Beverly Paul's paintings are influenced by the aesthetic traditions that link early African American quilts to African textiles. These traditions include, but are not limited to, vertical strips, bold colors, large designs, improvisation, symbolic and appliqued forms, as well as religious and protective writing. These aesthetic elements were passed down from generation to generation. Beverly often uses women as subject matter, and the pear (because of its beautiful shape and curves) as a symbol of the female form. Her work consists primarily of narrative collages and paintings that are meant to teach and tell stories.

Biography: Beverly Denise Woolard Paul was born in Williamston, North Carolina. She is the youngest of four children. Beverly remembers always being interested in drawing and painting. Her fondest memories include sitting at the kitchen table drawing with her big brother or watching her mother make beautiful hats. She grew up in a family who exhibited natural artistic talent that ranged from sewing to drawing and pottery making. Beverly, a registered nurse and graduate of Norfolk State University, received her BA and MFA degrees in studio art from the University of Maryland at College Park and Howard University, respectively. She continues to create works of art out of her private studio in Bowie, Maryland. Her work is in both private and public collections.

The Initiated, 2009, oil, acrylic, paper, and variegated gold leaf on hard board, 49 x 60  in.

In The Initiated, nine panels are used to represent the popular nine patch pattern used by early African American quilt makers. Although this is a common geometric shape, its popularity among early African American quilt makers is believed to have its roots in the nine-square patterns used in West African weaving and/or the designs found in Kuba raffia cloth.