Ijania Cortez

"Gabriel", African-American Portrait, Figurative, Reds

2020

This portrait of Desmond Tutu is from the seminal artist Artis Lane and is one of the many exquisite portraits done of historical figures and celebrities she has met and painted duri...

The simple title "Quarantine" belies the complex nature of this work. It is a self-portrait of the artist, Henry Heading, immersed in the tools of his tr...

“Sistas” is a portrait collection of strong, intelligent women who look capable of taking on and managing whatever life has to hand them. That they are visually beautiful is actually beside the point for Henry has managed to capture in paint their inner beauty flowing from their eyes and features. Henry has sensitively revealed each individual’s personality. These are women you want to know and from whom you want to feel their power. Henry says that, “Painting is like breathing for me. I do so daily and appreciate my gift and ability. Perfection drives me as I create each piece. It must be unique. It must stand out, and is not complete until that special quality is achieved in my eyes.” Being able to create is an essential part of my life. It is an extension of my innermost thoughts and imagination. My primary focus of art is realism--using oils and acrylics. Occasionally, I switch mediums and design and build three dimensional pieces. Working mixed mediums, I use various wood, metal and paint, thus allowing me to achieve the visual effects I am looking for. Many of my pieces have been derived from my attraction to Art Deco and Ethnic designs. I am not satisfied until each piece, regardless of the medium or size, has reached the highest possible level of aesthetic quality and craftsmanship I can give it. I have enjoyed creating art since childhood. While a student at Martin Luther King Jr. high school in Detroit, I created and presented a portrait to then Mayor Coleman A. Young. A scholarship from Center for Creative Studies now the College for Creative Studies afforded me the opportunity to work towards and receive a BA in Fine Arts. Faculty and graduates of CCS include Richard Jerzy, Harry Bertoia, Doug Chaing (currently director of Lucas Film), Stephen Dinehart (game maker, writer, designer connected with The David Lynch Foundation), Tyree Guyton (international artist), Herb Babcock, Jerome Feretti, Kevin Siembieda (writer, designer and publisher of role-playing games), Renee Radell, Philip Pearlstein, Charles McGee (nationally recognized African American sculptor of animal and dancing spirits), Philip Pearlstein (2000 Honorary Doctorate, Modern Realism style), John Louis Krieger (American Modern), William Girard (American Modern), and Charles Culver. Mr. Heading understands the joy found in art and how it affects a young person's heart. He has shared his love for art as a mentor/teacher at the Virgil L. Carr Center in Detroit, Michigan. Students not only grew in their art experience, but also exhibited at the Ann Arbor Art Fair. Winning the 2013 MI Great Artist Competition was an honor for Mr. Heading. He is thankful to Park West Gallery owner Albert Scaglione and Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson for the opportunity. Mr. Heading has been featured on ASPIRE TV, shows at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the National Conference of Artists and other numerous galleries. In addition, he is a book illustrator. His murals create a beautiful focal point and conversation piece on the walls of homes, churches and health care facilities. His art and furniture is enjoyed and treasured by collectors across the United States and Canada. Kohei Suzuki, the former Mayor of Toyota City, Japan has a box designed by Henry. Mr. Heading's work is part of the major TCF Convention Center's permanent collection located in the downtown business district in Detroit, Michigan. His first attempt at mosaic tile was creating a Tiger sculpture to benefit the Detroit Tigers...

SALE ONE WEEK ONLY "Ellos Tres" translates to "Them Three" and is a clever piece by the Mexican artist Fernando Ramos Prida. Using acrylic and a ...

There comes a time when I have to choose between turning a page and closing a book. (Written by the Artist) Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work ...

Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, this is not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Boluwatife...

Adetayo's "To The Wonders" is a symphony of colors that immediately draws the eye and engages the senses. The artist masterfully employs a kaleidoscope of hues, from deep, rich purples and reds to bright, vivacious yellows and greens. These colors blend harmoniously, creating a vibrant tapestry that envelops the viewer and sets a joyful and celebratory tone. At the center of the artwork, we find a woman elegantly seated, her posture exuding confidence and grace. Her face is illuminated, and her eyes are partly closed with a sense of merriment and anticipation. In her hand, she holds a wine glass, gracefully raised in a toast, as if inviting us to partake in a moment of celebration and reflection. The wine glass in the woman's hand is a focal point of the artwork. It glistens with the play of light and shadow, almost inviting the viewer to join in the toast. Wine, often associated with conviviality and communion, becomes a symbol of the simple joys and pleasures that life has to offer. Adetayo's meticulous attention to detail in rendering the glass reflects his commitment to capturing life's fleeting moments in all their brilliance. "To The Wonders" is more than just a representation of a woman raising a glass; it is an ode to the wonders of life itself. It encourages us to pause, savor the present, and find beauty in the everyday moments that often go unnoticed. Adetayo's work is a reminder that life is worth celebrating, whether it's a personal achievement, a gathering with loved ones, or the simple act of raising a glass to a new day. Adetayo's artwork also prompts us to consider the deeper layers of human existence. Beneath the surface celebration, there may be an underlying message about the importance of cherishing the beauty of diversity and the wonders that come from sharing our lives with others. The woman in "To The Wonders" appears to be inviting us not only to celebrate but also to embrace the interconnectedness of humanity. In "To The Wonders," Adeniyi Joshua Adetayo...

"Desert" by Makama John is a captivating portrayal of a lady poised before a plate of food. The artwork deftly captures the complexity of human emotions th...