Merry Christmas!

This year has been one of the most rewarding as far as taking steps into my career path. Doors have opened where I least expected and I have connecting with people, I might never have if it weren't by chance of the internet. I dedicate this design to all of the people who I've connected with over the web. It's been quite a year of blessings and I am looking forward to what the new year brings. I couldn't go into the next year without getting myself back into design shape. This does me a solid, and I hope those who get a peep enjoy it as well. Social Networking has really changed over the years, but how it has affected me, I can say more positively than anything else. I've gained a few opportunities this way and it is just the beginning. Reality has also really shifted for me, but I know that with faith, anything is possible and things will fall into place.

MY WISH TO ALL IS TO GET BACK TO THE ESSENCE OF YOUR JOY AND YOUR PASSION AND FIND A PATH TO FLOURISH IN DOING SO.

XOXO- SARA

Risen Queen Digital Painting

About a month ago, I started working on this digital painting inspired by the #albino model, Diandra Forrest. After coming across her picture on instagram, I came up with the concept and aimed for a traditional feeling remeniscent and inspired by the styles of High Renessaince paintings that inspired me early on in my studies. What is so intriguing about Diandra is her look and what she represents in modern day model culture. It wasn't really as normal and mainstream to see albino models present and I felt a muse connection. Inspired by a picture she posted after a photoshoot, a story emerged leading me to this. It became an inspiration of it's own. 

I shared it with her on Twitter: Here's a peep at the exchange! https://twitter.com/Sara_JB/status/389972329016487936

Self Portrait | INSIDE

"Inside" Acrylic on canvas

It's been a while since I've shared a detailed painting in process-- if I've ever done so. I would like to express my process when I do fine art more in depth here on my blog. I had a rough patch of thoughts recently and simply to be honest, it was tough to generate an idea that was as transparent as I was thinking.

At first it was a tortured experience to even birth this, however with a few weeks to sit with my  thoughts, I was able to get the ideas and the feeling to endure it though. Lately, I definitely felt like I've been holding back my emotions and knew that putting it into my work would help me grow beyond these feelings. Things have started to change, make me feel like time isn't waiting at all. I feel more present and sober in my thoughts and feel like intention is really important going forward.

While I will let the peace speak for it's self, let's just say I felt "Locked Inside" Acrylic on Canvas.

Ilustration Feature on MisterDressUp!

My illustration the Lotus is now available on tees sold at Mister Dress Up! I was contacted to submit my work for their shop and decided to go for it. The Lotus is special to me because it was one of four illustrations from a series that I put a lot of thought and character into. 

Check out the direct link to the tee shirt:


http://www.misterdressup.com/products/sara-jean-baptiste


The Lotus is the second piece from my first illustration series Bush Babes. The Lotus tells the story of the woman who is seeking approval but does not know of her priceless worth. A short series illustrating the beauty of women with natural hair in their skin. A tribute to women of color and african descent with kinky hair.

RUE 107 Plus Size Swimwear @ Would You Rock This Drawing Session

Last Saturday, I attended a sketch night with Would You Rock This featuring Rue 107's plus size swimwear line.  It was great to be back drawing from a live model after being on hiatus from sketch nights. 

 I'm all for expressing more than an ideal type that is often seen and represented in our culture nowadays. I know and are open to see the beauty in many different shapes and sizes that commercial industries often overlook making a norm to advertise. I had fun with this because many of my friends and family are over size 14 and I think there should be art to reflect the diverse beauty of women in all shapes and sizes.

My idea was to express "all eyes on me fab!"

Wish me luck!

Final version digitally enhanced in photoshop.

Original line sketch.

Conceptual Updates

Ideas are starting to finally brew again. Starting over can be hard for artists and I had to search myself and see if I were in that place. I found that things left unfinished were a sign to develop something even further. Between going through some changes in life, I have been through a season where a cycle of thoughts and questions that inspire me to channel a position about uncertainty have haunted me. I'm certain that my truth is going to reveal itself and I am being taken on a journey to express that in a deeper way in the future. Connecting that in a few ideas I have going will be a trip. 

Here is a preview of what a work in progress.

Stay tuned for new works. 

www.sarajbillustration.com

Free Soul

About three years ago, I submitted my final piece for my fashion illustration class. I entitled it Freedom of the Soul. I was trying to marry realism and fashion and I recognized that the soul or spirit can tell the story. I describe myself as a storyteller before anything else and I wanted to excecute a piece that expressed that concept. Freedom of the Soul, was me exploring fantasy, fashion and referencing a glum environment that might have misfortune, tainting one's soul. 

I found myself working on this as a personal study, and expanded it once I started playing with some brushes on PSD. This is a second coming of that concept.

Face Frenzy

Faces have always fascinated me. What I learned studying fashion illustration with regard to capturing the essence of the human form was to highlight the essence of a feature. Whenever I am working on a portrait, I try to capture one's likeness with regard to how rare and pronounced their facial features are, and what is very familiar about them to anyone who may know them personally. I have also discovered in that to be spontaneous but sure. To make a decision about the line you are putting down. Make it count and make a statement with your marks. 

 

5 | BEYONCE, ON THE RUN

 and I really accept that. I love capturing recognizable icons when they wear with different looks.
The braids stood out to me, bringing me back to the young Beyonce trademark look, but what's so interesting is the juxtaposition since she is long away from those earlier days, now a married woman and a mother.

5| Beyonce On the Run. In photoshop inspired by Beyonce and Jay-Z's 5th anniversary in Cuba.

Complete edition. I wanted to incorporate both parties of the marriage so I added a photo of Jay-Z that was taken on the same day as the reference photo of Beyonce that I used.

Progress shot of the final digital illustration.

RAW BROOKLYN: EN MASSE SHOWCASE SNAPSHOTS

I recently participated in the  one night RAWBrooklyn En Masse Showcase in Williamburg, Brooklyn produced by the indie art organization RAWArtists. I showcased as one of many other visual artists for my city at the Output Club on August 14th.

 Several artists and a lot of energy and opportunities to receive a lot of conversations about your art was a perk that I received from participating in the show. I was finally able to showcase some of my pieces for the first time that night. It was nice to display fresh fruits that I haven been hiding under wraps for a while.

Take a peak...

Packing up my work. Queen Of the City (left) and With These Hands (right).

Left Eye Tribute (top left), "In A Paperboy", "With These Hands" "Badu, Gaga, Chrisette",, "Godess Immersed", "Chaka" and "Diana (bottom right) on the table top.

Painting at Budwieser Made In America NYC Party!

Summer has been a great journey of growth. I had to push myself beyond what I have had to once do in the past. I have been given some good opportunities to showcase my work and have learned much more about myself and my audience in the process. 

I was chosen as the artist to do a live painting on a guitar during a concert event. Little did I know how major it was going to be. I was chosen to paint the New York guitar during the New York City concert stop on the Budweiser Made in America Tour at the Roseland Ballroom. Given a 6 hour time frame, I decided to freestyle my concept and dedicated my approach to the hustle and bustle experiences many have living in New York. It's the Land of Opportunity and taking chances as a New Yorker, has inspired me throughout the process. The mindblowing part about the experience was that what I was painting was happpening to me-- a chance taken. It was truly an amazing experience and I am so grateful to be apart of it.

The festival curated by Jay-Z took place at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in my hometown Philadelphia, PA from Aug 31-Sept 1st.  All of the 29 tour guitars made their way to the Budweiser Beer Garden where they were showcased for the Festival.

A big thank you to Big Shoulders Video and Budweiser for having me as a part of this experience!

Check out these pics from the event and tour and the time lapse video of my process.

Quick picture after painting live.

Photo Courtesy of Budwieser

The guitar showcased at the Beer Garden at the Made In America Festival

See all of the guitar time lapses and interviews featured on Budweiser's Youtube Channel! 

-

Gap Kids | Back to Cool Event

I was selected along with two other talented local New York artists to create custom designs originally created by Cat Seto, the founder of Ferme a Papier. The energy was great and it was lovely to see the reaction from the designs we were creating. It's always good to do something that has a special effect on someone. I loved the experience. 

We worked with Deco Markers, oil based fabric markers and put our own flair into it for each guest customizing their design with an initial of their name or custom colored replica of Cat Seto's concept illustrations.

Here are some pics from the event!

Working on a few designs for a very specific kid ;)

Whitney| The Golden Voice

"Whitney | The Golden Voice"

9" x 12" 

Gouache on Paper

For the Love of Legends

I had an interesting conversation with my neighbors about the longevity of talents in the music business being something that they felt us "young folks" need to look out for. We discussed several artists in the music genre that I have yet to hear of-- most of them popular one or two generations back. I love so much of the legendary American musicians noted during our talk but I have always been fond of the mega solo female artists of the past in especially in regard to the 60s and 70s.

Often captivated by the impact of their time in the music business, I am so inspired by the stepping talents of powerhouse singers or "sangers" to complete entertainers. Listening to their music definitely takes me to a different place, often free of the worries of the present moment.

I decided to capture Chaka Khan and Diana Ross during Black History Month. I wanted to pay homage to them as icons in the music industry. My favorite Chaka tune? Ain't Nobody! It's harder for me to pick with Diana but I must say it would probrably be a Motown-Supreme era tune...

"Chaka" 

"Diana"

BUDWIESER MADE IN AMERICA | ART ON GUITARS

I may have shared with you some of the photos of me working on the NY Gutiar for Budwieser's Made In America Festival going on this weekend  in Philadelphia held at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The festival curated by Jay-Z happens Aug 31-Sept 1st. and can be streamed live on youtube. 

The guitar that I hand painted will be featured at the Budweiser Beer Garden along with other 31 state guitars. According to this article written by Billboard. 

I was so honored to be the artist chosen to represent New York for this opportunity and I dedicated my approach to the piece by referencing it to the hustle and bustle experiences I have had and taking chances as a New Yorker. I state in the footage that I am inspired by the attitude to survive in New York. I hope it is appreciated by everyone who gets a chance to see it for themselves at the Made In America festival! 

I have to thank Frank from Big Shoulders Video for selecting me as the artist for this event. 

Before the event at the Roseland Ballroom

Guitar Canvas before the event

NY Guitar Front View

Displayed live in the Beer Garden at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for the Festival

Check out all of the guitar video time lapses on the Budweiser's Youtube Channel. 

http://www.youtube.com/user/budweiser/videos

Here's the link to my time lapse video + interview.

http://youtu.be/8t_Wc7EhREk

OLD GLAMOUR RUFFIAN TRIBUTE

Something so fresh and vintage about Ruffian's style and presentation on the runway at Fashion Week 2012. Fashion week is around the corner so I tried my hand at some looks from Ruffian's 2012 Runway looks at fashion week. 

So very cool.

A Day In Paradise

Last week, I was feeling really lost in time. With so much going on with me, getting prepared for my upcoming showcase and being reminded that I hadn't gone on any vacations-- I needed a break from reality!

I found myself stumbling upon the blog of Natalie Live, The Tiny Closet and I just was taken to another place. Page after page of inspiring fashion that she notes is often recycled from her tiny selection of clothes. I was happy I kept on browsing past posts because I ended up being inspired by this post!

She emulates fabulous style, confidence and took me to paradise-- if only for a moment.

UPCOMING EXHIBITION SHOW RAW BROOKLYN: EN MASSE

Hey guys,

I will be participating in a one night only showcase with Raw Artists Brooklyn: En Masse on August 21st, 2013. The show will feature several multimedia artists including a few other visual artists, makeup artists, designers, photographers and musicians.

For the night, I will be showcasing some works of my original painting collection, doing live portraits on site and selling some 8.5" x 11" prints! Everything is available to purchase! It will be at the amazing new Output nightclub in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Tickets are $15 ticket online via my Raw Artists Profile Page to RSVP. http://www.rawartists.org/brooklyn/enmasse/?artist=138866

Come out, support and enjoy what all of the artists have to offer! Hit me up for more details! I appreciate the support.

They gave me this cool template. (CHECK OUT MY CUSTOMIZED FLYER DESIGNED FOR MORE DETAILS).

BUY TICKET HERE: http://www.rawartists.org/brooklyn/enmasse/?artist=138866

 Check out the showcase Flyer | Page

http://www.rawartists.org/brooklyn/enmasse/?artist=138866

I'M OUT! (I'M HERE)

Whenever I do portraits of artists, I listen to their music for a while, and I learn so much more about them. My opinion changes about where they stand in my book as an artist and I appreciate their evolution once I get in touch with what the music is feeding me. What "I'm Out" said to me was "I'm Here". Ciara has arrived.

I found myself listening to "I'm Out" out of curiosity a few weeks back and then watching the collaborate performance on the BET awards, I knew this "move" was a win for Ciara.

 As the journey of traditionally painting Ciara in gouache and ink started, I was tempted to hit the "buy" button on my Google Play app, which would prompt me to buy her self titled album. I decided to withdraw... and take my chances at listening to her older records on youtube, while constantly replaying the single for the evolved sound. It reminded me of how long Ciara has been in the music industry, and the consistency of her sound. She has evolved, finally being heard again-- by the masses. Her promotion strategies have benefited her and so has being so transparent and accessible on Instagram. We see her more now, and I think we all are in love again!

I She has found her space in a time that is welcoming her with the feel of the 90s. It's working. Whatever is happening is working for Ciara and it's all about the confidence and growth brought to this album.

I finished Ciara, I had to complete the tribute as the record itself is what brought me to pay so much homage to the successful track. Nicki's presence complements the futuristic and commercial sound that Ciara has risen to, or at least the world has finally caught up with (her 2006 and beyond has been futuristic but it seems there wasn't much ear love for that sound). As I worked on Nicki's likeness, I felt it was complete. Together, this anthem says "I'm Out--- of the out crowd".

Bravo Ciara.

Best,

Sara Jean-Baptiste

Bill & Barbara | Comission Portrait

"She has done so much for me"...

With so many changes going on in my life I was so grateful for something consistant and rather farmiliar to come about... giving the gift of art to people during the holidays. Melody, a former co-worker of mine reached out to me to do this watercolor portrait of her fiance's grandparents. After sitting down with her to get some background info on the couple, I aimed to capture the feeling of their unity that in her words "has done so much". 

Details: Gouache, Ink 11' x 17' Watercolor Paper

 Original photograph circa 1960

Portrait Requests are Now Open | Dear Brother Portrait

It's often said that what you do at home serves as practice for what you will do outside of home in life. Another popular phrase is that home is where the heart is. Family serves as the first platform that we have for relationships, experiencing dealing with others, and expressing ourselves. 

Recently, it hit me that I haven't experimenting in having much of my own artwork showcased in my own family home. I think if I just hadn't really seen it as a space for my work, if I haven't been bold enough, aware enough or open enough to say "my work is going here". I connected many dots with my epiphany and it's all relevant that I am about to announce my open call for commission requests this month with specific family based themes in mind. However, I felt that before I could even start working on blessing others and their families, I had to give back to my family first! 

Before I knew it I had planned a series of work I had to do for my fam... letting truth set in and inspire me to go through albums I began the process....

Here is a shot below of the portrait I painted of my older brother (aged 3 in photo).

Materials used: Tombo marker, gouache and ink on watercolor paper.

P.S. This experience is like no other and serves as great practice.

Finalized and framed at home.

I have just accepted a few requests to do a few portraits while I was working on this. The reactions from my family were all of the inspiration that I needed to get me ready to begin!

No feeling like spreading the love.

I am now accepting commissions. Send an email to Sarajb96@gmail or reply below for more information on portrait commissions and prices.

Keep Your Best Guard Up...

Your mind. 

Keep it free and strong. Yet, willing to expand.

SPRING SPRUNG

 

Spring is back and it's time to brighten things up a bit. I have tendencies to go the easy route with a black leather jacket and dark lips often, and it's not for nothing that this trend has been so on trend either this past fall. But this fall has had some dark clouds all over the US with all of the recent tragedies and weather conditions that keep things dark and gloomy it's about time to brighten things up some more.

Shades of the season:

Reds 

Pea Greens

Mustard

Here's  for the girl who keep it dark, possibly vamped up on no matter the season.

I haven't forgotten you... since I am that kind of girl myself.

Breeze Through the Moments

Hello everyone! Ya know, sometimes I think to myself how crazy the ups and downs of plan failing or a missed mark can be. I noticed in my own experiences, especially in the most recent moments, that I have not really taken a minute to breathe and recuperate from such things. I just had to let out  a sigh and roll with the punches. I think it's critical now especially when passionate about areas that aren't working out, to just sit back and breeze through the moments and get up again. On to the next bigger and better move for ourselves. 

Right now, this is what I ought to do.

Bush Babes | A Hand at Nature

I recently took a journey within my imagination. I found myself in a garden of what we needed and not what was in excess. I thought about my hair texture-- kinky, coily and spirally springing on top of my head. When I wake up. I have so many options with styling it makes me so happy to have this kind of hair texture. Most of the time its about the shape, not the definition of the texture of my hair. 

I thought of the appearance of Afro textured hair altogether on different women and compared a garden of plants--- rather bushes. No head of hair or shape. It's beautiful.

I imagined the idea of having a bush growing out of my scalp, designed by bush cutters into an exotic shape. I thought about different flowers and things we find in a garden area and wanted to express a different idea for each type. 

Bushes and afro hair in it's distinction from many hair types grows up and out. 

It all came together for this short series of illustrations. 

Embrace a hand at nature.

The Lotus

The Dress

The Rock

The Jewel

The Stream