Collector’s Piece: Kenneth Lewis Sr. First Day of School

This work is from the collection of T. O. Reaves.

One of my favorite pieces in my collection is First Day of School, by Kenneth Lewis, Sr. (Read our interview with Kenneth here.) One of Trenton, NJ’s most prolific artists, Kenneth is constantly producing work vibrant with life and energy.

I’ve known Kenneth and his work for many years, but sometimes an artist produces a work that just speaks to you in a way you may not be able to explain, but it hits a chord that excites you. “First Day of School” did that for me.

Kenneth posted the work on Facebook. I saw it and that craving came; the “I have to have it” craving. So, I bought it, and now it sits in the collection of Blam: The Black Art Museum. www.theblackartmuseum.com.

The work is expressive in its execution, yet the subject is also expressive. Painted freely, one can almost feel the anticipation of the little girl as she sits in her chair, wearing her pink dress, pink shoes, and pink bow, tightly clutching her lunchbox.

It is one of my favorite artworks for its charm and the simplicity of the image within the complex, seemingly haphazard brushwork.

I love it!