"The Essence of a Colorful Black Woman," previously titled "The Essence of a Mardi Gras Indian," was created in New Orleans to honor the women of the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indians, traditionally from African American communities. This painting is a vibrant explosion of color, symbolizing the diverse hues of the over 40 tribes since the first Mardi Gras Indians in the 1800's.
 
"The Essence of a Colorful Black Woman" is part of the "One-Eyed Tulip" Series, which features imagery of a single eye and two lips. The series explores themes of first impressions and judgments, represented by the eye, while the two lips symbolize words that remain unspoken.