Alga Washington

Featured works by artist Alga Washington incorporate intriguing portraits with deep, vivid colors that draw viewers in to each and every detail of her astounding pieces.

For Alga Washington, drawing was the very first reason for holding a pencil. Uniquely fitting, her first teacher was in fact her older sister. She introduced Alga to the artwork of American painter and illustrator, Norman Rockwell and local artist and native Detroiter, Ron Scarborough, at an early age, which then would set a course for her creative abilities.

Beginning a career in Human Resources, Washington's employer would pay for her art classes at the College of Creative Studies in Detroit, until inevitably deciding the art classes were no longer relevant to the job. Alga made a promise to herself that one day, she would make art a priority in her life and in 2010, that day came. Since Washington retired, she has been selling her artwork in local shows, galleries, and retail settings all across the region and online.

Washington's selection of work showcases her love and passion for portrait art as a mixed-media portrait artist. Creating since childhood, she paints in a detailed and realistic style with a bold and vivid color palette. "My favorite mediums are acrylic, oil pastels, charcoal, and pencil. Combining the inspiration all around me and ideas in my head, I love creating artwork that is my very own." savs Washington. "My favorite subjects are women, which I describe as my grown-up way of playing with dolls." Washington's assortment of portrait pieces show her true passion and pursuit of her artistic and creative interests.