The April edition of Woodside Arts & Culture's First Friday series offers ​a personal look at one artist's journey. San Francisco-based artist Rhonel Roberts discusses his upbringing and the influences that led to a career in art in "An African American Artist's Experience," an online talk on April 2, 7-8 p.m.

​Roberts ​grew up near Stockton and got started in art at a young age at school, using India ink. Though the monochromatic medium doesn't reflect the vibrant and colorful works he would go on to create, Roberts credits ink drawing for teaching him layering and shading skills, according to his website.

Roberts studied art at the University of the Pacific and worked in design at Lockheed Martin for nearly a decade before deciding to focus on art. He also began working as an interior designer at this time.

Roberts' many partnerships include projects with Apple, Google, Fillmore Jazz Festival, the San Francisco Arts Commission, San Francisco Public Library and Papyrus card and stationery company.

"It is my dream and passion that my art has 'living impact'. I mean, when someone views my art they feel the inspiration and composition as something that speaks to the viewer and is uplifting, thought provoking, and creates desire to own a piece of my history," he says in his website mission statement.

For more information, visit woodsideartandculture.org.