I have a lot of things I should be working on, but I took a break to create this piece, because I was inspired.  And when an artist is inspired, he/she should take advantage.

I was minding my own business last week, when a tweet came in from @SoulBounce, with a link to download D’Angelo’s entire performance in Paris from a few nights before.  (http://soulbounce.com/soul/2012/02/cop_this_dangelo_the_testimony_live_in_paris_full_concert.php?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter)  I re-tweeted, clicked on it, and found this glorious new photo of D’angelo, holding his guitar with the setting sun illuminating the background.

I said, “Oh no… I have to do a drawing of this, for real.” And I did.

This isn’t the first time I’ve done some artwork featuring D.  It started in 12th grade, when I used to play my sister’s Brown Sugar cassette tape all day every day.  I never went to class, so I had to take independent studies, and one of my assignments was to draw things of interest for credits.  So I drew a bunch of fashion illustrations, and the cover of Brown Sugar.  A few years later, when Voodoo came out, I drew a picture of D that I tore out of a magazine, framed it, and took it to his show at the Paramount Theater in Oakland.  I think my cousin gave it to a bodyguard or something – I don’t remember.  In any event, I hope he didn’t get it, cuz it was a hot mess.

I like this one much better.  As we all know, my pieces are constantly influenced by Buddhist and Christian iconography, and this one is no exception.  I’m gonna call it “Archangel Michael: The Second Coming.”  The guy we call D’Angelo’s given name is Michael, and he’s something like an angel to me.  Because he blessed me with his music, a gift from above.  He has definitely inspired me, as an artist, and I want to be able to create – visually – the kind of magic he does – audibly.

The second coming should probably be called the Third coming, as this will be his third studio album, but, whatever.  The point is, that he’s the messiah of music to me.  Cuz we all know that generally, music sucks right now.  So I’m counting on him to save Music.  And he’s gonna do it… No sweat.  Have you heard his new songs?  Greatness.

Anyway, my husband (Prince) would love this.  D’Angelo doesn’t give me a purple vibe (he’s more earth-toney) but you know me!  I didn’t get the middle name Violet for nothin’.  I just rolled with my gut instinct.   At least Hendrix would be proud.

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