Choose a mood and the room itself answers — the light cools or warms, the air changes pace, and only the works that carry that feeling step forward from the dark. Everything else recedes into shadow.
Early Life and Education Born: April 16, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Family Background: Grew up in a family that valued art and education. His parents migrated from Halifax County, Virginia to Philadelphia. Education: Attended Simon Gratz High School, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), and Yale University where he earned both a Bachelor's and Master’s degree. Studied with notable artists like Bernard Chaet, Les
ter Johnson, Gabor Peterdi, Robert Reed, and Walker Evans. Artistic Development and Influences European Influence: Early career was significantly influenced by travels to Europe, particularly the portrait styles of artists such as van Dyck and Velázquez. Addressing Representation: Troubled by the absence of Black people in Western art history, he dedicated his work to correcting this imbalance. Style Characteristics: Paintings…
