SIX PAINTINGS FOR BILL TRAYLOR

In Autumn of 2022 I painted six linen canvases in homage to painter Bill Traylor. Traylor was born into slavery and did not begin painting until he was in his 80s, yet managed to produce one of the most original bodies of work in American art. The rolled acrylic, oatmeal ground is a nod to his cardboard and found paper supports, and the articulated line is influenced by the freshness of his drawing. The black and white marking in each piece is done with playing cards. and the color passages, with a stiff, bristle brush.