Rumor, something like a whisper 2022

Lanise Howard’s painting, “Rumor, something like a whisper,” simmers with whispers of connection and the natural world. I can imagine her working on this, layering shades of ochre, crimson, and sepia to summon a hazy, dreamlike atmosphere. These women are almost like reflections, each catching light in their own way, with one turning to the viewer and the other staring distantly off to the side. The stark trunks rise behind them, and a single raven perched nearby seems to be listening intently to what the other might have to say. Look at the skin tones – how Howard blends the colors so softly, giving a sense of warmth and intimacy. You can feel the influence of artists like Alice Neel or Njideka Akunyili Crosby, but with Howard’s own spin. Howard’s work is an invitation to engage with complex, interwoven narratives, inviting the viewer to sit with ambiguity. It’s a reminder that painting is an ongoing conversation where artists like Howard contribute with their own perspectives and experiences.