10/02/15 Judy Ann MacMillan

I have found a new artist book called 'My Jamaica' by Judy Ann MacMillan. She was born in Kingston, Jamaica and gained a Diploma of Art in Scotland. She enjoyed capturing the landscapes close to her island home but also shown a strong interest in showing the people of Jamaica. Within the book, it states "The images show the inner strength of Jamaican women as well as their beauty."  About men it states "MacMillan is fascinated by the Rastafarian cult, which is a typical feature of Jamaican culture. The two portraits of men with long dreadlocks are likenesses of members of the cult."

This artist's work strongly relates to the work I would like to do. Although my heritage is from Barbados, this is a close island to Jamaica and shares mostly the same traits, including Rastafarianism as the most influenced religion. All images from "My Jamaica" by Judy Ann MacMillan.

"Winston" Painted in 1993.
MacMillan says, "A rare experience and a blissful one - painted alla prima without a break in concentration or need to correct or repaint."



"Study for Winston 2" Painted in 1993.
MacMillan says, "This was the second study of Winston's face and the best one. I had earned the sitter's trust - an important step towards the final portrait in oil."



"Jah Wolfe" Painted in 1990.
MacMillan says, "Jah Wolfe was at the time a return to first impulses - very close to the heart of what made me paint in the first place. Although the yard with its smoke and its sounds is not shown, being there was an intrinsic part of the experience for me."



"Cedella Booker (Mother of Bob Marley)" Painted in 1994.
MacMillan says, "Although tired after drawing all day, when we met I found a fresh burst of energy in Cedella Booker's luminous company and took the opportunity to draw this example of one of the island's many great mothers."