Nwanyị oma “Beautiful Woman,” is an ode to Nigerian womanhood, dark skin, tall frames, and the kind of beauty that doesn't always get celebrated. It's also an ode to me. After years of self-hatred, this series is the place where I am reminded to love myself unapologetically.

Chigozie means "God's blessings." Triangles aren't a shape I draw as often as semicircles or circles, so I challenged myself to use them here, in the top and in the head wrap. I also wanted this drawing to speak to the range of skin tones that black women have. This one pushed me the most technically because of the shape I chose, but it also helped me improve my skills and trust my instinct.

Original

Color Pencil

Bristol Paper

9×12

Nwanyị oma “Beautiful Woman,” is an ode to Nigerian womanhood, dark skin, tall frames, and the kind of beauty that doesn't always get celebrated. It's also an ode to me. After years of self-hatred, this series is the place where I am reminded to love myself unapologetically.

Chigozie means "God's blessings." Triangles aren't a shape I draw as often as semicircles or circles, so I challenged myself to use them here, in the top and in the head wrap. I also wanted this drawing to speak to the range of skin tones that black women have. This one pushed me the most technically because of the shape I chose, but it also helped me improve my skills and trust my instinct.