Colors of Character

Colors of Character is a 2020 documentary movie directed by Larry Carpenter and starring Don Keith and Steve Skipper. The film centers on the extraordinary life journey and artistic journey of Steve Skipper, one of the most successful and renowned artists working in the realm of sports and civil rights movement subjects. Skipper takes the viewer on an affecting journey through his past, present, and future, revealing an inner world that manifests in his remarkable works of art.

The film begins by delving into Skipper's early life, a story of struggle where he was caught amidst the tumultuous storm of gang violence and racial tension. Having been inducted into a notorious gang in Birmingham, Alabama, Skipper's formative years were fraught with violence and uncertainty. The movie chronologically follows Skipper's progression from these early struggles to a turning point in his life that would set him on a radically different path, a path that guided his transformation from a troubled youth into an acclaimed artist.

A large part of what makes the Colors of Character so compelling is its exploration of the spiritual transformation Skipper underwent. The movie expertly captures his transformative encounter, faced with a crossroads, Skipper had a religious epiphany that later became the catalyst for his life's work – art. It details how his newfound faith propelled him away from the violence and chaos of his former life and towards a profoundly different, creative, and meaningful path.

The movie also sheds light on Skipper's astonishing self-taught artistic talent, which propelled him into a successful career against all odds in a world where he initially didn't fit - the professional fine art and memorabilia field. Skipper's talent is as undeniable as his spirit; his distinctive photorealistic style presents complex subjects with a startling degree of detail and emotional resonance.

As the film progresses, it zooms in on Skipper's development as an established artist, detailing the astounding detail that goes into each of his paintings. Through interviews with Skipper, we learn about his meticulous research methods and painstaking attention to detail that includes even calculating the precise number of stitches on a uniform or the intricate details in a landscape.

Colors of Character also explores the breakthrough of Skipper in the world of professional sports art. His work, wherein he captures the determination, hardships, and triumphs of athletes, brought him into the limelight and allowed him to work with some of the most elite athletes and teams in history. He became the first African-American artist to be commissioned by the University of Alabama, and his work in sports art is as groundbreaking as it is impactful.

Towards the end, the film takes the viewers into the present, shedding light on his most impactful artwork centered around the Civil Rights movement, particularly his tribute to the four girls killed in the 1963 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. This platform has allowed Skipper to express his deepest thoughts and messages about peace, unity, and spiritual growth.

Colors of Character is not a typical documentary about an artist. It is a powerful and deeply personal journey of a man saved by faith, driven by talent, and guided by an unflinching desire to contribute positively to the world around him. It is a film about overcoming hardships, redemption, and spiritual transformation that will surely inspire and resonate with audiences.

Through the film, we come to understand that Skipper’s art is not merely a display of his exceptional talent, but a testament to his transformative journey from a troubled past to a man of deeply-rooted faith. His works are as much about the subjects he paints as they are about his personal spiritual journey, making Colors of Character a must-see for art lovers, sports fans, historians, and anyone who appreciates a tale of triumph over adversity.

The uniqueness of Colors of Character lies in its ability to blend life-story documentary with visual art, sports history, and civil rights themes, resulting in a film that offers viewers a multifaceted perspective of an individual's passion, faith, resilience, and dedication. Engaging, inspiring, and enlightening, Colors of Character is truly a masterpiece that adds another dimension to the conventional biography genre.