Tag Archives: Africa

Art Business

January 21st First Exhibition of Portraits Africa Artists Opens in Nairobi, Kenya

Leave a comment

essence

Portraits Africa announces their first exhibition of artworks from their community of artists to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, Thursday, 21st January to Friday, 5th February 2016.

Participating artists include Anita Kavochi, Anne Mwairi, Christopher Kiongah, David Thuku, Elias Mung’ora, Elijah Mutua, Jack Birgen, Jay Kimathi, Nadia Wamunya, Nduata Kariuki, Nicholas Odhiambo, Peteros Ndunde, Seth Odhiambo, Sylvenus Semoh, Victor Binge, and, Waweru Gichuhi.

We’ll be sharing more on each of the artists in the weeks ahead. Find out more on the Portraits Africa’s blog here.

Art Business

Commission Your Portrait From African Artist Elias Mung’ora

1 Comment
Africana II, Elias Mung'ora

Africana II, Elias Mung’ora

Select your reference photos or create a new selfie, then chat with African artist Elias Mung’ora of Kenya to discuss portrait ideas (CONTACT the artist via Email: eliasmungora@gmail.com ). Find artist Elias Mung’ora on Facebook here.

Do you want him to create your portrait as a drawing on paper or a painting on canvas? Decide on the materials and size for the finished portrait art during your consultation with the artist.

Portrait drawing by Elias Mung'ora

Portrait drawing by Elias Mung’ora

Provide your reference photo or photos to the artist so he can get to work and he will send you a work-in-progress photo!

Africana I, Elias Mung'ora

Africana I, Elias Mung’ora

Portraits Africa–based in Amsterdam, Netherlands–holds your international currency payment until the portrait is complete and delivered to you. Only then is the money is paid to artist. Contact Portraits Africa via email: editor@negativeentropy.net -or- by telephone: +31 20 672 78 06

Portrait of Young Girl, Elias Mung'ora

Portrait of Young Girl, Elias Mung’ora

While a portrait drawing on paper may require less time to complete, a painting on canvas will take more time. If you have an anniversary, birthday, or other date you’d like to receive the completed work, just let the artist know.

Final photos are sent to you for approval. The artist Elias Mung’ora packages and ships your finished portrait to you.

We love this fabulously unconventional portrait painting of a Raggae musician!

Africana III, Elias Mungora

Africana III, Elias Mung’ora

Art Business

How to Commission Your Portrait From African Artist Tangwan Elice

Leave a comment
Beautiful Lady, Portrait Drawing by Tangwan Elice

Beautiful Lady, Portrait Drawing by Tangwan Elice

Select your reference photos or create a new selfie, then chat with African artist Tangwan Elice in Cameroon about your portrait ideas (email Elice Tangwan <tangwanelice@gmail.com> or telephone +237 76 30 77 42  Office hours, UTC +01:00 ). View the portfolio of artist Tangwan Elice on Facebook here.

Untainted Beauty, portrait drawing by Tangwan Elice

Untainted Beauty, portrait drawing by Tangwan Elice

Do you want him to create your portrait on canvas or paper? Decide on the materials and size for the finished portrait art during your consultation with the artist.

Tangwan Elice portrait drawing in progress

Tangwan Elice portrait drawing in progress

Provide your reference photo or photos to the artist so he can get to work and he will send you a work-in-progress photo!

completed portrait by Tangwan Elice

completed portrait by Tangwan Elice

Portraits Africa–based in Amsterdam, Netherlands–holds your international currency payment until the portrait is complete and delivered to you. Only then is the money is paid to artist. Contact Portraits Africa via email: editor@negativeentropy.net -or- by telephone: +31 20 672 78 06

drawing by Tangwan Elice

drawing by Tangwan Elice

While a portrait drawing on paper may require less time to complete than a painting on canvas, some drawings of larger size will take several weeks. If you have an anniversary, birthday, or other date you’d like to receive the completed work, just let the artist know.

portrait drawing by Tangwan Elice

portrait drawing by Tangwan Elice

Final photos are sent to you for approval. The artist Tangwan Elice packages and ships the finished portrait to you.

portrait drawing of boy by Tangway Elice

portrait drawing of boy by Tangwan Elice

 

African Artists

Slavery, “True Life Stories” and Other Difficult Subjects in the Art of African Artist Clara Aden

Leave a comment
slave relic, Clara Aden

slave relic, Clara Aden

I sense a deep sadness as Clara Aden talks of the difficult theme of the history of slavery portrayed in her drawing of a man in chains. Clara says, “l exhibited this work in Ibadan. Their project was organized by the Forbidden Fruit art group. The exhibition was a pre-event activity before the Badagry exhibition. The title of the work is slave relic. The very word slavery conjures up horrific pictures of brutality and oppression. Slavery has a long and ugly history. No continent has suffered the ravages of the slave trade as much as Africa.”
Clara Aden exhibition

Clara Aden exhibition

In spite of the artist feeling saddened by the subject, much interest and good came from exhibiting her drawing slave relic. Clara said of the exhibition organizers, “They were amazed. They asked me to do a drawing workshop for kids. Some of them said, “seeing is believing.” So that day l did drawing demonstrations for children. It was a nice experience.” Clara used her drawing to teaching history, art, and in her demonstrations she shared her expressive drawing skills with the children. “Oh yeah, l love children and l love to live in their world, if just for the time l do drawing demonstrations. l love their openness their sincerity– it is very rare among the youth.”
Nollywood actor on set, Clara Aden

Fish Seller, Nollywood actor Empress on set, Clara Aden

Clara Aden is a gifted and sensitive artist and illustrator. From a very early age she found herself in the company of actors, actresses, writers, journalists, and editors in the publishing industry in Nigeria.
For her portrait Fish Seller Clara says, “I met this woman when l was working at Soul Publication Limited, as an art illustrator. She is a Nollywood actress. Her name is Empress. She tried to portray the role of women in the society as homemakers also providing for the family. l got her photo shot on set.”
Clara Aden illustration for Soul Publications

Clara Aden illustration for Soul Publications

The US movie industry capital is Hollywood, and Bollywood refers to the film industry of India, and “the cinema of Nigeria is often referred to as Nollywood, ” says Clara Aden, whose real name is Omolara Adenugba. “Clara Aden is abbreviation the of my real name Omolara Adenugba. Omolara is a Yoruba name meaning “Children are my companions.” My secondary school music teacher coordinated the music club in my school. He came to Nigeria from United Kingdom to find his roots. When he asked me what is my name? l said Omolara Adenugba. He had to bite his tongue when he was trying so hard to pronounce my name. He nicknamed me Clara Aden.”
She decided to use the name Clara Aden on her published illustration art for Soul Publications Limited true tales magazine HEARTS Magazine. “Every week l illustrated three true tales stories from individuals who are willing to share their life experience, their ups and downs, secrets and scandals– the editorial team goes through the stories, give it to production units where l start brainstorming and looking for photo reference to start my layout,” Clara explained.
Clara Aden illustration

Clara Aden illustration for HEARTS magazine, Nigeria

Hearts Magazine seems something like the tabloids in the USA and UK. Some might call them Pulp Fiction or Pop Art.
Clara says, “Yes, they are true life stories in which the individual’s name will not be written. Most time the writers don’t want their real name to be published either.”
But she graciously shared some of her illustration art to give us a view into secret lives in Nigeria.
Clara Aden illustration

Clara Aden illustration for HEARTS magazine, Nigeria

Clara described working as an illustrator for HEARTS magazine–“All of us are in the two story building. The editorial team’s office is beside the computer, and the production units, the advert and marketing team’s offices is opposite the reception office for visitors. They give me the stories. l read them until l am in the story– l want to feel the experience of the writer. l sketch some scenes in the stories. Once l get the feel of how to portray the emotion, gestures or anguish of the characters in the stories l get photo reference and start laying it out.”

Clara Aden illustration

Clara Aden illustration for HEARTS magazine, Nigeria

“They give me the stories on Mondays and have to submit the pencil drawings for production on Wednesdays. l work like a tornado! Actually l was on probation for six months before l become a full member of the house. The post of the Assistant Manager was for a man, but the Director of Soul Publications Limited was so impressed by my pencil drawings but she wanted to undermine me because of my stature. At that time l just graduated from my secondary school awaiting my admission into higher institution. So l was able to convince her that something big can come out of something small.”

Although Clara Aden started her career as a magazine illustrator as a young teenage girl and she worked very hard, and her hard work helped her develop as an artist–“At times l worked overtime in the office to meet deadlines. l was able to develop and built my skills as a pencilist.”
Clara Aden illustration

Clara Aden illustration

Clara has a fascination for the traditional roles of African women as subject for her art. For her fine art drawing “Sumburu Women” Clara says, “African people are very fascinating and captivating. l have always admired the beautiful Samburu maidens in traditional dress and their exquisite strands of beads. l tried to depict the traditional fashion trend of Kenyan maidens.”
Sumbaru women, Clara Aden

Sumbaru women, Clara Aden

I chatted with Clara on her birthday, and didn’t wish to keep her from plans. She said, “l have over 80 drawings and I am always passionate to talk about them, but time is not on my side today to do that, but l hope that time will surely come.”
 Clara Aden is represented by Portraits Africa, a start-up service procedures in place to bring portrait commissions to the artist from around the world. If you are interested in finding out more
email editor@negativeentropy.net
Artist news

The Blessings of Water in the Portrait Art of Ghana Africa Artists

1 Comment

AfricanPPAlbertKwabenaAdaboGhana

Dripping wet faces with water drizzling from chins caught my attention in the portrait art of African artists in sub-Saharan Ghana.

Some of the artists refer to their wet imagery as the blessings of water and showers of blessings.

 

AfricanPPTheoPencilWaterDrops

 

It’s true that all humans everywhere on earth need the amazing resource of water to live.

But these contemporary Ghana artists–Theopencil, Kwabena Nature, Enam Bosokah, Jeffery Appiatu– uniquely portray water in a visual anointing of their subjects in the wet portraits above and below.

 

"Monica Belluci", 29 cm x 42 cm. 2015, Charcoal and graphite, Jeffrey Appiatu, Accra, Ghana, Africa

“Monica Belluci”, 29 cm x 42 cm. 2015, Charcoal and graphite, Jeffrey Appiatu, Accra, Ghana, Africa

 

I agree with Dr. Keith McFarlane, administrator of commissions for the African Portraiture Service, who said that these wet portraits, “demonstrate the rendering skills” these artists possess.

 

Enam Bosokah, Ghana

Enam Bosokah, Ghana

 

But I also think that there may be deep roots in the culture of Ghana and the climate of the sub-Saharan location that connects all four of these artists to the theme of dripping wet faces in their portrait art.

When I asked some of the artists about the symbolism, the reply from Kwabnea Nature referenced the Bible, the Book of Ezekiel Chapter 34 verse 26–  “I will make them and the places all around my hill a blessing; and I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessings.”

Theopencil, Kwabena Nature, Enam Bosokah, Jeffery Appiatu are just four of over 25 artists participating in the African Portraiture Service. If you are interested in viewing  more artwork by these artists or in getting details on how to commission a portrait, click here.

If you would like to communicate directly with one or more of these artists, please visit the African Portraiture Service Facebook page here.

 

AfricanPPKwabena Natur E ArtShowersofBlessings

 

AfricanPPAlbert Kwabena Adabo, Ghana

Artist news

Startling New Faces From the African Portrait Project Artists

Leave a comment
"The Initiation", 100 cm x 70 cm. 2014, Acrylic on Paper, Lynette Swanepoel, Thabo Mofutsanyane, South Africa.

The Initiation, Lynette Swanepoel, Thabo Mofutsanyane, South Africa, 100 cm x 70 cm, 2014, acrylic paints on paper

In February, we announced the launch of African Portrait Project and you can read that article here. We also published an article on unconventional portraits and included work by African artists. Read the article, The Unconventional Portrait: Moving Away From the Literal Likeness here.

The African Portrait Project has grown to include even more accomplished artists from several African countries. Many have fewer resources than most of us are accustomed to, such as cell phones only to photograph their art and to connect with the rest of the world via social media. Therefore these African artists have elected to join together in a group on Facebook to share images of their work and offer portrait commissions with the assistance of Dr. Keith McFarlane. View the Facebook page and more art here.

Dr. McFarlane’s African Portrait Project seeks to provide these African artists with an income from patrons in more affluent nations, by offering art lovers outside of Africa opportunities to commission portraits at extremely affordable prices. A win-win for all and when you participate by commissioning an artist, gives you an original fine art portrait of yourself or your family members.

Portrait III, Elias Mung'ora, Naibobi,Kenya

Portrait III, Elias Mung’ora, Naibobi, Kenya

 

These commissioned portraits are real fine art, one-of-kind, and may be hyper-realistic pencil drawings on paper, an oil painting, or expressive painting in other fine art materials.

Portrait artists in Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and other African countries will be happy to consult with you one-on-one to determine the best options for your portrait.

You can also read more details on commissioning a portrait here.

 

"The wrinkled woman" by Theopencil ( Theophilus Boateng Kwaku Sarpong ) of Accra, Ghana, Pencil on paper, without frame. 41cm x 51cm

The wrinkled woman, Theopencil ( Theophilus Boateng Kwaku Sarpong ) of Accra, Ghana, Pencil on paper, 41cm x 51cm

 

If you have questions, or wish to find out how you can commission your first portrait, contact Dr. Keith McFarlane via email: editor@negativeentropy.com  Please remember that Dr. McFarlane is based in Amsterdam, and asks you to keep in mind that Amsterdam time is about hours ahead of your time zone in the USA. Here is Dr. McFarlane’s phone number: +31 20 89 32 791

Commissioning a foreign artist for a portrait, and the artist accepting foreign commissions involves a high level of trust on both sides. Recognizing this, Dr. Keith McFarlane, scientist and owner of the Amsterdam based company Negative Entropy and the owner and creator of the ArtWorld app available on iTunes, created this commission service. He will safeguard the payment while assuring quality and delivery of the commissioned artwork, and will only take a 5% commission to cover international transaction fees, currency exchange rates, bank transfer fees and like expenses.

 

"Africana III" by Elias Mung'ora of Nairobi, Kenya, Charcoal and watercolours on ivory paper, 60cm x 84cm

Africana III,  Elias Mung’ora of Nairobi, Kenya, Charcoal and watercolours on ivory paper, 60cm x 84cm

 

 

 

 

Artist news

The Unconventional Portrait: Moving Away From the Literal Likeness

Leave a comment

blogArtWorldportraitfaceormeandmyart

Face of Me And My Art, 41 cm x 30 cm,  2014, painting, graphite and charcoal on paper by artist Gideon Fasola of Ibadan, Nigeria, Africa.

The artist Gideon Fasola offers commissions of original fine art portraits capturing elements of you in combinations symbolizing your personality, profession, passions, collections, fantasy life, cos-play roles and creative activities in a visual yin-yang.

To discuss a possible commission from the African artists here, as well as other, and review their fees and details click here.

The unconventional portrait below, of a woman with her eyes closed, conveys her interior– thoughts, feelings, her mood– and gives us a glimpse into her inner sensuality.

"Virginity" by Kolapo Obadiah Olorunyemi of Abuja, Nigeria. Fine point pen on paper.76cm x 46cm

Virginity by Kolapo Obadiah Olorunyemi of Abuja, Nigeria. Fine point pen on paper. 76cm x 46cm

 

The remarkable portrait below, by an artist that goes by the name Theopencil (his full name Theophilus Boateng Kwaku Sarpong), from Accra, Ghana, Africa is a demonstration of his accomplished photorealism rendering techniques used to depict this image from the artist’s imagination. 

 

blogportaitwet

 

Artist D.A. Metrov was recently invited to conduct a public portrait session at the Santa Barbara Museum of Contemporary Art as part of Marinella Senatore’s highly-acclaimed Building Communities exhibition. The event was a huge success. Portraits from the exhibit definitely fit the category of the unconventional–

 

Kelsey, portrait by Metrov

Kelsey, portrait by Metrov

Metrov portrait, Unidentified 2

Metrov portrait, Unidentified 2

Metrov portrait, Kevin

Metrov portrait, Kevin

Metrov portrait, Chien

Metrov portrait, Chien

Metrov portrait, Connie

Metrov portrait, Connie

Metrov is known for his uncanny ability to capture his subject’s “spiritual essence.” “It’s not something I try to do, it’s simply what comes naturally. Some have called it a psychic ability,” says Metrov, an artist living and working in Santa Barbara, California.

View more of Metrov’s unconventional portraits on his website here. Metrov also offers commissions for your portrait. You can contact the artist here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uncategorized

Share List: Directory of Art Consultants

2 Comments

For artists–

By request, I am sharing my personally researched Contact List of 500+  art consultants, in a PDF share file. The Directory of Art Consultants is 100+ pages, and growing, and consists of email addresses and clickable site links. Many of the listing include notes on the speciality or style or type of art the consultant is currently seeking, such as corporate, hospitality industry, health care industry, Giclee prints, photography, sculpture, etc. The Directory of Consultants contains mostly US corporate art consultants listed by region and state. There are also several listing for art consultants in Mexico, Europe –UK, France, Germany, Spain, Netherlands–as well as some listing of consultants in Asia, Dubai, and South Africa.

Here is the link: http://transmediartistmarketing.org/wordpress/list-services-available/

Uncategorized

photo, video, digital and sound artists

5 Comments

*“Transmedia”, moving beyond traditional forms of publication and networking.*

I’ve been invited to write for and now have a contributors’ account on the Transmedia blog to post my writing on photo, video, digital and sound artists, especially those in my geographic region.

As stated on their blog, “Transmedia” is VASA’s Blogging Project to connect people to events and people to people. “Transmedia” is  a global networking project publishing the work of artists, theorists, critics and others on an international scale transcending traditional media categories. The “Transmedia,” blog will cover photography, video, sound, digital art and theory. “Transmedia” will focus on artists, writers and theorists from north, south, central America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
http://vasa-project.com/blog/

If you are a  photo, video, digital, or sound artist, especially in the regions that include Cleveland and Pittsburgh, I’d like to know what you are working on for possible inclusion in a blog article.
Feel free to email me, Marie Kazalia at : MarieKazalia@gmail.com