Sunday, January 16, 2011

A DOG NAMED EAST



This has been an exciting journey and of all the books, Adebanji's theme of homelessness scared me the most. I knew I wanted to paint someone with a pet (what else could I possibly paint).

I, like some of you already explained, had to get out of my comfort zone and look at our homeless population with different eyes. It was not until 3 days after Christmas, driving back home, did I find what I wanted for my contribution to Adebanji's book. In Longview, TX, we discovered this young couple on the side of a gas station on a horribly wet, cold, gray day. She had beautiful bright pink hair and the most wonderful patchwork long skirt. He stayed busy lettering his sign and for awhile their dog stood stoic and tall, a watchdog on duty. On cue, he jumped in her lap and demanded kisses, which of course she supplied over and over. After awhile they took off on foot, walking North, not East, by this time they had put a large oversized coat on the dog so that he would stay somewhat dry and warm. Despite their circumstances, it was obvious they love their dog!

10 comments:

  1. Oh Angela........ I'm speechless.
    I love how Adebanji's theme made us all change for the better.
    I love your piece , it's so moving !

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  2. An absolutely wonderful addition to Adebanji's book, Angela.

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  3. Got a little lump in my throat here! I am crazy about this painting and I love seeing this different approach in your painting style. Fantastic! One can't help relating to them, and yet not in a depressing way, it feels like things will be okay for them if they are able to take care of this well-loved dog. Great title also. Thank you for this, Angela. Brava!

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  4. This painting certainly pull at the heartstrings, Angela. Stirs a range of emotions.
    Very well done!

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  5. Beautifully done and very touching! Wonderful subject to include the dog. Those brushstrokes are like magic!

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  6. You are right that this is an uncomfortable subject but you did a wonderful job on this piece Angela...and of course you had to have a dog, I know Adebanji will love it!

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  7. Angela, a bold and beautiful piece. Homelessness sure does have a lot of faces, and this is yet another unique one for Adebanji's book. Well done.

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  8. Beautifully done, Angela. You delivered emotion and narrative.

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  9. Fantastic Piece! Over here, if something is really good the kidz say, "WICKID" and that's I what I said too! Thanks so much for putting in that extra effort, even though it was a theme you were not comfortable with. I really love the whole compostion and colour scheme-you've done the theme real justice! It will really add spice to the wonderful pieces in the book already!

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