Admirers often site rhythm, movement, and unity, as favorite elements in his work. Poncho's unique style combines past and present art stylization to create sense of realism, mysticism, and beauty, which gives his art unversal appeal.

Case, Arlene J.

Arlene was born in England to West Indian parents. She spent most of her childhood, however, on the Caribbean Island of Trinidad. It is this rich Caribbean heritage that she employs to render pride and affection to her works. A self-taught artist, Arlene began painting as a child. She successfully transmits emotion and creates a unique poetic vision.

Ellis, Ted

Ted T. Ellis is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. Growing up in the city of New Orleans, one known for its style and artistic exuberance, has inspired him to capture the essence of his subjects in all the glory of its rich cultural heritage. With an extreme dedication to his craft, his style stems in part from a childhood that exerted an enormous influence on all his paintings. "I prefer to paint subjects that are representative of many facets of American life. Among my many favorites to paint are portraits, landscapes, and seascapes." As a self taught artist, Ted style is a blend of realism and impressionism. His artwork is nostalgic and uplifting. From an outdoor baptism, an afternoon tea with friends, or a lawyer arguing his case before a jury, his art celebrates the traditional values of his culture. Because of his increasing popularity, Ted has been commissioned by many private collectors and major corporations. Since receiving his B.S. in Chemistry from Dillard University in 1986, Ted has always dreamt of pursuing his lifelong passion to draw and paint. Now after working as a chemist for ten years, Ted recently resigned to fulfill his dream. "To be excellent, to dare to be great at what I love to do, and to make a substantial contribution to the lives of people who are touched by my art is my dream."

Fennell, Albert

Diversity was the key to Albert Fennell. Being proficient in oil as he was in pastel or ink, creating depth, dimension and illusions of exemplary quality. Born in San Diego, California, Fennell's talent came at the early age of five when he started drawing in-depth pictures of cartoon characters. As a young man in the 6th grade at Ocean View Elementary School, his landscape done in tempera paint was selected in a district-wide competition and was exhibited in the San Diego Museum of Art. He studied fine arts at San Diego Mesa College, commercial drawing at San Diego City College, and refined his skills at Alexander's School of Drawing, Printing, and Design. Fennell's artwork has been seen on the television series, "Generations", and he received commission from Rosa Parks, Anita Baker, Jesse Jackson, and Father Clement. Fennell stated, "Through my work, I try to create a communication level between all people dealing with truth, pride, and compassion. I thank God for the talent He has given me and the opportunity to present it to you."

Fungcap, Essud

Essud paints to excite, to calm, to stir emotion with a sensitivity to color and form influenced by a lifetime in the Carribean. He acknowledges the contributions that a bi-cultural upbringing, a Chinese father and a Haitian mother have made to his sense of wonder of the world around him. Essud believes that critical study of color and form for each individual work are essential, and consequently his work alwayls undergoes several transformations before reaching the point where he feels that it is ready for presentation.

Goodnight, Paul T.

At an early age Paul Goodnight utilized artistic expression as a means of communication. From his childhood where he steadily ran into trouble avoiding school and authority to his traumatic experience in Viet Nam when he lost his ability to speak, art has been his saving grace. Goodnight has developed his own unique aesthetic philosophy to document the humanity of people around the world. He often incorporates African themes and symbols to provide depths of history and culture. He has traveled extensively, living among the people of Russia, China, Haiti, Nicaragua and Brazil. What he finds are the universal themes for his work seen through diverse cultural lenses. Click here to view images.

Heath, Philip

Philip Heath was born in 1949 in Stoke on Trent, england. He is presently living and working in Antwerp, Belgium.

Philip Heath is breaking new boundaries, exploring the limits of doll artistry. His work has become stronger, more realistic and sculptural. He travels a great deal to take photographs and find new subjects for his work. "It is important when I'm sculpting that I remember and use all my senses to recall and capture my initial impressions of the child and his or her surroundings. The effects of these impressions help me to imbue my sculptures with emotions."

No longer satisfied with working from memory and photographs, Philip Heath has taken his materials with him on his travels and sculpted the child directly from life - an important step for an artist who wants not only to produce a realistic portrait, but wants "to put a soul in his work".

Philip Heath has worked with Gotz until the year 2000 when he began his own company.

Holyfield, John

Born and raised in Clarksburg, West Virginia, John Holyfield was orphaned and reared by his grandmothers. Early in childhood, his interest in art was evident. Encouraged by family and friends, he studied art throughout school and went on to Howard University and the University of D.C. to major in graphic design. John’s interest, however, soon switched to the fine arts. Realizing the appeal of his works, he entered the art market and has become a leading African-American artist. Such artists as Ernie Barnes and Norman Rockwell inspire John’s style. As Barnes, his compositions are full of movement and his characters elongated and fluid. Most of his paintings, at a glance, tell a story or create a scenario. This style of visual story telling is similar to Rockwell.

Hunt, George

George Hunt is an artist with a gift for seeing things differently than most people. Born in 1940 in rural Lake Charles, Louisiana. George was delivered into the world in a sugarcane field by the hands of his great grandmother. His single mother, grandmother, and great grandmother reared him. Mr. Hunt's formal education came from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he received a BA degree in 1960. In the early sixties he studied under Hale Woodruff. "I've always liked Picasso's work," says George Hunt. He also learned a lot from artist such as Romare Bearden, Charles Alston, and Modigliani. The person who he feels had the most impact on his work although informally, was Dewitt Jordan. George Hunt personal "stamp" on the cubism style of painting includes collage, vibrant colors, and lively texture. The bold colors are reminiscent of His childhood experiences of going to church and seeing women wearing very colorful hats. Today much of Hunt's work is influenced by African American experiences in the South.

Joysmith, Brenda

Brenda Joysmith is more than an artist. All her paintings have a story to tell. “Drawing from careful observation of Black people in their ordinary routines, I select a moment that is particularly expressive, or best characterizes my basic idea. Then I work to create a painting that is both meaningful and enjoyable,” explains Brenda. Starting with a realistic portrayal of her subject, Brenda’s paintings are also impressionistic, interpreting an experience through the subjective use of color and other visual cues. Bright colors that “turn up the volume” are used to express the spirit of children playing ring games or enjoying a parade. Muted marine colors with soft edges and hazy, blurred figures in the distance best describe the calm mood of a couple with introspective expressions looking out over a bay. “Translating my work into three-dimensional figurines is a collaborative effort. Sometimes the figures need to be staged so that an image originally depicted from a single view in the painting can come alive with side and back views. But the goal is the same. My desire is that the figures appear familiar and expressive, reminding the viewer of a neighborhood or schoolyard memory.” Characters are depicted in both nostalgic and current styles depending on the time of the original painting. Brenda grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, in the 1950s and 1960s with four brothers and four sisters. Much of her work is indeed Southern and nostalgic. Now she has returned to her native Memphis, after living for 25 years in California. She says, “The last 25 years in California have expanded my view of the diversity of Black people. Our experience varies by region, generation, religion or socio-economic status. However, most of our cultural roots take us back to the South. I want to remind us of the strengths and positive substance of that experience, connecting with the universal and the timeless.” It is the viewer¹s recognition of these elements and the emotional response to these memories that bring the works of art to life. Ms. Joysmith has won numerous awards over the years and her work appears in many prestigious galleries and museums. The Joysmith Gallery and Studio in Memphis is the only location where collectors and the public may view original pastel paintings and open-edition, limited edition or sold-out limited edition prints. The gallery is located in Memphis’ South Main Street Historic District. Brenda¹s work also may be viewed online at www.joysmith.com. News & Schedules || Locate A Retailer || Home

Kince, Eli

Author, educator, historian and artist is a native of Cleveland, Ohio. The genius and power of Eli Kince lies in his fascination with human relationships as well as his profound interest in recording the cultural and political history of human experiences. He selectively utilizes strokes, lines and marks that convey the essence of the story he is telling in each work.

Lee, Annie

Annie Lee is an internationally acclaimed artist and gallery owner known to art collectors the world over. Annie Lee attained a Master's degree and learned the ability to focus and stay on task from her childhood, because back then things were done on schedule--laundry on Monday, ironing on Tuesday, and so on. On Sunday the family would dress up and go to church. "Gimme Dat Gum!" recalls such a time. Annie thinks back with a warm smile on quarter parties, chicken in the box, saddle oxfords and cute football player at Wendall Phillips High School, her alma mater. A long time friend and school mate talked Annie into having her own show at his art gallery in 1985. The show was a tremendous success. Annie Lee is a humorist and a realist and her style has been referred to as "Black Americanna." Her works are in Bill Cosby's spin-off show "A Different World": Eddie Murphy's movies "Coming to America" and "Boomerang." Ms. Lee has extended her energy an creativity to designing high fashion dolls and doll clothing, making figurines of the characters she has developed, publishing the works of other artists and opening her second gallery, one even larger than her first venture in Hazel Crest Illinois.

Lynn, Terry & Jerry

Identical twin brothers Jerry and Terry Lynn both are artist and yet they share the same canvas - simultaneously! They work on pieces at the same time in most cases, and finally when the work is completed you couldn't tell which artist create what part of the painting. Their painting styles and techniques are a seamless as their physical presence. They were born and still live in a suburb just outside Memphis. The Lynn twins offer a wealth of artistic versatility, they're proficient at realism, and abstract painting styles. They're also comfortable working with oil or acrylic mediums, and fine art print making. Although, the brothers have accomplished a lot in their career they're not resting on their laurels. The work is getting better, and several corporation and hundreds of art collectors have taken notice.

Mallett, Keith

Keith Mallett has been creating paintings for the fine art print market for over fifteen years. A prolific artist, his subject matter ranges from still life to abstracts. In recent years he has concentrated his talents on themes that portray the love and strength that exists within the African American family. Born in Pennsylvania in 1948, Keith studied painting at the Art Students League, Hunter College in New York City, and L.A. Valley College in Los Angeles. His painting "Harmony" was chosen for the cover of Sisterfire, a collection of poems by Maya Angelou, Alice Walker, and Terry McMillan, among others. He was recently honored with a commission to paint the only official limited edition print commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Jackie Robinson's historic breakthrough into major league baseball. "The Earth Angel Suite", a series of limited edition prints depicting the four seasons as guardian angels, has been chosen by the Franklin Mint to be made into collector plates. Keith Mallett stated, "As an African American artist it is my desire, through my artwork, to depict the positive aspects of the African American experience. If I can show but one child the strength and beauty of her past or the bright hope of his future then I feel I will have done my job."

Palmer, Charly & Dorothea

Through their creative artistry, this husband and wife artistic team regularly stokes the flames that illuminate not only their chosen profession but their personal lives as well. As partners in TP Design, their Atlanta-based graphic design and illustration company, the key to their success is teamwork. "As a team it is easier to stay focused and encourage each other." Both artists' works are included in private and corporate collections such as MacDonalds Corporation, Miller Brewing Company and the Milwaukee Public Library.

Pinkett, Jonathan

"Art is an organic, living, breathing reality. Through cultural and artistic expression an artist represents the thoughts, hopes and ambitions, of all organic matter." Jonathan Pinkett's cultural experiences are shown through his expressive charcoals, pastels and etchings which are in the permanent collections of corporations and inviduals such as Forty Acres and a Mule Film Works, Howard University and Mr. Nelson Mandela.

Thompson, Andre

Born the middle child and only son to Reverend and Mrs. Charlie Thompson of Virginia, André has no problems applying his childhood experiences to his art. It was not until his senior year in high school that André took art seriously. In 1986, he received his BFA in Fashion Illustration from Virginia Commonwealth University. In 1987, he moved to Atlanta where he now resides with his lovely wife and business partner Yolanda. André is known and respected throughout the business community of Atlanta for not only his creative skills, but for pioneering many businesses and special projects himself. It was in the spring of 1996 after receiving much support from his family and friends that André decided to venture into the fine art arena. His first exhibit was displayed at the National Black Arts Festival in 1996. Through much excitement and desire for new art forms and mediums -- mainly his tapestries, collectors across the nation are adorning their walls with André fine art tapestries.

Willcespen, Bach

Bach Willcespen is a San Francisco bay area native. As a youth Bach was steeped in the vibrant art scene born of the counter culture and black liberation movements that were rooted locally. San Francisco of the 1960's offered a unique environment that held both the institutions of the traditional and the avant garde that were simultaneously symbiotic and at odds with each other. Indeed it was possible for one to walk a short distance and experience the DeYoung Museum and a free Jefferson Airplane concert both in the same venue. One could walk several blocks and experience countless ethnic traditions all melded together in an exchange borrowing and adapting of each others beliefs and customs. The cosmopolitan nature of the area played a great role in Bach's artistic and Philosophical development. Bach was exposed to a cornucopia of artistic concepts and cultural crossroads through many mentors that had gathered in the area to create a new language of African American artistic expression. One benefit of this gathering was the creation of the Black Mans Art Gallery. In an effort to counter the resistance of the established galleries a small group of African American artists formed the gallery to support their art. Bach was allowed the rare opportunity to view art in a much more intimate setting through the gallery. Bach received invaluable lessons by the artisan of the work at hand. Bach enjoyed several successes as a youth winning many local competitions. As an adult he took a hiatus from fine art and took a job as a technical artist. After a successful career and subsequent retirement he has returned to pursue a career in the fine arts. It is Bach's hope that his reentry into the art community will allow him to continue the traditions of sharing art with youth and adults in the greater community that would otherwise suffer a lack of exposure. There is a great need to expand access to art for all people. It is imperative that all people, especially our youth connect with the aesthetic and social commentary that connects works of art with the time and space in which they were created. Art is essential in the development of group identity as well as acting as a bridge to a greater society. In a recent write-up in the San Jose Mercury newspaper, Bach is described as “one who tells the untold story of the pillars of his community” through the faces he draws. His work is reflective and probes deeply into the existence of his subjects stirring up poignant memories leaving us to wonder whether we’ve met these people somewhere before. Bach lives with his wife and three children in the East Bay.

Wilson, Kathleen

K athleen Atkins Wilson fine artist, published her first four limited edition lithographs in 1984. Today, countless numbers of African American artists have presented their works as lithographs and many acknowledge Kathleen A. Wilson as one of the pioneers in the industry. Kathleen has published thirty-plus limited editions, distributes her art through galleries nationwide, participates in local and national art exhibits and adopts special projects. Kathleen's 3,000 square foot gallery showcases artwork including originals, limited edition lithographs and hand pulled graphics. An extensive inventory allows for a full exhibition of her range of artistic interests and versatility. Over the years, Kathleen has been recognized for setting a standard of quality for her art and for the business of promoting it. Whether you are interested in purchasing a special painting or you are just starting to collect art, our goal is to make acquiring Kathleen Atkins Wilson's art a rewarding experience.