The Story Behind “Invited to the Cookout”

Some paintings start with a simple sketch. Invited to the Cookout started with a memory — and a celebration of a life well-lived.

This piece was created in honor of my late uncle. When he passed, my aunt asked that everyone attending his memorial wear lavender, his favorite color. That simple request stuck with me. In this painting, you’ll see guests dressed in shades of lavender, gathered under summer light, smiling, eating, dancing. It’s a scene that’s both personal and universal — the kind of moment that feels like home.

Why Cookouts Mean So Much in Black Culture

For so many of us, the cookout is more than just food. It’s where stories are told, spades games get serious, cousins reunite, and music drifts through the air. It’s where traditions are passed down without anyone saying, “This is tradition.” It just is. And if you’ve been invited, you know you’re part of something special.

The Limited Edition Print

Invited to the Cookout is available as a limited edition art print — only 50 will ever be made. That means once these prints are gone, they’re gone for good. Each one is printed on high-quality luster paper to capture the richness of the original 36x48 oil painting, so you can bring a little bit of the cookout home with you year-round.

Looking Ahead: The Art Show

I’ve just applied to have Invited to the Cookout featured in my very first art show — ArtFair 14C. Just imagining this piece hanging in a public space, surrounded by other incredible works, makes me proud and excited for what’s next. Whether it’s in a collector’s living room or in a gallery, I know this piece will keep telling its story.

Now I want to hear from you — if you were invited to the cookout, what dish would you bring? Or… can you not be trusted and they tell you to bring the ice?