Soft Pastel painting measuring 3”x3” and mounted in a 9”x9” mat with backing support.

Phillis Wheatley (c. 1753 – December 5, 1784) was the first African-American author of a book of poetry. Born in West Africa, she was sold into slavery at the age of seven or eight and transported to North America. She was purchased by the Wheatley family of Boston, who taught her to read and write and encouraged her poetry when they saw her talent. Publishers in America refused to publish her poems, so the Wheatley family looked to a publisher in London. She travelled to London with her owner’s son, Nathan, to secure the deal. There, her work was embraced and encouraged. Wheatley was emancipated (set free) by the Wheatleys shortly after the publication of her book. With the 1773 publication of Wheatley's book “Poems on Various Subjects”, she "became the most famous African on the face of the earth," Voltaire stated in a letter to a friend. She was honored by many of America's founding fathers, including George Washington, who wrote to her (after she wrote a poem in his honor) that "the style and manner [of your poetry] exhibit a striking proof of your great poetical Talents." Others such as Ben Franklin and John Hancock were also fans. Why then did she die poor, desolate, in horrible conditions at the age of 31? This saddens me as she was not able to publish her second volume of 145 poems and was going to dedicate it to Ben Franklin. Many of those poems were lost. In difficult colonial times, she was a bright star. An incredible soul.

She is commemorated on the Boston Women's Heritage Trail.

Each painting in this 40-day collection, Skies The Limit, is named after a famous female writer or poet who has taught me an important lesson or challenged my philosophy on life. This list includes women like Elizabeth, Charlotte, Emily, Maya, Mary, Jane, Danielle, and Sylvia whose last names are unnecessary.

I'm drawn to skies for many reasons. While growing up, my sisters and I would stare at the clouds and watch animals and faces appear as they floated by. My parents always had us outdoors and showed us how to take time to pause and notice the sunsets or sunrises. Skies depict emotions and moods. You can have a very dark stormy sky (my favorite) or a bright blue billowy, cloudy sky. I love them all and I hope you do, too. Or, at least start to take notice of Mother Nature's beauty.

Painting will ship within two weeks with important care instructions on framing. Mat included.