That, coupled with funky and rich symbolism, might have you thinking of “Strawberry Fields Forever.” Consider his painting Sinner Man. In the foreground he has executed a portrait of chanteuse Nina Simone. Beyond her is a floating man bearing an umbrella, a clear nod to René Magritte’s work. There are also references to Adam and Eve and even a reference to the motion picture the Thomas Crown Affair.
“
So while McBride’s paintings might originally appear to be a collection of disparate items, they are carefully planned devices. He knows exactly what he is doing.
”
When McBride is not teaching at Tennessee State University, you can often find him at his commercial studio. It’s located in the old May Hosiery Mill on Chestnut Street in South Nashville, and it is space he shares with fellow artist James Threalkill. The men work and sell art from the place while manager Derell Stinson keeps the operation in check. “The studio is a place where people love to come and chill,” McBride observes. “There’s art all around you without the intimidation of a gallery.”
Sinner Man, Oil on canvas, 60" x 48"
Indeed, the studio décor has an eclectic ambiance. It is chockablock with reading materials, oft-used sofas, mismatched stools, easels, and scads of artist materials. The walls are lined gallery style with paintings by both of the men. Smooth jazz plays seductively from a music system, and fans push the air playfully around the room. You can’t help but notice “Bucky,” a life-size skeleton with a jaunty Kangol hat that’s oh so very Samuel L. Jackson. It is a comfortable destination. And the artist himself is delightful company, with his positive outlook and sense of humor. The 55-year-old McBride has enjoyed widespread success. His paintings have appeared on the sets of television programs including Living Single, the Wayans Bros., and the Jamie Foxx Show. He has illustrated children’s books for several publishers.
Island Breeze, Oil on canvas, 30" x 40" 24 | July 2O12 NashvilleArts.com
McBride was featured in Visions of My People, Sixty Years of African American Art in Tennessee, an exhibit organized by the Tennessee State Museum. The museum purchased one of his pieces for its permanent collection.