Portrait No. 18 of 25: Symbolic Representation of Stanley Whitney | Acrylic and paper on canvas | 36" x 48" | 2026
I’m excited to continue working on my ongoing Black Male Artist Professor Portrait Series, now reaching Portrait No. 18 out of 25. This new work honors the renowned American artist Stanley Whitney, widely respected for his groundbreaking contributions to geometric abstraction, rhythm, and vibrant color compositions.
The Stanley Whitney piece is complete, and this is my first finished painting of 2026. The portrait figure itself is Fauvist-inspired, emphasizing bold color, expressive brushwork, and emotional intensity, celebrating the energy and creativity Whitney brings to his work.
Who Is Stanley Whitney? @stanley.whitney (on Instagram)
Stanley Whitney (b. 1946) is an internationally acclaimed contemporary painter known for his structured yet improvisational color-grid compositions influenced by African American cultural history, jazz improvisation, classical architecture, and global art traditions. Whitney attended the Kansas City Art Institute (1968) and Yale University / Yale School of Art (1972) for his studies. He is also Professor Emeritus, Painting at Temple University, where he shared his expertise in abstract painting with generations of students. His work challenges rhythm, repetition, and spatial perception, positioning him as one of the most influential abstract artists working today.
Thank you for following this journey and supporting this creative series celebrating Black artist representation, education, and artistic legacy.
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