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

I’m discovering new-to-me women poets. They are strong and masterful in their form of art. And Sonia is just that - truly masterful!

Ms. Sanchez is an American writer, poet and retired professor. She was a leading figure in the Black Arts Movement (1965-1975), Sanchez is known for her ability to blend musical formats (like jazz and blues) with traditional poetic forms (like haikus and tankas). She credits inspiration to poets like Langston Hughes and Sterling Brown, who celebrated the unique and personal sounds of black English and slang words of the time. (Readpoetry. com)

Sanchez has received countless awards for her work including the P.E.N. Writing Award (1969), the National Academy of Arts Award (1978), and the National Education Association Award (1977-1988). She has guest lectured in over 500 colleges and universities. Her poetry has been heard worldwide in Africa, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean Islands, China, Cuba, Europe, and Nicaragua. (Blackpast.org) I love the music of Ella Fitzgerald and this poem came close to what her music means to me. Please look up the full version, soooo good!!

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.