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Listen, Draw and Sip: Illustrate three iconic Black female musicians

Lilla here. My brand NEW course, Redrawing Black History, starts in just a couple of weeks, on Monday, January 10th. Led by enthusiastic and knowledgeable educator, Tamisha Anthony, it promises a fascinating exploration and joyful celebration of four iconic eras of Black American history, with an emphasis on art, culture, clothing, hair and more. Plus, to make it as accessible as possible to as many people as possible, we’re offering this course entirely for FREE. Find out more and sign up here.

If you want to learn more, you want to meet Tamisha, or you just can’t wait for class to start, join Tamisha and me for a FREE LIVE Zoom event on Friday, January 7th at 12 noon ET/5 pm GMT! We’ll be answering your questions, discussing the #MATSprep illustration assignment (more on that below!), talking a little more about the course and more. It’s a great opportunity to get inspired and fired up for class and to enjoy Tamisha’s enthusiasm and passion for her subject. Don’t miss it!

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I’m so excited to share the first of three mini-assignments that Tamisha has created for you. She’s selected three fascinating and underappreciated amazing Black women in music from the 1920s, 1960s, 1970s and beyond, and what I really love is that she’s created assignments that are fully experiential: you’ll tune in to the artists’ music, sip your coffee, tea, or wine, and draw.

Lilla’s tip #1: Set aside a time to envelop yourself in their stories and their music and draw. You might try different color palettes for each, based on what you feel about their music and stories. What art materials will you use? Will you incorporate lettering? You could include their names, bits of the lyrics, and so forth. Before you dive in, how about making a tiny little color palette? Would a rough sketch of the layout of your piece help you out to prepare for your art-making? Tamisha has given you an art tip in each of the three assignments, so be sure to check them out.

Lilla’s tip #2: These #MATSprep warm up assignments are a great time to experiment with your art and a valuable opportunity to try new materials, styles and color without any pressure. Make space in your life to enjoy making art.

Portrait of Tina Turner by Tequitia Andrews, a Make Art That Sells student who I now represent after spotting her art in class. Tequitia has also produced the art for the course.

I encourage you to listen to the accompanying music by the artist and draw these women with your heart and soul. Give them the recognition that they deserve.

If you enjoy these three mini-assignments then I know you’re going to love our newest course, Redrawing Black History. Sign up now!

Here’s your assignment!

Get ready to get inspired! Tamisha has chosen three incredible Black female musicians for you to learn about – read their stories, listen to their music while you sip a beverage of your choice, and then draw a portrait in your own choice of style and media. You’ll get your first assignment today, then look out for parts 2 and 3 on Monday, January 3rd and Thursday, January 6th.

Don’t forget to share your finished assignments so we can see what you do! Tag in @makeartthatsells and use the tag #MATSprep so that we can easily find your beautiful art. I’ll be looking!

Mini-Assignment 1: Betty Davis

Photos: stylist.co.uk, nytimes.com

Tamisha says: “Betty is an American funk and soul singer who also modelled in magazines including Seventeen, Ebony and Glamour. At age 16, she moved to New York City, where she met several musicians, including Jimi Hendrix, Sly Stone, and Miles Davis, the acclaimed jazz trumpeter, whom she married in 1968. Although only married for a year, Betty influenced Miles by introducing him to music and fashions popular during this era. Miles credited Betty with planting the seeds of his future musical explorations.

“Even though she was brilliant, Betty was barred from performing on American television because her performance was considered “too sexually aggressive”. Because of her lyrics and performance style, many of her songs were not played on the radio, and her shows were boycotted. She was a beautiful, untamable force that some people weren’t quite ready for. Listen to her belt and be blown away!”

Listen here

Lilla’s tips for approaching the #MATSprep assignment

Faces are the most fascinating thing to draw and so valuable thing to include your portfolio: portraits get you work! How fun will it be for you to set aside a little drawing time, to make art and learn about these astonishing Black women artists? Let’s look at three suggested approaches for all levels.

Easy: Get a cup of coffee, paper and a pencil and sketch one feature several different ways, such as the eyes, the nose or the mouth.

Intermediate to advanced: Plan a color story and draw or paint the face. You could try a different medium for each of the three #MATASpreps.

Short on time: Set aside 15 minutes, read the assignment, stare at the photo, and jot down/free associate any words that come to mind. Getting in the head of your subject is always great practice for infusing your art with power. Bonus: hand letter one of the words you wrote.

Tamisha’s art tip: Try to capture Betty’s energy, abandonment, and spice in her portrait as you listen, draw and sip.

Lilla’s favorite cut: In the Meantime because it got me up out of my chair so I could dance around.

Your teacher, Tamisha Anthony, will dress in gorgeous period clothing for each of the four different eras she’ll be talking about. Photo by Craig Fuchs.

Not signed up yet? There’s still time! Head over to our website here to find out more and grab your spot.

Plus don’t forget to tell your friends! For every 100 students who register for the live course, we will purchase a book illustrated by a Black illustrator and donate them to schools chosen by Tamisha, so please feel free to spread the word!