Edwards selects her subjects for the strength of their presence and the way they carry themselves. In this portrait, Tony, a member and elder statesman of the Rough Riders Horsemen Association of Clinton, Maryland, is depicted with quiet authority. His stern yet approachable expression conveys both discipline and warmth, while his gray-white beard and weathered features suggest a lifetime of experience. Rendered with careful attention to texture and tone, the work incorporates embroidery to heighten surface detail and physical presence. The portrait honors Tony’s dignity and wisdom, while acknowledging his role within the club and the broader lineage of Black equestrian tradition.

This Ain't No Costume, 2026

Oil, cold wax, embroidery on canvas

42x53”

You are looking at a painting entitled This Ain't No Costume. A three-quarter profile portrait of an older Black man is set against a softly blended lavender-violet background. He faces left, his gaze slightly lifted, conveying quiet contemplation and steadiness. His expression is composed and reflective, marked by subtle tension around the eyes and mouth that suggests depth of experience.

He wears a light tan cowboy hat with a gently creased crown and curved brim, rendered in layered oil and cold wax that create a warm, weathered surface. His closely cropped gray hair and full white beard are carefully articulated, contrasting with the nuanced modeling of his brown skin tones. Subtle variations in color and texture lend realism and dignity to his presence.

The figure is dressed in a medium-blue denim jacket layered over darker garments, with visible seams, buttons, and pockets emphasized through thickened wax passages and embroidered accents. A patterned scarf in muted grays and whites is wrapped around his neck, its folds and edges reinforced with stitching. The scale of the work—42 x 52 inches—invites close engagement, emphasizing material richness, individuality, and quiet strength.