Artist Bio

Amanda Howell Whitehurst (b.1983) is an illustrator and oil painter based in Jacksonville, Florida. She focuses in portraying black women through rich and earthy digital and oil paintings, as well as modern-vintage style comics. Her work explores the themes of beauty, confidence, and strength of black women. She uses rich earth tones, expressive brushstrokes, and focuses on detail to convey her vision.

Amanda draws inspiration from the styles of painter Peter Uka and illustrator Jon Whitcomb. She aims to capture the nostalgia of a moment in time with her color choices. Amanda also explores themes of identity, struggle, joy, and pride of black women in the present and in the past in her paintings.

Amanda has exhibited her work in the Wa Na Wari Gallery in Seattle, Washington, and received recognition from various art organizations and publications. She has also done work for NPR, Hillman Grad/Def Jam Records, Soho Press, Sisters from AARP, and completed murals in three Walmart locations.