Respected Los Angeles visual artist Steven Lopez features soul goddess Erykah Badu in his latest addition to the “After Midnight” series, a collection of portraits celebrating notable musicians. One hundred copies of the limited edition Giclée prints, signed by Badu and Lopez, will be available.
Lopez, who uses the music of artists as his inspiration for his portraits, describes Badu as one of his favorite performers whose music he has wanted to artistically interpret since first hearing her in concert in 2005. “She understands the healing power of sound and she delivers strength which is often lost in today’s music,” said Lopez.

Through his art, Lopez was able to capture that “strength” and Badu took note. Once he completed the artwork, he posted it to the comment section of Badu’s website and she reportedly loved it. “When I saw the image on Erykah’s MySpace page I was really surprised and extremely honored,” said Lopez. “It was a great feeling to know that she appreciated my work and wanted to share it with her fans.“

Badu was so pleased that she reached out to Lopez and they decided to offer a signed, limited-edition of the painting, donating a portion of the proceeds to Beautiful Love Incorporated Non-Profit Development (B.L.I.N.D.), a charity organization she established to provide community-based programs for inner-city youth.

[Show as slideshow]

About the “After Midnight” Series
Steven Lopez combines his two passions -- music and art, to create the “After Midnight” series, a collection of portraits featuring notable musician. He starts by researching each artist’s photo history, discography and live performances. Once versed visually and aurally, Lopez selects a favorite song from the artist as inspirational for the painting process. His manner of painting, synergized with music, is heavily influenced and constantly nurtured at the world famous Mint Club in Los Angeles where he regularly performs his craft in front of a live jazz audience. Lopez ’s artistic style, which reflects influences of jazz, soul, funk, and hip hop, draw from his early days as a respected graffiti artist. That perspective gives this now, self-described contemporary artist a unique vision. It is this fusion that inspired the “After Midnight” series and, in the process, brought Lopez together with many musical greats including Chaka Kahn, Sade, Aretha Franklin, India.Arie, Jill Scott and Erykah Badu.

Erykah Badu- Amerykahn Promise:

Badu talking about the project and signing the prints:

Minnie Riperton- Inside My Love:

TIna Turner- Bold Soul Sister (Dr.EZ Remix):

India Arie- Strength, Courage and Wisdom:

Aretha Franklin- One Step Ahead (Dr.EZ Remix):

Sade- Paradise:

Chaka Khan- Stay:

Jill Scott- Hate On Me:

View more on Steven Lopez here
For more information check out www.aftermidnightsoul.com