top of page

Another View

Another View: Untold Stories began with inspiration from vintage photographs that came under my guardianship since 1998. My wife Velda’s Aunt Maude passed in 1998 and Velda rescued Aunt Maude’s photo collection from being thrown out. The people in the photographs were her relatives, or friends of her relatives. As years passed I’ve had so many others share their vintage photo collections for me to record. Collectively, the images reveal a story that writers of history could normally pass by. I came to view these people as the hub of our society and their eyes reveal the strength and resolve necessary to endure the hardships of the times. In telling the story of the people portrayed, the viewer begins to enter the personal lives and experiences of the people I was lead to paint on canvas . I hope that the story that I am telling in this manner will lead to an engagement that moves one forward to deeper understanding and peace with their fellow man.

Please click the image below to see the enlarged version of the artwork.

Workers at Burley Manor painting of African Americans from historic photo by artist Patrick Henry.

Squirrels in a Treepainting of African Americans from historic photo by artist Patrick Henry.

Wait Staff at Burley Manor painting of African Americans from historic photo by artist Patrick Henry.

Viola painting of African Americans from historic photo by artist Patrick Henry.

Willie and his Buick painting of African Americans from historic photo by artist Patrick Henry.

Swingin painting of African Americans from historic photo by artist Patrick Henry.

Newark Gothic painting of African Americans from historic photo by artist Patrick Henry.

For a couple of reasons this was the most difficult of all me. The photo reference I used was very grainy. The other reason was I knew that the two young white children would not be allowed to interact with the black staff like this in a few years. The dynamics between he races would make this interaction taboo. I also felt as if the two servants in the phot were staged like puppets, with the dog plopped on the woman’s lap and the another having its boot on the male servant’s lap. As I went through the process of working on the painting, I reminded myself that this was the way it was and in spite of the difficult times the nation has gone through, I believe in the resolve of many to move forward.

Reverend Coulbourne and Family painting of African Americans from historic photo by artist Patrick Henry.

Memorial Day Parade painting of African Americans from historic photo by artist Patrick Henry.

Little Girl painting of African Americans from historic photo by artist Patrick Henry.

Mary Guy painting of African American woman in purple dress and green hat seated in chair from historic photo by artist Patrick Henry.

James Franklin painting of young African American man in army uniform from historic photo by artist Patrick Henry.

Girls with Doll painting of African American girls from historic photo by artist Patrick Henry

Going to Market painting of African Americans from historic photo by artist Patrick Henry.

The majority of workers in the hospitality industry in Ocean City of the early –middle 1900s were African Americans. The work ethic and loyalty of these local seasonal workers helped Ocean City become a top Eastern Seaboard resort. Here we have three workers happily pose during a break at work.. I desired to uplift the moment with colors to accentuate the joyful mood. I’m not quite sure of the date but its noted that the gentleman in the setting is a waiter and I believe the two ladies are either kitchen or housekeeping staff.

Girl on Yellow Plymouth painting of young African American women in purple sweater and white skirt on classic yellow Plymouth from historic photo by artist Patrick Henry.

Enoch and Anna at Robins Nest painting of African Americans from historic photo by artist Patrick Henry.

Doughboys painting of African Americans from historic photo by artist Patrick Henry.

G I John painting of young African American man in army clothing from historic photo by artist Patrick Henry.

Easter Morning painting of African Americans couple and their two girls from historic photo by artist Patrick Henry.

Class of 50 painting of African Americans from historic photo by artist Patrick Henry.

Cover Girl painting of African American women in blue coat leaning on green car from historic photo. Painted by artist Patrick Henry.

By the Water Pump painting of African American infant in white clothing with white baby shoes seated on a wooden porch next to an antique water pump. Painting by artist Patrick Henry from historic photo.

Buffalo Soldier painting of African American man in army uniform leaning on rifle. Painting by artist Patrick Henry from historic photo.

bottom of page