The Red Umbrella, 2025

mixed media on canvas, 48 x 36 in

It is truly remarkable to find an artist who is as prolific with his paintbrush as Shakespeare was with his pen. Like Shakespeare's literary contributions, a similar impact is evidenced by Bernard's artistic masterpieces. His passionate love of hues, shapes, and images resonates in the hearts and minds of all who view his work. The brilliancy of Bernard's work has catapulted him to enormous success and recognition as a renowned African American artist. As a visionary, Bernard uses his art to speak to the world. He is deft in his ability to capture the beauty, joy, emotion, and most importantly, the vibrant colors of life.

Bernard's artwork is truthful and personifies the African American experience in all its magnificent life forms. With a brushstroke, his artwork conveys a statement- "This is!" Bernard was enormously well respected as both a Fine and Commercial Artist in his hometown of Columbia, South Carolina. After earning a degree from Benedict College, Bernard later pursued a Master's degree in Fine Art. Bernard also traveled to Detroit, Michigan and finally to New York City.

Frustrated as a starving artist and formerly homeless, Bernard diverted his career and went into the film industry as a Scenic Artist. He worked on more than thirty major motion pictures and still continues to do film work in his spare time. Upon the completion of two very successful films, Strictly Business and Malcolm X, Bernard went back into the studio. He moved to New Jersey and opened Gallery 61, a successful establishment in the heart of the Village of South Orange.

His work is in numerous private collections including Magic Johnson, Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson, Queen Latifah, Coretta Scott King, Myrlie Evers, Betty Shabazz, Steve Harvey, Julius Irving, among other notable collections.