"Cry for the Children" for Adebanji's book

10x8 oil on gessoed paper

by Sheila Tajima

I appreciate Banji chosing to have his Book dedicated to bring more awareness to the "invisible" homeless.

Did you know that children under 18 make up for roughly 27% of the homeless population in America? Or that 50% of the women and children who are homeless are running away from domestic abuse?

Fortunately, there are resources for all children in the the United States and limited shelters for women but in many countries, children have to fend for themselves. Often siblings just few years older than their younger brother or sister end up trying to care for them the best the can. They are truly the most vulnerable of our homeless.

"The Venetian" by Edward Burton

oil 9.5"x7.5"

This is for Liz Holm whose moleskin subject matter is portraits. This elegant looking woman was spotted on a vaporetto (water bus) in Venice and her features were so striking I just had to take a photo of her.

"His Rose" by Dana Cooper

9" X 11" oil on gessoed paper

Painting roses has always been difficult for me, but when considering what to paint in fellow Moleskinner, Vern Schwarz' book, I realized that Vern's wife's name is Rose...it was a no-brainer...I had to go for it!
So Vern, you have an original Rose...here is another, hope you like it!

And to all the others that are participating in this project, I want to say "WOW!". I have been continually impressed by the quality of the work I am seeing as I get these books. The photos just don't seem to do them justice...you have all held the bar high, great job!

JOLIE FOR DANA

approx. 5.5" x 16" oil on gessoed moleskine

This is based on an upcoming memorial commission I will be painting soon. I loved Jolie's dreamlike look and thought she would be a nice addition to Dana's book of dreams.

Next Launch May 12

Well in this month we had a little scare on a delay from Adebanji's moleskins mailed leaving Canada. But good things are worth the wait, as our last post from Sheila.
I would like to remind everyone that if you paint with oils please remember the time you need to dry to finally mail it.
I'm hoping one of us doesn't get back up with books.
We are not in a race so I am counting from this Monday the 3 weeks  approximately.

Adebanji gets the prize this month with putting out 2 Moleskins at ounce with 2 pictures in each
(4 total).......Wow

Marilyn revisited by Sheila

"Marilyn"

5x8 colored pencil and goauche on paper

Since Dean left it up to us for the subject matter, I chose another Hollywood icon from the past. When women didn't have to be a size 0 or 2 to be a sex symbol.

ADEBANJI ALADE

This is for Camille, she had as her theme, "peace" but then she let the flood lights on when she opened the options. I could then only think of adding one more to my emotions and Afro series. Hope she likes them as they are not that peaceful. The guy is high and the girl is one of those manikins on display in fashion clothing stores.



For the guy I used my usual mixed media drawing materials and for the girl I used my trustworthy graphite.

ADEBANJI ALADE

This is for Angela, she had places as her theme and since I had just been to the farm, I chose the places with animals, option. I love the farm and I could live with those creatures-the smell just turns me on!!



For the cows I used my usual mixed media drawing materials and for the pigs I used just my trustworthy graphite.





I missed posting this again today but it will certainly go out to Dean tomorrow with Camille's as I have packed them both to be transported to Dean. I had to complete Camille's because I am so busy preparing for a group exhibition in Bath.

I am really enjoying this, just need to be a bit more disciplined to stick to my commitments, please bear with me Dean!

"Flip Flops" By Irit

This is for Vern schwarz.

I am crazy about shoes. I could not help myself but paint my old,

comfortable, colorful and essential (in California),Flip Flops.

They made from rubber sole and soft nylon straps.

Bright Barn - Michelle Burnett

I was inspired by the bright, vibrant colors Irit uses in her paintings so I thought I'd paint this rather ordinary barn with some saturated color - a bright orange barn with turquoise-ish mountains as a backdrop. Her sketchbook theme is "places" so I choose this barn that is close to home because I thought the roof-lines and shapes were interesting.

The Unseen - Edward Burton

For Adebanji Alade whose moleskin is about the homeless and poverty. I thought the juxtaposition of the two different existences made a compelling contrast.

I'm Blooming - Dominique Eichi

                                       8  x 8     Acrylic

This is for Sheila Tajima's flying moleskin of " What you love " theme.
Well for me one of my loves is flowers and trees and since the trees around here are exploding with beauty I could not help myself but paint one of them.
I hope you like it Sheila

Liz Holm - Camille, Richard and Matisse's Open Window

acrylic, 7x10

For Camille, Peace and Love ;-)  Must be the tropical heat here in Maryland, because my colors got away from me and turned all lime and melon and banana, and I swear I'm hearing Calypso music. Camille and her husband are standing near a very rough rendition of my favorite Matisse painting. (Yep, more sailboats).  My apologies to the Olsens if I'm not close to a likeness. We haven't met, but rumor has it, both have wicked senses of humor and that they are a colorful and fun-loving pair. Peace out. 

Thanks, Matt ~ Camille Olsen

Our fellow artist Dana Cooper has a handsome, brave son who is currently serving in the Air Force. I can't imagine the courage it takes to be in the armed services, especially during any wartime period. This is my tribute to Matt, and all those who make sacrifices for our country by serving in our defense. Thank you, Matt! 7x5 oil

James - The Boob & His Tube

Michelle's journal called for nostalgia, or postcards, souvenirs or things of our youth. Since I was born glued to a TV, I thought I'd revisit some of the television of the past...even though some of these were already showing age before Michelle made the scene. You see I'm in the center, hypnotized by a program geared to my IQ..the test pattern. Every Saturday morning, before the Star-Spangled Banner hit the airwaves, I was crouched in front of the test pattern with my Sugar Pops cereal and big mug of Ovaltine.
To try to capture vignettes of 14 TV programs on a little bitty sketchbook is only something a disturbed, masochistic bozo would attempt. So my addition to Michelle's journal is vignettes of 14 TV programs on a little bitty sketchbook. Some turned out well. Some should be turned out. Roy Rogers has a strange resemblance to Wayne Newton on Prozac. I should have put a mask on him and let him yell Hi-Ho, Silver. Hmmm...in front of The Twilight Zone...is that Rod Serling or Barrack Obama. Amos & Andy...or escapees from The Outer Limits...you decide. The static tv is good (the problem does not lie with the station or your set). Anyway, it was fun to do, and it IS sorta colorful....I hope Michelle likes it.