African American Art  

African American Art as depicted by a few well respected artists attempts successfully to achieve a balance. How does one capture the essence of two great continents with such diverse cultural and spiritual norms.

One of the biggest icons of African American art is Kadir Nelson. This accomplished artist started drawing when he was only three years old. His early interest in the creative process grew as he did until he reached adulthood. Now Kadir Nelson is a driving force in the African American art scene today.

Nelson’s artistic abilities were apparent at a very young age. He could draw before he could write. He explains that being an artist is part of his essential being and it is engendered within him. His natural talent has earned him a historic place in African American art in the United States and across the globe.

The artist began seriously delving into his craft at the age of eleven. This pioneer of African American art has very early development in his artistic abilities and he began honing his craft at a remarkably young age as well. With guidance from his uncle this preteen grew into a magnificent artist of great magnitude.

His natural abilities come as no surprise to his family. Kadir Nelson grew up in a creative environment surrounded by talented individuals who inspired and encouraged his craft. His uncle was a driving force behind his development and when Kadir was sixteen his high school art teacher took him under his wing.

This icon of African American art began painting in oil during his teenage years. He entered his paintings in competitions in the New York area. His endeavors in contests finally won him a scholarship to Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. There he developed his skills to the remarkable quality we see in his projects today.

His list of accomplishments is astounding. This artist has managed to achieve great things at a relatively young age. His work has appeared on advertisements for Coca Cola, in Sports Illustrated magazine as well as in DreamWorks productions. His work can also be found in homes of people who collect African American art.

 Perhaps his most accessible work can be found at your local bookstore.

Kadir Nelson has illustrated several children’s books. These masterpieces of children’s literature represent African American art for a young audience. The work of this artist may inspire budding young creative types around the world.

With his eclectic style and his ability to capture a moment or a character this artist is certain to go down in African American art history as one of the greatest artistic forces of all time.

One only has to look at a few of his paintings to see the unmistakable flashes of both continents reflected.

Resources

African Travel - I am passionate about a particular sport or activity such as bird watching, golfing, paragliding, cycling, hiking, horse riding and boating. I enjoy sight-seeing, shopping, lazing on the beach and indulging in food and wine. I would like to select a tour according to my preferred activity, and do not mind so much as to where the tour takes me, so long as I can enjoy and participate in my favourite activity, sport or hobby.

African Poverty - Mr Blair said building stability in Africa would be to the West's advantage, as "we know that poverty and instability leads to weak states which can become havens for terrorists and other criminals".

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