The EYE-LURRING ELIZABETH TAYLOR! Interestingly, her blue-violet eyes may have been her trademark but what made them even more alluring were her thick double-set lashes - caused by a medical condition. Imagine having that issue!
I painted her portrait with makeup and collaged multi-mixed media layers. Her vivid red lips are 3-D solidified gel containing eyeshadow applied to the canvas. I also used diamond dust in her hair to literally and figuratively reflect Elizabeth's love of diamonds. She was a brilliant actress, a devoted philanthropist whose passionate spirit and piercing looks came through on the biggest of big screens.
ELIZABETH
48”x48”
Mixed media on canvas.
2021
Guess who the first Black woman Oscar nominee was? Yup. This DIVINE lady here, DOROTHY DANDRIDGE - nominated for Best Actress in Carmen Jones in 1954. Initially, the director didn't think she had the right "look". So, according to Dorothy, she went to Max Factor's Studio, created a seductive appearance, and attained the role of Carmen. What a testament to the transformational power of makeup!
From leading lady to leading the way, Dorothy's life was full of highs and lows while working in an industry that simultaneously accepted and rejected her. I created her portrait by collaging multi-mixed media layers to reflect these parts of her story. I continued working with makeup as a medium. But this time, I also painted with a Beauty Blender, creating a blurred look - sort of, like a nod to how much Dorothy "blended" into Hollywood's beauty standards of that time. In contrast, the vivid makeup glitter and Swarovski crystals represent how much of a brilliant dancer, singer, and influential movie star she was.
DOROTHY
36" x 36".
Mixed media on canvas
2021
The LEGENDARY LAUREN BACALL. This is the fourth piece of my new series which combines my LOVE of SUPER GLAM Silver Screen Icons and OBSESSION with Makeup - using actual lipsticks, eyeshadows, and eyeliner as a painting medium from NYX Cosmetics.
LAUREN
My take on the GORGEOUS GRETA GARBO. This is the third piece of my latest series which combines my LOVE of SUPER GLAM Silver Screen Icons and OBSESSION with Makeup - using actual lipsticks, eyeshadows, and blushes as a painting medium.
GRETA
48” x 48”
Mixed media on canvas
2021
A COLORFUL take on the GLAMOROUS GRACE KELLY. My new series combines my LOVE of SUPER GLAM Silver Screen Icons and OBSESSION with makeup - using actual lipsticks, eyeshadows, and blushes as a painting medium.
GRACE
36” x 36”
Mixed media on canvas
2021
NEW artwork series - starting with a portrait of the DIVINE BETTY DAVIS. Combining my LOVE of SUPER GLAM Silver Screen Icons and my OBSESSION with makeup - using actual lipsticks, eyeshadows, and blushes as a painting medium.
BETTY
48” x 48”
Mixed media on canvas.
2020
36” x 36”
Neon lighting, acrylic on wood.
2018
12"x12"
Resin, acrylic, gold foil, Swarovski crystals on canvas.
2018
12"x12"
Acrylic, glitter, paper on wood.
2017
12"x12"
Acrylic, paper on wood.
2017
8"x8"
Acrylic on paper.
2017
8"x8"
Acrylic on paper.
2017
12"x12"
Acrylic on paper.
2017
12"x12"
Acrylic, paper on wood.
2017
12"x12"
Acrylic, paper on wood.
2017
12"x12"
Acrylic, paper on wood.
2017
12"x12"
Acrylic on paper.
2017
8"x8"
Acrylic on paper.
2017
Digital artwork.
2015