The Son; Descended from the Sun 2021

Lanise Howard painted *The Son; Descended from the Sun* using traditional oil paints and techniques. The artist uses thin layers of paint, building up depth and luminosity in the figure’s skin. The subject has a sculptural solidity, achieved with light and shadow. Howard's technique is highly skilled. The background is made up of a grid of small squares, each one carefully rendered in a slightly different hue. The labor involved is considerable. What is most compelling about this painting is its contemporary perspective. The artist engages with the tradition of classical portraiture, but does so with a modern sensibility. This approach challenges hierarchies between the fine arts and other forms of creative practice. Ultimately, it is the artist’s command of her materials, and her vision, that make this work so compelling.