About Me

I am an African-American survivor who has chosen to heal through art, writing and human connection. Many of the art pieces seen on Sundrip-Art for Life are in expression of life with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. At Sundrip- Art for Life you will find joyful art, sorrowful art and art created simply to pass the time. These pieces show healing in all its stages.

WHAT MORE WILL YOU’LL FIND HERE?:

On this blog you will find paintings of black fairies, black children, black women and men as well as fantasy art depicting black men or women. It is hard to find paintings on the net of African-American children with fairy wings or a young African-American girl sitting on a castle wall but you’ll find that here. Part of the reason is a personal one and its hard to explain but the other reason is because it’s uncommon. You’ll also find butterflies, lost of abstract art, art slide shows and self portraits that look nothing like me. The self portrait category is to describe how I feel rather than how I look.

A FEW MORE THINGS ABOUT ME:

• When painting on canvas I use acrylic and make it look like oils. I also paint on cardboard boxes, brown paper bags and other alternative surfaces.
• I prefer to paint with a dry brush and boy am I hard on my brushes.
• I have more shades of green than any other hue in my paint collection.
• I enjoy creating mixed media.
• Most of the black children that I paint come from photos of myself, even the children that appear to be white like in “He Knows How To Be Quiet” is from a childhood picture of me.
• I strive to use bright colors but my natural tendency is towards earth tones or black and white.
• Most often there is only one person in each painting. I’m sure there is a reason for this but I don’t know it yet.
• I’ve been painting and drawing since I was a wee little one. I started off painting abstracts around age 3. I have one photograph with my little puffy pony tails in front of my abstract work.
• I was told in the 6th grade by a teacher that I have no artistic ability. I’m sure that lady died an old crumpled up bitty I’m teasing. Though her comment to me was years ago I must admit most paintings are created with her voice in the back of my mind telling me I’m not good enough. As the years go on her voice gets softer and my art gets stronger.
• I doodle non-stop. I have over 200 different gel pens with which to doodle. My colored pencil collection is extensive. I doodle in front of the TV instead of snacking.
• I wrote my first poem at age nine.
• I shy away from the word artist. I believe it is over used and very misunderstood. I paint, I draw, I write, it’s who I am. Do you really have to call me an artist or can you just call me Austin?
• I was once told I brake all the rules in my paintings. I took it as a complement.
• I’m willing to “paint outside the canvas” so to speak.
• I like to try different techniques and mediums and fear not mistakes and failed experiments.
• Small photos of me make me look like I have crossed eyes. Add the whole appearance of non-existing nose debris and small photos just don’t do me right. See here. It’s just not right…not right at all –>

The above is information proving I’m just your basic girl with a love for art, humor and blogging. Get to know me a bit more by flipping through the pages of this site. Sit back, get comfortable, stay awhile. And for the love of Pete stop laughing at this picture.

For information on how to purchase my work please see the Frequently Asked Questions and Info page.

GALLERIES

Innocence Gallery
The Pretty Picture Gallery
The Fantasy Gallery
The Visionary Gallery
Women of Strength
Faceless Beauty
Postcard Gallery

Sincerely

F. Magdalene Austin

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