biography

Photograph by Denee Barr

When asked how long has he been creating art, Eljay will answer for as long as he can remember, probably from the age of four. Eljay McBride, whose pen name is Elijah, was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Although he attended the respected Maryland Institute College of Art, he considers himself a self-taught artist. He is noted as "God-gifted" by many and is considered a talented "shining light" amongst contemporary artists.

Eljay has been able to develop a unique style through his years of practice and experience. He is a painter of inspirational and jazz themes with a realistic quality. He works mainly with oil and acrylic, yet is just as effective with pen and pencil. His use of shadow and light is clearly evident in his style.

One of Eljay's strongest and most popular pieces is "Annie," an acrylic painting of a little African-American girl that seems to consume each viewer through her need for love and compassion. Also, through his artistic evolution came "Born Again," a powerful oil painting of a most unique version of a mother and child.

Eljay's art is shown throughout the world. His piece "Sang Along" appears in the movie Runaway Bride starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. Eljay's work can also be found in many distinguished collections, including those of Sugar Ray Leonard, Bill Cosby, Oprah Winfrey, Muhammad Ali and Anita Baker.