Rooted in Radiance: Bold Beauty and Sunflowers

This mixed media piece captures a moment of bold stillness: a plus-size Black woman standing tall in front of golden sunflowers. Her presence speaks for itself: grounded, radiant, and full of grace. With curls flowing in hues of golden brown to dark chocolate, she carries the light of the sun in her hair. Her deep brown eyes seem to hold stories of courage, while her full lips and large gold hoop earrings add strength and softness all at once.

Technique

I created this piece using my signature abstract realism technique. It began with paper and gesso, building texture and inviting the surface to speak. Then came the acrylic inks, fluid, emotional, and unpredictable. I let them move as they wished, embracing their flow rather than trying to control it. That part of the process reminded me a lot of healing: messy, layered, and beautifully real.

With soft pastels, I began sketching the first shadows, subtle outlines that brought form to the woman and the rising sunflowers. Slowly, the shapes took root. I added depth and warmth using acrylic paint, paying close attention to each fold, petal, and expression. Finally, I layered vibrant gel sticks to bring movement, contrast, and emotional texture to the entire piece.

The flowers

The sunflowers behind her aren’t just decoration. They stand tall like her: symbols of light, resilience, and blooming even when the odds feel heavy. Side by side, woman and flower reflect each other’s strength.

This painting is a reminder that we don’t need to shrink to be worthy of space. We bloom more fully when we stand as we are. Through color, texture, and form, I hope this piece invites you to reconnect with your own radiance, unfiltered and unapologetic.

Dimensions

• 16 x 20 inches

Please note:

Colors may look slightly different depending on your screen or lighting. Every monitor or device displays color differently, and human perception also plays a role.
Unless stated otherwise, frames are used for styling and photography only. This painting ships unframed.

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