Keith Doles title image collage

The Motherhood Series

The role of parent (especially a mother) has no difference between countries or cultures. These paintings show modern Nigerian women who play a strong role in raising their children. The mother is the key member of the family. "Mother and Child" and "Sisters at the River" were on display in two different exhibits in 2003 and in January of 2005.

"The Future Bride?" and two other portraits of West African women eventually inspired the series. At an exhibit in 2002, the painting raised a discussion between art patrons who told me of certain events that happened at a particular wedding that they had attended. The grabbing for the bride's bouquet seemed to have a universal meaning for people of different ethnic groups and backgrounds. I wanted to do a series on a theme that would inspire a person's favorite memories of their mother or start a conversation about relationship between parents and their children.

Sisters at the River

Sisters at the River, 2003 *

acrylic on canvas; W 24" x H 36"

Mother and Child, acrylic on canvas

Mother and Child, 2003

acrylic on canvas; W 24" x H 36"

The Bread Makers, acrylic on canvas

The Bread Makers, 2003

acrylic on canvas; W 24" x H 36"

Gathering of the Cacaos, acrylic on canvas

Gathering of the Cacaos, 2003

acrylic on canvas; W 24" x H 36"

The Future Bride, oil on canvas

The Future Bride?, 2002 *

oil on canvas; W 32" x H 36"

Portrait of a Woman, oil on canvas

Portrait of a Woman, 1999 *

oil on canvas; W 18" x H 20"

* Painting was sold or donated to a collection.