I be tracing normally cause my skills are behind my vision right now but i was watching Black Art: In The Absence of Light and got an exercise from Kerry James Marshall. The idea was like repurposing a canvas and not getting attched to it or something like that. Then he was talking about how doing that exercise lead to him experimenting with black and he saw how many colors he could get from black and how layering them over each other showed him this and lead to his signature style. So i wanted to play with the brush stroke i learned with my firework canvas from earlier this week and repurpose it. My muse was my art director aka two buns aka ms elaina aka chunka munka. And i wanted to experiment also with the color blue after seeing an artists whos name escapes me rn say she wanted to work with blue because she wanted to separate the idea of blue on black folks being negative or ashy. Ion remember exactly so charge it to my head not my heart. Anyway i upped the challenge by working freehand and while this drawing is absolutely cockeyes im happy that my tracing skills are paying off and im getting better. I got along ways to go and i said all that to say in the words of erykah badu… im an artist and im sensitive about my shit.
🎨freehand study in blue
By jael r bakari
Made with @procreate #art #digitalart #blackart #erykahbadu #sensitive
As someone who has dabbled extensively in digital art, I find that exploring color beyond its traditional use can unlock profound creative opportunities. Inspired by Kerry James Marshall’s technique of repurposing canvases and unveiling multiple hues within black, I decided to push my own limits by focusing on the color blue. Blue historically carries many cultural connotations, and in the context of Black art, it’s exciting to approach it devoid of the usual stereotypes — such as the unfair association with "ashy" tones — and instead celebrate its richness and depth. Working freehand can be daunting, especially when you’re used to tracing or working in more controlled ways. But this approach forces you to embrace imperfections and fosters growth. My experiment involved layering shades of blue to create texture and emotion on the digital canvas using Procreate — a favorite tool among digital artists. A muse is crucial to ignite the creative process. In my case, my art director helped shape this experiment and provided invaluable feedback, which kept me inspired. The experience taught me valuable lessons in patience, resilience, and the importance of sensitivity to one’s own artistic voice — a sentiment beautifully captured by Erykah Badu’s words about being sensitive about one's craft. If you want to try a similar exercise, start by choosing a color you feel connected to and explore it through multiple layers and strokes. Don’t be afraid of imperfect lines or unexpected results. Often, these "mistakes" highlight unique styles and help build confidence. Also, consider researching how different artists interpret color and canvas repurposing to find inspiration and new techniques. Ultimately, digital art is a space to experiment freely and express your unique perspective. Whether you're retracing or working freehand, each step enhances your skills and deepens your artistic sensitivity. Embrace the journey and allow your brush strokes to tell your story.