the flying moleskins

OH MY ! - DOMINIQUE EICHI

2011-12-23T08:54:00.000-08:00

5 x 9 Acrylic

The discovery I made in my closet : /
This should of been gone like 6 months ago if not more.
I do not know why it got tucked away in there.
I can only say, Michelle you should have it now.
I'm so sorry for this delay.

I always wanted to paint a flower with water drops on it. So here it is.
These drops where not easy to put on because I did not want to mess up the work underneath.
Finally it will get to it's owner. : )

We might still have one book floating ?!
Merry Christmas everyone !

Liz for Adebanji's Journal: Mug Shots

2011-09-12T12:06:00.000-07:00

Homeless

4"x4" ea. acrylic on paper

We comfort ourselves by reliving memories of protection. Something closed must retain our memories, while leaving them their original value as images. Memories of the outside world will never have the same tonality as those of home and, by recalling these memories, we add to our store of dreams; we are never real historians, but always near poets, and our emotion is perhaps nothing but an expression of a poetry that was lost.

-Gaston Bachelard, The Poetics of Space (1958)

Bachelard contends that our first home is forever imprinted on our soul. It is the place where we feel safe and free to dream. I think, beyond shelter, home is a condition of feeling loved and secure. Of belonging. At home, true home, the world makes sense. The act of being uprooted, whether through economic hardship, natural disaster, war, abuse, mental or physical infirmity, sets the stage for anxiety, fear and desperation.

The young married couple above were homeless before being arrested for and convicted of theft. For the next year and a half their home will be the Frederick County Detention Center. I don't know what combination of choice and circumstance led to their current predicament. I do wonder what dreams they may have for the future.

Adebanji, your book is on its way home.

May you all feel loved, and safe to dream.

pax,

Liz

Fred And Ginger-Beijing Ballroom Dancers

2011-07-30T13:31:00.001-07:00

Close up

Acrylic on Canson coldpress watercolor pad. Approx. 10x12 in

Here's Astaire and Rogers doing their thing in Beijing.

The acrylic is applied thinly in layers, like watercolor.

This is going to Vern Schwarz, a very accomplished artist with whom I have had many email conversations. He is an all around great fellow and I'm proud to call him a friend.
Yes, sadly, this is the last one and finishes TFM project. All in all it has been a wonderful experience conspiring and transpiring with a great bunch of fellow artists! I love ya all!

Get ready, Vern...This is heading home to you!

I don't need an umbrella...I love the rain

2011-07-19T06:37:00.000-07:00

This is my contribution to Vern's sketchbook. He said we could paint anything and around the time I was thinking of what to paint- It happened to be a time I was getting mesmerized by rain reflections on London streets.

So I decided to do this piece of an old man I saw around Holborn in London enjoying the rain without an umbrella. Hope you like it Vern-It got me back to using watercolour and gouache.

Are these the last books coming to me or do I still have more to do?

My Life is messed up!

2011-07-19T06:19:00.000-07:00

This is my contribution to Dean's Sketchbook, he said we could paint anything and the only thing that came to my mind was homeless people. I see so many in London everyday. This particular guy is always situated around Barclay's Bank on King's Road in Chelsea.
I saw him take this pose and I couldn't resist a quick snap with the handy I-phone.

I have heard so many stories about homeless people and I know the agony and pain of their downward spiral. I tried to really get into this piece by writing some words this man would say. It's an intense piece and means a lot too me, I hope it means a lot to you-Dean!

Sorry for the lateness. I have been so busy but I just didn't want to rush up the piece and send it off.

James Parker - Adebanji's Poverty & Homeless

2011-07-04T05:21:00.000-07:00

I'm so late with this project, I should be flogged with a bundle of old paintbrushes. Instead of whining and throwing up a bunch of excuses...go to Excuses.com and pick one. My apologies to you all and Banji.

Searching for inspiration for the poverty theme, I needed look no further than my truck's rear view mirror. I spotted this decrepit old man in it with the words "objects in the mirror may be closer than you think".
I sprang back immediately, not wanting t0 have close encounters with this bum, until I realized it was me. Now, here is a guy that still bends over in parking lots to pick up a penny. Ta-da...perfect for the poverty theme. So I did a self-portrait which sorta looks like me. The resemblance is much better if you quaff a fifth or two of Jack Daniels before viewing.

The second page of Banji's journal depicts a homeless fellow parked in front of a Louis Vuitton store. I'm supposing he was shopping for a new smoking jacket, but took a wrong turn looking for the Calvin Klein store. The big gap between the rich and poor has been around for ages. Early man just depended on what he could gather or hunt. Then one day, some wise caveman (Droogal Trump, I believe) had the bright idea to "store up" food. It all went haywire from there on. Jobs had to be created to transport and protect the food, and the guy who held the keys to the storehouse... Well his pockets and his paunch just got fatter. Same rules today, just more complicated. Hey, Charlie Sheen, can you spare a thousand? Duh.

Okay...now on to my final moleskin....Liz Holm and portraits. Be back soon with that one.....Promise!!!!!

For Dean from Liz

2011-06-07T11:08:00.000-07:00

5" x 7.5"

acrylic on watercolor paper

This is my painting for the remarkable artist Dean Haven's journal. Hope you like it, Dean.

Lilies for Vern

2011-05-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

8.5 x 11"

acrylic on watercolor paper

I've always loved day lilies. They're resilient, wild, beautiful, drought tolerant, and glorious for the short time they're with us. This is my entry in Vern Schwarz's journal. pax.

Paco & The End for James

2011-05-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

5x5 oil on canvas paper
This is for my fellow Texas friend, James. James sent me photo references of his dog, Paco and I could not help but think that this funny sideways glance was a perfect depiction of Paco responding to another one of James' tall stories.

5x9 oil on canvas paper
I'm sad to say this is my last painting for the ever talented group of Flying Moleskins. Because this journey has come to an end for me, and with James' wonderful sense of humor, I thought it fitting to end James' book with The End.

Dominique, thank you so very much for including me in this group. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know every single one of you. My moleskine is truly a special gift, and I will treasure it always!

"Beach Buddies" by Edward Burton

2011-05-02T13:00:00.000-07:00

This is my last submission to the Flying Moleskins. This is for Sheila Tajima whose moleskin's theme was "What you love". When I'm at the beach I love watching dogs have a good ol time playing in the surf. I hope you like it, Sheila, your book is heading home.

Steel Blues

2011-04-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

Here it is, my final contribution to The Flying Moleskins. Ed this one's for you. I have to say that I've thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and getting to know the group just a little bit better. I can hardly wait to receive my own completed book to see first hand all the wonderful paintings.
At times it is easy to slack off when it comes to painting, as most of us have other jobs to sustain us. Projects like Different Strokes and then this have been so motivating for me, and I truly appreciate being included. I'd like to extend a big thanks to Dominique and everyone else involved.

NIPPER

2011-04-04T18:10:00.001-07:00

Facebook can be a huge waste of time, but not when you need to scrounge around for photos of a friend's dogs! The friend is Liz and the dog is Nipper. James, Liz's book is headed your way and I just happen to have your book now. I'll be painting in it soon and then, it will find it's way back home to you!

Dean-Guitar Reverie for Edward

2011-03-29T12:55:00.000-07:00

Close ups

Acrylic, Pitt Pen, and a skosh of colored pencil. Approx. 8 1/2 x 6 3/4 on paper.

This is my entry in Edward Burton's sketch book.

Edward's theme was "Music". I used to play guitar in country rock bands many beers...err..years ago.
My favorite guitar was a Fender Stratocaster...which I still own. This painting is an attempt to show the musician playing in a reverie. Practically seeing the notes drift through the air...Very much like you artists when you get caught up in the flow, and magical things happen from out of nowhere upon your canvas.

I don't know how successful my attempt was, but that's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

Hope ya like it Edward!

James - Hummers & Hawks for Dean

2011-03-10T14:59:00.000-08:00

I've had Dean Haven's journal for a while. Still in somewhat of a slump, I grabbed my brushes and dragged myself to the matter at hand. Dean left the topic open for whatever came to mind. Birds came to mind. So I did two paintings in his journal....one of an ostrich and the other, a penguin. It sure seems like my skills are a still a little rusty, cause here's how they turned out.

Splash Day

2011-03-08T15:20:00.000-08:00

7 x 5 oil on canvas
This is my last Flying Moleskins painting and it is for James Parker, whose book theme is animals. These are the dogs of a friend of mine who lives in Wimberley. How lucky are these furry girls to get to dive in this wonderful river with cliffs and gorgeous scenery out in the country? Although I doubt they care about the scenery; they just want to make a big splash. I wish I could jump in right now with them -- it's warm enough here today!
I thank all the FM artists for being on this project with me; it has been a great honor.

Geese 2 by Camille Olsen

2011-03-06T17:29:00.000-08:00

8 x 10 oil on canvas
Continuing back to the geese we saw at the lake last summer. They seemed always to follow the leader, but in this image one wasn't so sure about the plan. This painting is for Vern Schwarz for our Flying Moleskins project. See Vern, I told you I wouldn't forget you. It will be on its way to you when it dries.

The Duet

2011-03-03T08:37:00.000-08:00

This is my contribution to Edward Burton's Sketchbook. His theme is music.
I decided to use these two players who I had been longing to paint for a quite a while.

I can't remember the origin of the music but I remember sketching a man on the tube and then I got talking to him and he invited me to an art exhibition where music was played alongside. This is quite a while back but I still remember the happy, colourful feeling and the buzzing sounds, I have tried to capture this in "Duet" which is a mixed media piece on Gessoed Museum mount-board with oil, coloured pencil, Liquin and oil pastel,. It was more of an experiment as I haven't tried this mix before. I was happy with the result. Hope you like it Edward.

Clever Like a Fox

2011-02-28T11:41:00.000-08:00

"Red Fox"

by Michelle Burnett

9"x 5 1/2"

colored pencil on paper

This is my contribution to James Parker's sketchbook for his wildlife theme. If you know James, you know that he is a amazing artist and has a wonderful sense of humor. What you may not know (or maybe you do!) is that he is a very talented and clever writer and poet as well.

This is the last sketchbook for me to complete and I have thoroughly enjoyed being apart of this project throughout the year. It's been a great experience with a wonderful group of artist that I am humbled and honored to be a part of. I thank each of you for their contributions to my sketchbook and cannot wait to see it in person. A big tremendous THANK YOU to Dominique Eichi for starting the project and inviting me to participate.

On Vacation

2011-02-20T16:23:00.000-08:00

What a great way to spend a quiet Sunday...PAINTING...something I haven't being doing much of lately. This is for Sheila Tajima, for her moleskin book. She requested everyone paint something that they love. Well I love, love, love figure paintings and of course trying to paint them myself. I wasn't sure what to do for her at first, then found this cool photo that I took of a group of Japanese tourists. Thought Sheila might get a kick out this.
oil on paper 7 1/2" x 7 1/2"

James for Vern

2011-02-15T12:22:00.000-08:00

Wel-l-l-ll, after disappearing for a while, I finally found a long enough extension cord to plug myself back in. I have had Vern's and Dean's moleskins since around the turn of the century (it seems) and have sat on em. I semi-explained in my blog but there's really no excuse.....I just went thru a down time.

Anyway, Vern's subject was "artist's option"...anything we felt like. So I attempted a desert scene with a vast expanse of open spaces dissected by a ribbon of highway that gets an average of 4 pick-up trucks of traffic a day. My first impulse was to paint a squooshed armadillo in the foreground and title it "Bad Timing" or "Notsolucky, the armadillo". But I changed my mind, and, since my paintings are somewhat cartoonish,... put the "bluebird of hippiness" in there. Beep Beep.

And All That Jazz: for Edward

2011-02-07T12:10:00.000-08:00

8" x 22" mixed media

So I started out with the rose. I was going for a representational piece for Edward Burton's journal. Rose, sheet music, instruments. But I was listening to Yo Yo Ma's "Abrigado Brazil," bopping, and busting the occasional tango move solo in the studio, and, well, the pages morphed. It's odd and unwieldy, but that's true to my life these days. I humbly offer my riff on music, and the book's jetting to Banji tomorrow.

Teddy Bear for Angela

2011-02-01T18:24:00.000-08:00

5 x 7 oil on canvas

Angela Elledge tells me she likes this bear painting I did a few weeks back, so I have decided it has her name on it. This little guy has been on our Christmas tree every year 'since who laid the chunk' as my husband's small town grandmother used to say. In other words, for a whole lot of Christmases. And one morning I saw the sun hitting it just so from the side and decided it would be a cute little painting. I thoroughly enjoyed myself on this one, maybe that shows; I most definitely didn't agonize over it like I have on some of my work here. And Angela, if you ever have a super student who deserves a fun present you've got my permission to gift this to them if you want to. I hope you (or that student) enjoy it, and it is headed your way along with your very cool moleskin, woohoo! Lots of beautiful work in there, enjoy:-)

Rehoboth Beach for Liz Holm

2011-02-01T18:07:00.000-08:00

5.5 x 7.5 oil on canvas
Wonderful Liz Holm has agreed to let me give her this piece I did two years ago which is entitled Rehoboth Beach and which was done for the Different Strokes for Different Folks challenge site, put on by artist Karin Jurick. Liz tells me she used to go to this very beach years ago and has happy memories of it. I don't usually paint in this style but I know Liz does some abstract work and I think the colors are in the ballpark of some she uses for her abstracts, so I would love for her to have this painting. I got her permission first and she was game for the plan, so that makes two happy artists, between us. Liz's book will be headed Angela's way soon...

Chickadee by Dean

2011-01-28T10:56:00.000-08:00

Close up

Acrylic and colored pencil on cardboard...approx. 6x7.
This is for Sheila's moleskin. Her theme was "Paint something you love". Well, that was wide open. I thought and fought to come up with my answer. I kept coming back to God as my main love in this world. But I didn't know what to paint to represent that subject. Then, out of the blue, it came to me. God's creatures!

I took this entertaining acrobatic chickadee's picture as he hang nonchalantly upside down on a seed bell made of sunflower seeds. So beautiful...so well designed to survive through the challenges he will face...and so well provided for by it's Creator.
Examples such as this abound all around us. His existence is confirmed everywhere I look.

Hope you like it, Sheila. :)

Genesis 1:20: And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.”

Portrait of Sheila Tajima

2011-01-26T11:11:00.000-08:00

6 x 6 oil on canvas

I saw Sheila Tajima 's black and white baby photo with her tiny kimono and her luminous expression and thought it surely should be a painting. I almost added color but opted to paint it as I saw it. So this is my offering to Sheila for The Flying Moleskins project. I hope she enjoys it. I have changed it slightly since last night and I accidentally deleted my blog post with five wonderful comments (which were greatly appreciated). I will figure it out again eventually. Sheila was a gorgeous baby and I have only vaguely nodded to her beauty here. Angela, I will do your book next and then it will be off to you!

"The Artist" By Irit Bourla

2011-01-24T14:42:00.000-08:00

In the last year, 13 artists have participated in The Flying Moleskin project. In Dominque Eichi's book Dana Cooper was painting each of the artists that participated in this fun project.
Here is the artist working on her last assignment.
Dana you wrote this:"To my fellow moleskinners, I realize that you are all younger, thinner, and much better looking than I characterized each of you...I know I am! :)"

And I want to tell you that: Yes I know that you are: younger,young in heart for sure, thinner, and much better looking than I characterize you...

I am going to miss you all!

I FOUND YOU ! Dominique Eichi

2011-01-22T15:05:00.000-08:00

This is for James' moleskin.
I know he likes animals so I decided to give him the care of a Shepherd for his sheep. For the good shepherd leaves his flock to go find the one that strays. Thus being prevented from being eaten by wolves.
" I myself will search for my sheep and look after them " Eze 34:11

A DOG NAMED EAST

2011-01-16T20:10:00.000-08:00

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!

KEZIA-the spark & wonder!

2011-01-10T14:34:00.000-08:00

This is my late, late entry into Sheila's Book, she has asked us to put anything we love besides art? My answer to this is children!

When in Church, I teach children Sunday School and I always love the look on their faces when they enjoy the lesson....

So I decided to give her one of the gifts God gave me, Kezia is my little baby daughter and she is a spark and wonder!

This was done with charcoal dust, water and graphite on a museum mount board.

Peace & Happiness - Michelle Burnett

2011-01-10T10:38:00.000-08:00

Peace & Happiness

oil on gessoed paper

by Michelle Burnett

"Peace" is the theme of Camille Olsen's sketchbook so I went with more of the retro idea of peace because I think she's a pretty hip chick! :) This was also my favorite childhood mug that has always offered a little bit of comfort: chicken soup when I was sick or for milk with cookies after school. This Flying Moleskin is now on its return trip home back to Camille!

Yearbook by Dana Cooper

2011-01-01T07:19:00.001-08:00

Each image is 2-1/4" X 1-3/4"

In the last year, 13 artists have participated in The Flying Moleskin project by painting and drawing in each others moleskin books. I was the lucky one to get to paint the last painting in Dominque Eichi's book. Dominque was the organizer and cheerleader for the group. I wanted to do a little caricature painting of each of the artists that participated in this fun event for my final submission. So with a little sleuthing through Facebook and blogs, I was able to find reference photos for each of these artists.

To my fellow moleskinners, I realize that you are all younger, thinner, and much better looking than I characterized each of you...I know I am! :)

"Goin' Home" by Edward Burton

2010-12-17T14:07:00.000-08:00

oil

5 3/4"x8"

This is for Dana Cooper's book. I have been on a roll painting beach scenes, so here is one for Dana. This is my last posting for The Flying Moleskins.

Palm Towers by Dana Cooper

2010-12-06T15:49:00.001-08:00

This is my submission for Michelle Burnett's moleskine book for the Flying Moleskin project. I have often heard visitors to California remark about the palm trees on their first view of the area. Michelle had asked that the artists who paint in her book paint anything to do with the artist or where they are from. So being from sunny southern California where these palms tower over many public spaces and streets, the trees were my choice. Having painted them before, I thought it would come easily...hmmm, guess again!

Hope you like this Michelle!

Pink Scarf and Pigtails - Michelle Burnett

2010-11-29T09:55:00.000-08:00

Pink Scarf and Pigtails

colored pencil

This is for the wonderful Liz Holm for her theme: "portraits". I was at the rodeo several years ago and had my camera ready to take action shots of the bull and bronco riders for art reference photos, but I saw this girl working at the concessions. I admired her pigtails and scarf and thought that would make a more interesting subject for a painting. (By the way, every year the rodeo has one day dedicated to breast cancer awareness called "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" and everyone is supposed to wear pink, thus the reason for the pink scarf.)

I chose to draw this time because I've had a lot of "hurry up and wait" moments lately that are better for drawing. I drew the initial sketch while I was sitting in the waiting room at Jiffy Lube while my car got serviced!

I would like to spend more time on this because I love to work on portraits and I see a few things that need tweaking, but I will fuss with it forever if I don't stop so I think I'm going to send it on its way to Camille just in case she's got nothing else to do :) . Then I can get to work on her sketchbook next!

Testing the Water by Edward Burton

2010-11-17T13:25:00.000-08:00

oil

This is for Irit Bourla's book. A father a bit cautious about entering the water and his son who can't wait to have some fun!

Your book is finally heading home to you after it's long journey, Irit.

A NEW DAY ! - Dominique Eichi

2010-11-15T12:24:00.000-08:00

8 x 10 Acrylic

This is for Camille' moleskin- her theme is Peace or anything we wanted.
So I wanted something that brings me the "hope of peace" and a sunrise is what did it for me.
For with each new day is a fresh start.
I worked on those clouds a while, you would think they're easy but I had a dickens of a time with them.
As surely as the sun rises, he will appear. Hosea 6:3

Light Lunch

2010-11-11T13:50:00.000-08:00

I finally got a bit of time to finish Dana Cooper's moleskin painting. It's Remembrance Day in Canada, and here in Manitoba it's a day off which I am very thankful for, in that we have time to reflect upon, and remember our soldiers who have, and so bravely now serve our country. Dana's son as I recall is in their armed forces, so I did think about her and her family's contribution as I worked on this piece. The freedom to enjoy a beautiful, peaceful summer afternoon is one of the things our countries have always fought for, so it is my honor to try and depict this privilege which we enjoy on this amazing continent. To all of our servicemen and women, thank you.
oil on paper 16" x 5 1/2"

Help

2010-11-11T07:28:00.000-08:00

Here is my contribution to Adebanji Alade's book on homelessness. I saw this man beside Highway 71 on our way to Houston a few weeks ago. He looked like anyone I might see in Austin listening to live music at Threadgill's. I wondered what his story was; times are hard for a lot of people. 8 x 10 oil.

"Autumn Lights" - Michelle Burnett

2010-11-09T13:51:00.000-08:00

Autumn Lights

oil on gessoed paper

10.5"x8.5"

Here is my contribution to Angela Elledge's sketchbook for her theme of "places". This place is just up the road from my home and I wanted the capture the great fall colors (which have mostly faded away here now). I tried to paint with mostly thick, quick brushstrokes to try to add light and movement to the trees and the stream.

Dolly for Dean

2010-11-06T21:03:00.001-07:00

Earlier this year, Dean lost his sweet little Dolly, a tiny poodle who brought him unconditional love for 17 years. I attempted to work from the photo Dean posted of her on his blog, but it was too difficult to see the necessary detail. Dean, I hope this happy girl brings you fond memories of your Dolly.

James - The Birth of "Rock" Music & 3 Faves

2010-11-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

If authors can have "Writer's Block", then artists can probably get "Paint Blahs" or something. I've been absent a while and I explained it sort of on my current blog on James Parker Art.
I'm sorry....I found both Ed and Vern's Journal staring at me, and woke up and started in motion again. Ed's theme is music...artists, images, ...anything to do with music. Going back a few eons, I have depicted the birth of "rock"music with the band "The Rolling Fossils" performing "The Wooly Mammoth Stomp". This was illustrated just moments before a real wooly mammoth came along and did, indeed, stomp them into fossils.

On the second page of Ed's Journal I did crude attempts at three of my favorite artists, The Moody Blues, Yanni, and Enya. And my apologies to all three of them.

Beached Sailboat for Dean

2010-10-24T16:53:00.000-07:00

I almost chose animals for Dean Haven since he and I both like to paint them, but something, I'm not sure what, made me feel like doing a seaside scene. This summer we were in Port Aransas, Texas and I saw this catamaran on the shoreline. My husband thinks it was either a Hobie 18 or a Nacra. But it reminded me of when he and I were dating and we would go out on his Hobie Cat and oh man, we had so much fun. I wasn't a sailor but he was, and he did all the work and I lounged and got a tan. Not really, I held the rudder sometimes, and when we came about I'd duck the boom and jump to the other side. That's helping, right? Hope you enjoy, Dean! 8 x 10 acrylic on paper.

" Devlin and Callie " by Dominique Eichi

2010-10-24T12:27:00.000-07:00

7 x 9 Watercolor Pencils

This is Devlin and Callie for Liz Holm moleskins . Her theme is portraits and the one done by Dana of her mom is so beautiful..... so mine went to the dogs !!!

I am a dog lover and these two are so cute it was such a pleasure to draw them.

I haven't used my watercolor pencils in a while and thought it would be the perfect medium for these 2 pups.

"Blue" by Michelle Burnett

2010-10-23T08:41:00.000-07:00

Blue

colored pencil on paper

10.5"x8.5"

This is my contribution to Adebanji Alade's sketchbook. Since Adebanji chose such an important theme: "Homelessness", I wanted to convey the somber mood and sense of despair of the subject by using the color blue. For this sketch, I used Faber Castell Polychromos in Indianthrene blue and Dark indigo.

~
I greatly admire Adebanji's drawing skill so I was inspired to draw this time. All too often, I have (mistakenly) seen drawing as a chore that is necessary to get past so I can get to the fun of painting. I had forgotten the pleasure of drawing itself and really enjoyed this using this medium again.

~
Thank you, Adebanji for this thoughtful theme.

"The Girl Behind The Painting" by Dana Cooper

2010-10-21T15:07:00.000-07:00

10" X 8" oil on paper

This piece is for fellow moleskin artist Camille Olsen. I only know Camille from blogging and facebook, yet somehow I feel that I know her. Besides being beautiful she is full of laughter and life...all very appealing characteristics.
I'm not sure I completely captured her likeness, but the whole painting was fun from start to finish. I would like to really know the girl behind the paintings!
Sorry for the glare, I varnished it before I photographed it...oops!

Gondolas by Edward Burton

2010-10-18T13:54:00.000-07:00

oil

This is for Michelle Burnett whose moleskin theme is "Postcards and Snapshots". I decided to do a painting of one of my favaorite places - Venice. The long gondolas seemed to be a perfect choice for the format of her book.

Capistrano Courtyard by Edward Burton

2010-10-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

oil

This is for Dominique whose moleskin's theme is landscapes, trees, roads, shadows and light. This is a small courtyard at Mission San Juan Capistrano - I consider it to be one of the most beautiful missions in California.

Who's That? by Dana Cooper

2010-10-12T15:52:00.000-07:00

James Parker is the artist in our group who always uses humor in his work so when he asked that everyone paint animals I knew that I would be painting giraffes...there is something in their look that makes me smile and occasionally laugh. James, I hope this makes you smile too!

October Sky for Sheila from Liz

2010-10-07T08:14:00.000-07:00

acrylic on paper

Fall is my favorite season. I love the deepening, more intense colors, the cool snap to the air, the quickened pace. Free from summer's humid weight, life feels sharper, clearer, more textured. Light is lower, shadows longer, richer, and more mysterious. I imagine the trees are relieved to drop the burden of holding up all of those leaves, and sing when they decorate the landscape.

Wishing you a bountiful new season. xo

Liz's Mom by Dana Cooper

2010-10-02T17:38:00.000-07:00

7" X 6" oil on gessoed paper

This is my submission for Liz Holm's book. She asked for the other artists to do portraits of some sort which I really love doing. So with a little sleuthing I found an image of Liz's mom on facebook. Though this may not be an exact likeness, I hope I was able to capture something of her spirit!

I am currently in possession of three of these moleskin books and I have to say to the other artists in the project that I am blown away by the quality of every piece in these books. To hold them in my hand and see what the camera does not capture is a real treat beyond words!

Crazy About Shoes

2010-10-01T20:30:00.000-07:00

My contribution to Irit Bourla's moleskin book is a response to her shoe problem...ha! Irit seems to love shoes, so I thought I'd indulge her with this painting. One of the figures in this painting is Rose, who also loves shoes, and here she is "sight seeing" in Germany. (Hint, she's the granny on the left). They do have some amazing shoes there. Rose bought those spikey red ones.
oil on paper 11 1/2" x 8"

" the road ahead " Dominique Eichi

2010-09-25T14:54:00.000-07:00

7 x 9 Acrylics

This is for Angela's moleskins it seems that I reverted to what I like to paint, roads, trees and such with shadows. ( I guess it's my theme in your book Angela) Sorry !
May the road ahead for you be always filled with laughter, mercy, grace, but especially love dear Angela. Hope you like it.
It's coming your way Michelle

"End Of The Day" For Camille

2010-09-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

I had 3 books this month. All 3 are going out to Dana....sorry!
This one is for Camille.
"End of the day" a face without details but the body language say it all.
I hope you like it Camille.
Please visit her blog : Camille

"Domestic Geese" For James

2010-09-24T09:51:00.000-07:00

I had 3 books this month. This painting is for James.
To you James, the animal lover with love.
I hope you like it.
Please visit James blog here: James Parker

To Dean: The Promise of a New Day

2010-09-20T15:48:00.000-07:00

The Promise of A New Day

My favorite time of the day is sunrise. There is this quiet, yet powerful and glorious beauty to greet you and start your day. The world is still and the hustle has not started yet. It's a wonderful time to reflect on what the day has in store.

I took the reference photo from my cell phone one morning last year and have always wanted to paint it. It's a little sketchy (must paint more often!) but it felt nice to get back into the swing of things. My apologies to Dean and thanks to all of you for your patience! (It's headed your way Camille!)

Is This Your Dog

2010-09-19T08:09:00.000-07:00

I finally finished this painting for Dominque. It really doesn't fall into the guidelines that she set out for her moleskin theme, but encouraged by her reaction to my latest figure pieces, I thought I would do this one anyway. I know she loves dogs, and street scenes, so here it is my friend, an urban landscape complete with animal, vegetable and mineral. oil on paper 11 1/2" x 8"

Ed, I'll mail this to you next week after it dries. Sorry that I'm holding up the show here everyone.

HENRY...for Vern Schwarz

2010-09-12T16:50:00.000-07:00

8x10 oil on watercolor paper

Actually this painting is incorrectly titled, it should read: Henry, My Nemesis! I met Henry while painting plein air a while ago. He walked up to me wearing a blue on blue polka dot choker collar, he had a sleek short hair cut, and the wildest pompadour, complete with a topknot. His owners graciously allowed me to photograph him; Henry was obviously comfortable in front of the camera as every shot of him was perfect, all ready for a painting.

Now, for the nemesis part. Henry has been the most difficult dog I have ever painted, I should know, this is my 4th painting of him. My other 3 Henry paintings...ready for a bonfire come winter...include his full body. Something about that wild hair-do with the sleek body did not make a lovely painting, too much of a textural weird contrast or at least that's how I've justified those 3 bonfire failures. My husband (thanks, honey) has assured me "not all dogs are supposed to be painted and this one is just ugly".

I still don't know why I selected Henry for Vern's book, I just felt compelled to paint this dog and succeed for once. Cropping that wild pompadour with the topknot and focusing on Henry's face was a huge help, I am pleased with my 4th and I guess final painting of Henry.

Tracy Grant

2010-09-05T06:32:00.000-07:00

First of all, I need to apologize to everyone for being so tardy with painting these days. And I won't get a lot of opportunity in the next couple of weeks...WORK...UGH! Hopefully, this will be dry enough to send along to Ed at the end of the week. With that out of the way, this is a portrait of Tracy Grant, one of Michelle's painting buddies who just happened to be attending Doug's workshop with me in Helper. She was a lot of fun to hang with, and graciously allowed me to snap off a few photos to aid in surprising Michelle.
oil on paper 16" x 8"

Outside My Window--From Dean For Irit

2010-09-01T10:04:00.000-07:00

Close up

This is acrylic in Irit's moleskin. I also tossed in a little line work in ink.

Irit chose local places as her theme. I must confess my favorite local places are my back yard and my house. There I feel most comfortable and connected to art work.
This spring I bought a camera with a great zoom capability. Birds , unsuspecting people and their pets are all fair game to the lens. This fella was walking his mini pinscher across the street outside my kitchen window.

I hope you like it, Irit!

Get ready for some moleskins, Vern, my friend.

Work In Progress....for Angela, by Dana

2010-08-30T11:05:00.001-07:00

This is my submission for Angela Elledge's Flying Moleskin book. Angela is a gifted fellow artist/blogger who works at the West Dallas Community School. Angela's art is often of pets as well as children from the school.

The title suggests that though the portrait is a work in progress, so is the child.

It was a delight to create this piece for Angela, one who understands that we are all works in progress!

Van Gogh's "Starry Night"--Dean H.

2010-08-28T12:44:00.000-07:00

Close ups

This is acrylic on gessoed paper in moleskin book...5 1/2 x 16 in. Also used a bit of ink work plus color pencil...Mixed media.

This is my contribution to Dana's book. She selected a dream theme. For a long while, I had no idea what to paint...until I slept on it, that is...Lol.

I don't know exactly what led me to think of "Starry Night" but as I read up on it, and Van Gogh, I knew this was a great solution to the dream theme.
The following is some interesting information and quotes that tie it all together...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Van Gogh painted Starry Night while in an Asylum at Saint-Remy in 1889.

During Van Gogh's younger years (1876-1880) he wanted to dedicate his life to evangelization of those in poverty. Many believe that this religious endeavor may be reflected in the eleven stars of the painting. In Genesis 37:9 the following statement is made:

"And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me."
from Van Gogh Library
~~~~~~~~~~~
"I dream of painting and then I paint my dream."
Vincent Van Gogh
~~~~~~~~~~~
"When I have a terrible need of - shall I say the word - religion. Then I go out and paint the stars."
Vincent Van Gogh
~~~~~~~~~~~
I experience a period of frightening clarity in those moments when nature is so beautiful. I am no longer sure of myself, and the paintings appear as in a dream.
Vincent Van Gogh
~~~~~~~~~~~
Within a cropped version of "Starry Night" I superimposed a Van Gogh self portrait. The original portrait had anguished eyes and a down turned mouth. I modified it by closing his eyes and giving him a little smile...as in peaceful sleep...the land of a genius' dreams...

I hope you like it Dana!

"Momma Was Pretty" By Irit

2010-08-26T10:16:00.000-07:00

This is for Liz Holm whose moleskin subject is portraits.
Her Mom is sick, Liz gave up on her carrier just to be able to take care of her. Her Mom blessed having such a great daughter. My Mom also having the same illness and my brother is taking care of her.
Liz is dealing with a very difficult situation but hanging on.
"Momma Was Pretty" is for you Liz with love, always remember the good things about your Mom..
Oil on paper.
Please visit her Blog : Liz Holm

Ducks for Edward Burton

2010-08-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

Edward had requested a theme of music for his book, but I for some reason had a little trouble coming up with an idea on that. So I went with Plan B, to paint these chilled out ducks I saw at Canyon Lake this past Sunday afternoon. They had just caught sight of people with french fries, and they also liked my hulled sunflower seeds. I'm a huge fan of ducks; we used to have some that hung out in our back yard in Dallas that overlooked Turtle Creek. We had a treehouse, and not a care in the world. These take me back to that time. But to link it to music, I'm pretty sure we were listening to Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass and grilling burgers while the ducks were in our yard. There's your music, Edward. Enjoy! 8 x 10 oil on canvas

"Visiting Monet" by Edward Burton

2010-08-22T18:19:00.000-07:00

oil

This is for Camille Olsen. This fellow is checking out the Monet collection at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco. I love these kinds of scenes and love painting them.

STEAK=OUT for Sheila...James

2010-08-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

Sheila's theme for her Moleskin is "Things You Love". Aside from the "Four F's"... Faith, Family, Friends and Freedom, that leaves my pups, Pokey and Taco Belle, Art and 18 Billion other things. While pondering this dilemma in 108 degree temps, out sitting under a tree, after a long day slaving in the greenhouse, and wondering where my energy went...I gave up, had a beer, and took a nap. Did the same thing the next day. And for the next 6 days. That's why I'm a week late. Then one day, I came home with a bit of pep left, thirsty and hungry. So I whipped up a steak, and a big stuffed potato, and a Zeigenbock Amber (only in Texas). While I was dining, I thought.."Man. I Love This". So I decided to paint it. That's why it's a little less than good....Had to paint it from memory. Bon Apetit.. Sheila!!!

DAY DREAMING II

2010-08-19T04:13:00.000-07:00

Dana had as her theme "dreams" and I could only think of my boy Josh when he was younger. He would get into and box and just get lost, looking into the sunshine outside. He did a lot of day dreaming as can be seen in the first one I did HERE.

I have done this piece in gouache on mount-board.

What if Christ came into my Clutter?

2010-08-19T03:58:00.000-07:00

Irit has her theme local places. But I couldn't get any inspiration from where I had been locally recently, but I love my cluttered room. I could spend all day there and I wondered, what if, my best friend, Christ, came into my Clutter? What would He do? I then used my Italian friend as a model to set up the possiblity of this happening? What do you think would happen? I think He'd look up and pray I.............

I have done this piece in gouache on mount-board.

"Open House" by Irit

2010-08-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

This painting is for Angela

I painted this from a memory I have from an open house that I went to, I love going to open houses in my area.
In this house all I remember is lots of red in the kitchen. Red is my favorite color.

This painting was almost finished when my grandkids were visiting us and one of them ,by mistake, put a book on the fresh paint.

I tried my best to save this painting but unfortunately the result was not exactly what I was hoping for.

My Stuff - Dominique Eichi

2010-08-17T23:08:00.000-07:00

8 x 10 Oil

Well this one is for Adebanji's Moleskins and his theme is Homelessness / Poverty.

I've been thinking about this book for months and I like painting faces so I've been taking pictures of different people I see around my city (San Diego) wanting to get one that represent what I hoped to portray.

But it seems that something else was in the works for me.

A few days ago this picture jumped at me walking downtown with Tiffany. I thought it was striking as it was making this homeless stuff so in your face with the lights and shadows.

So I've been thinking about it and it seem as we all consider Our stuff to be very important, yet we will not be able to take it with us when we die and most of our children do not like our stuff so they will sell it as soon as we're gone to get their stuff. So, I guess this reminder is for me, to take my stuff with a light heart and be ready to give it away to those that might need it more than me, after all it's only STUFF.

God doesn't bless us to increase our standard of living.

God blesses us to increase our standard of giving.

He gives us money to check our hearts. If you love money you will use people. If you love people you will use money.

DO-SI-DO for Edward

2010-08-06T06:47:00.000-07:00

8x11 oil on moleskine sketchbook

Until I read Edward's introduction in his book, I had no idea what I was going to paint for his music theme. When I read "people dancing", I knew immediately I would attempt this painting.

At my school, after studying Pioneer times, 2nd grade has a day where they celebrate the Pioneer life of long ago. The children are dressed in period costumes and have fun experiencing Pioneer times. One of our grandmothers dresses the part and tells "stories" of her travels West. After her stories, she plays her autoharp and the children dance. This is Jules dancing with one of our parent volunteers. I don't have favorite students, instead I have a whole school (250 students) of favorites. Jules is special, she loves art and I love her!

Here is a short video of my school, click here, you can see a real quick shot of Jules drinking milk in the dining hall and then later eating a sandwich. As sad I as I am for my summer vacation to end, after watching this video again, I cannot wait to see my students!

Liz's Front Porch for Irit

2010-08-03T15:33:00.000-07:00

my front porch
mixed media sketch

Irit's journal theme is local places. Since my travels are more restricted these days, I figured just out the front door would qualify. Our home was built in 1920, and has a long, covered porch with a swing at one end. When the weather's not too hot, it's a (relatively) quiet place to relax. So relaxing, in fact, that it wasn't until I'd finished this piece that I realized I'd done it upside down in the book. My apologies, Irit, but I've cut it out, and glued it in right side up.
xoLiz

Santa Barbara Mission-Dean H.

2010-08-02T04:30:00.000-07:00

This is acrylic on gessoed watercolor paper approx 9.75 x 6.5 in.

Here is my entry for Dominique's moleskin. Her theme is gates...pathways...passages.
I thought this fit her theme perfectly...with the mission and illuminated cross symbolizing the most wonderful journey of all.

Hope you like this one, Dominique, and thank you for inviting me into this wonderful group of the Flying Moleskins.

Adebanji sent both Michelle's and Dominique's books to me in one package. So that is how both of these will be sent to you, Vern. They will be on their way today.

The image for this painting comes from the A Day Not Wasted painting challenge for July.
It's hosted by a great photographer and artist, Lee Brown...check it out.

Gone Fishin'-Dean H.

2010-07-31T12:58:00.000-07:00

Close ups

This is acrylic approx.5x8...on two pages.

This is for Michelle's book. The theme being favorite things...places...memories.
I used to spend more time than any human being should, trying to figure out and many times catching the great large mouth bass. Doing this painting revived many pleasant memories of being wrapped in nature-studying all her many moods and creatures. I feel the experience works it's way into my paintings.

Hope you like it, Michelle.

This and Dominique's book will be headed your way Vern!

His Glory - Dominique Eichi

2010-07-24T16:23:00.000-07:00

8 x 10 Oil

Well first off I have to admit I'm not very good with my own deadlines combined with my job makes for delays, so sorry for the late entry. It's on it's way-> to you Michelle.
This is for Dean's moleskins. I knew what I wanted to paint but to do it with out fear in someone else's book and in oil, yikes !!
Hope you like Dean.
Isaiah 6:3 The whole earth is full of his glory

Abstract Dreams for Dana

2010-07-22T19:29:00.000-07:00

May You Soar

acrylic

My dreams have been elusive lately, like shifting sand. A promise glimpsed of some distant, better future that dissolves when I try to understand its shape and content. Fragments float, illuminated, forming landscapes both strange and somehow familiar. Echoes of joys remembered and not yet known.

A Busy Rest

2010-07-18T09:06:00.000-07:00

I'm finally posting this painting which I finished last night for Camille's book. Her theme was peace, but she'd indicated earlier that she'd like something from the photos I took in Germany last May. So what describes peace more than being able to sit safely on a crowded street, and text whatever you want, to whoever you want. Some of the best subject matter is derived from casual photos taken randomly under great lighting conditions.

AFRO XXXI for Dominique

2010-07-13T18:27:00.000-07:00

This is Tiffany for AFRO XXXI. Dominique had trees, pathways etc as her theme but I couldn't resist giving her an AFRO SERIES because when she came to London she told me that Tiffany's hair also qualifies a an Afro, I did my research and she was spot on!

This is not the usual smiling "TF" but a serious one posed by me because I always mess up teeth. So I got her to profile a serious look, so I could capture her hair and natural beauty.

This was done with Oil base pencil, graphite and Charcoal dust.

Once more, apologies for the lateness.

AFRO XXXII for Michelle

2010-07-13T18:18:00.000-07:00

This is my daughter Kezia- Michelle had postcards as her theme and nothing stuck to my mind than giving you my dear little precious princess!

This piece was done with oil base pencil, graphite and charcoal dust.

My apologies for another round of sickening lateness.

Afternoon Siesta - Michelle Burnett

2010-07-13T16:09:00.000-07:00

Afternoon Siesta

approx. 10"x8.5", oil on watercolor paper

Here is my contribution to Vern's sketchbook. Everyone had been painting European scenes so I was going to dig out some of my old photos to paint (pre-digital!) but then I came across this photo I took last summer at Universal Studios. Through the magic of Hollywood...here is my faux European scene of a young man taking a break and texting on the phone.

"The Good Life on Santorini" Edward Burton

2010-07-12T23:04:00.000-07:00

oil

This for Angela whose theme is places. I thought I'd keep with the same theme as Vern had for Angela's book (dogs in other countries), so I used a photo I took when my wife and I were on the island of Santorini, Greece - it seemed like even the dogs enjoyed the beauty that surrounded them.

James - 4 Places for Irit

2010-07-10T17:09:00.000-07:00

I had Irit Bourla's Moleskin this month, and her theme is places. Places covers a lot of territory, especially if you consider Uranus and Neptune places. So I narrowed it down to places I've been. Nope...still too much. I settled for the four places I've lived and whipped up a little vignette of each....now I'm hungry for boiled crawfish. This was fun and I hope she likes it.
P.S. I hope y'all don't mind me doing this, but I invite you to join me in the two-month "Pooch Portrait" exchange on Windows to the Words (click here). Should be a lot of fun.

Longhorn Lady

2010-06-25T09:32:00.001-07:00

Sheila is collecting paintings of things we love, and I love cows! My brother and I stumbled upon this longhorn in Grand Coteau, LA several years ago. She was right beside the road eating grass, but not the grass on her side of the fence, instead she was eating the grass on the other side because, well, you know....

As we photographed her, she did not care to look at us, she was only interested in grazing. We stayed for a long time on the side of the road, at first taking pictures, and then, just silently watching this longhorn lady. We were mesmerized at how she moved and tilted her head in and out of the barbed wire fence, very much aware of the breadth of her horns and never once bumping or touching the fence. I'm glad the grass was definitely greener on the other side of the fence that day or else I would not have the opportunity to watch her very graceful movements, thank you Lady.

Colorless

2010-06-24T09:02:00.000-07:00

8" X 10" oil on paper

In the colorful mosaic that makes up most cities are the homeless that are often overlooked and ignored as we go about our daily lives. I snapped this photo in San Francisco, noticing how this sleeping homeless man seemed to disappear against the graffiti filled wall as the young woman walked by seemingly unaware of the sleeping man.

My world is filled with color...color is a metaphor for the relationships I cherish along with my art.In contrast, this man's life seems to be colorless, that is why I chose to paint him in black and white.

This is for Adebanji Alade's "Flying Moleskin", with the theme being homelessness, hope you like it Adebanji!

Joe & Friends - Michelle Burnett

2010-06-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

Joe & Friends

oil on gessoed paper

Here is my contribution to Edward Burton's sketchbook for his "music" theme. I choose a favorite local jazz musician, Joe McQueen, who just celebrated his 91st birthday and is still performing. I would have like to have spent more time working on this, but it's deadline time!

To learn more about Joe McQueen and hear him tell his story click here. To see and hear him play click here.

Two for James from Edward Burton

2010-06-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

oil

These are for James Parker whose moleskin subject matter is wildlife. The dog at the beach is from a photo that I've been wanting to paint and the night heron if from a photo I took when my wife and I were in the beautiful city of San Antonio, Texas last year to pick up our dog, Beau. Sure would love to return to San Antonio someday.

Venice nights - DOMINIQUE EICHI

2010-06-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

11 x 9 Oil (on gessoed watercolor paper )

This is for Vern's Moleskins. Since he has been creating pictures from his trip to Germany I thought I would give him something from my trip to Italy. This is the only night scene I have of Venice and I had it to paint it one day. So here it is Vern you get my first oil in the moleskins.
( I guess this time I made it on my own deadline ... lol )

Santa Monican Homeless by Irit

2010-06-09T12:08:00.000-07:00

Oil paint on paper varnished

I was taking this pic one Saturday during my morning walk.

On the wide front lawn at City Hall, dozens of homeless people gather in an orderly, patient line every Saturday morning for a modest meal, provided free by a church group and a small cadre of cheerful volunteers.
This is for you Adebanji, what a great idea, so close to our home/herats.
You can visit Adebanjis blog here:
http://www.adebanjialade.blogspot.com/

James - Dana's Dreaming

2010-06-07T18:06:00.000-07:00

Dana's Moleskin arrived and I was so delighted to see the marvelous entries in it... up close and personal!!!! Dana's theme is Dreams. I had two ideas in mind for my contribution to it. Decisions are a bummer. So I said to Pokey and TacoBelle... "Hey, Pups... Two Pages... Two Pictures" And here they are:

FOLLOW THE LEADER

2010-06-05T12:59:00.001-07:00

Irit, this is my contribution for your moleskine and your topic, "something about your local area". I had several ideas for your book, and why I went with these rocks, I do not know! Without a doubt, this is my first and last attempt at painting rocks, whew!

Two times a year there is an art show held at Cottonwood Park, it is very well attended by families and their pets. Artists have water bowls out for pets and there is a tented area for the children to be creative and experience all types of art. Alongside the art, is a large creek where you can always find children climbing on the rocks and following the multiple paths the rocks create. I always look forward to attending the shows here, there's a large variety of art, lots of dogs to photograph, and great people watching.

"Young Lady..." Dana Cooper

2010-05-27T06:18:00.000-07:00

10" X 8" oil on gessoed paper

This is my submission for Dean Haven's "Flying Moleskin" book. I know Dean to be a generous blogger friend and a talented artist who paints a variety of subjects.

My initial thought was to do a portrait of Dean until I came across a photo I had taken at MOMA in NY of a young woman taking a photo of a black and white portrait by Chuck Close. Ah, ha...the planet and stars aligned and she is now taking a photo of Dean! He seems to be saying, "young lady, why are you taking my photo?"...hope you like it Dean!

A Change In Plans

2010-05-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

Angela, this one is for you, and was supposed to be of you. (You can read about it on my blog). I remembered a comment you made earlier stating that something from Germany, a favorite place of yours, would be something that you'd like to see in your moleskin. I shot the reference photo in Frankfurt, and thought it might cover all of the bases regarding your wishes. With a couple of kids in the background, and a hound that needs a bit of schooling, this picture screamed ANGELA to me. Hope you like it.

FUTURE OF FORESTRY - Dominique Eichi

2010-05-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

8 x 23 Acrylic
This is for Edward's moleskin and his theme is MUSIC so my piece is about a band with a name I love since trees are involved......lol.
Future of Forestry is a musical group my daughter introduced me to. She brought me to a concert of theirs at Christmas time in San Diego. I was blown away by the sound they had. So different yet powerful, even with the traditional songs of Christmas.
This song is called SLOW YOUR BREATH DOWN from their new CD " Travel III " , it is beautiful, out this June.
This is a Christian band and they are getting a lot of traction on MTV and in other arenas.
I hope you listen to them and enjoy them as much as I do.

I've always love the Cello but when I saw this one I was blown away.

This instrument I still don't know what it is but the sound it makes is beautiful.
Burst into jubilant song with music. ps98:4

They are on U-TUBE HERE

PS .. I guess this time out I'm the one that needed the push for I AM LATE, sorry it's in the mail.

Liz Holm for Michelle

2010-05-14T10:19:00.000-07:00

Ryan, Megan

watercolor

This is for Michelle Burnett. I was wracking my brain for snapshot or postcard ideas from my past, and became so melancholy looking through old photos, I had to stop. Then I noticed some of the cutest kids I'd ever seen on Michelle's FB page. The apple really doesn't fall far.

This is in the air to Adebanji. Sorry I'm late everyone.

Dove Love

2010-05-12T06:26:00.000-07:00

Acrylic on 8x10 moleskin paper.
By Dean H.

James Parker did a fine white dove as part of his beautiful entry. I have to second the motion (emotion). So I painted my version.The mourning dove...The very epitome and symbol of peace.

Words that, to me, describe one of my favorite birds, the dove....muted colors...soft cooing call...vulnerable and non-threatening.

This is my entry into Camille LaRue Olsen's moleskin. Her theme is Peace. Hope you like it, Camille!

This will soon be coming to you, Vern.

Genesis 8:11 When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth.

For the love of Radishes - Irit Bourla

2010-05-11T22:58:00.000-07:00

oil on gessoed paper and varnished

I love red and I love radishes ... is it weird or what ?

The earthy-spicy flavor of radish, unlike any other vegetable, can bring out unexpected flavors in your meals.

You brought an unexpected excitement to my life with this blog.!

This is for " DEAN " the spice of life !

Bluebird for Sheila

2010-05-10T14:16:00.000-07:00

Bluebird

8"x8", oil on gessoed cardboard

by Michelle Burnett

Here is my contribution to Sheila Tajima's sketchbook. I think the bluebird is very symbolic of Sheila since it represents cheerfulness and happiness. I think of her wonderful ability to spread happiness with all of the cheerful comments she leaves!

Her theme is things you love. My new "love" is of birds! Since I painted the chickadee, I've had this new fascination with birds and have been wanting to paint more. I've also been seeing them everywhere...in home decor and jewelry, (which I've been buying up) and plenty in my backyard. (Ah...a wonderful sign of spring!)

Flying Bunny for Irit

2010-05-05T08:03:00.000-07:00

My daughter's bunny rabbit has come back here to roost, as she has just moved home. He is very soft and affectionate, loves to run circles around our feet or cuddle up while we watch LOST or Glee. I didn't know what to do for Irit (speaking of 'lost') so, there he was, and now here he is. I started to use brighter colors to suit Irit's color taste more, but he's just bunny-colored so I gave him a darker background to set him off. Hope you enjoy, Irit!

Lake Anna Swans

2010-05-05T05:31:00.000-07:00

Close up

Acrylic on 8x10 moleskin paper.

By Dean H.

I'm running a bit late because of mail issues. I blame volcano ashes and postal goof ups...anything or anyone but moi!

These are swans from one of my favorite places...Lake Anna in Barberton, Oh.
A beautiful spot smack dab in a very urban area. Usually filled with walkers, joggers,and just plain ol' bench sitters, My favorite times to be there were early morning or late evening...when everything quieted down.

This is my entry into Angela Elledge's moleskin. Her general theme is Places. Hope you like it, Angela!

Get ready, Vern...comin' atcha! Hope this shipment goes smoother than the last nightmare.

James - JUNGLE JUMBLE

2010-05-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

7 x 22 Acrylic Click Images to Enlarge

Dominique's theme is woods, forest, shadows, and other stuff like that. Well, when I lived in Costa Rica and before I had a blogspot, I had a regular website....Yimi Art. Dominique had somehow found that site and sent me a couple of E-Mails commenting and trying to get me to figure out a way to be able to leave comments directly on the site. I found blogspot shortly after and Dominique and Sheila were my first followers. So, since I first had contact with Dominique while I was in Costa Rica, I returned to the rainforest for my artwork in her sketchbook. Besides, I like painting parrots and frogs. And, confidentially,...I kinda identify with the monkeys. Hm-m-m, now where did I leave my banana?
P.S. I'm adding this after posting...I noticed I left out two important elements which I will add and have on the painting when I post it on my blog in a couple of days. OOPs, sorry.

Great Horned Owls

2010-05-03T18:50:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd keep in step with Dean's family theme for James Parker's book, so I painted these two natural born killers...ha, from photos I took of them in my backyard last May. Judging by all the duck parts I found in our yard, I think they too would have LOVED your paintings Mr. Haven. James, I know you are partial to birds with all the beautiful paintings you do of them, so I hope this works for you. Cheers my friend.