Swing Low, Sweet Chariot!

I realize I am a bit behind on this...but I am very pleased with how this turned out.

12"x12" Acrylic on canvas

This is a portrait of Paul Robeson, inspired by his version of "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." I was very impressed and inspired by Paul Robeson's history as the son of a former slave. As a man with a humble upbringing, he pretty much conquered the world. As an athlete, scholar, performer, and social activist, he was an inspiration to all.

This painting is meant to depict Robeson looking upwards, waiting for his "chariot." I painted this from a photo, in which Robeson was wearing some fancy-looking clothes, but I changed his attire so it looks simpler, and placed him against the background of a field and a blue sky. As the song by which this was inspired was originally a slave song, I wanted to depict Paul Robeson in the role of a slave, embodying the pain that he expresses so poignantly with his voice.

This is a quick pencil sketch I did of him--he has a wonderfully drawable face.