Paco & The End for James

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!

NIPPER

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!

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!

"Autumn Lights" - Michelle Burnett

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

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.

HENRY...for Vern Schwarz

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.

DO-SI-DO for Edward

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!

"The Good Life on Santorini" Edward Burton

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.

Longhorn Lady

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.

FOLLOW THE LEADER

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.

Lake Anna Swans

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.

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.

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!

LAKE MARTIN PATHWAY FOR DOMINIQUE

oil on watercolor moleskine sketchbook

The next few weeks will be busy ones and so the day I received this from Camille, I began my painting for Dominique. Through painting this, I learned that moleskine watercolor paper is quite durable because this went through a couple of wipe outs before I found a direction I liked.

Each summer I visit my hometown in SW Louisiana and my brother gives me a day where he brings me to different rural areas. Shane brings his camera & tripod, books, and sketchbook and finds ways to stay busy while I paint. When I'm finished, we pack up and head to another location. One of my favorite places to paint is called Lake Martin, located between Lafayette and Breaux Bridge. It's about 9,500 acres of cypress swamps, along with a rookery, and a nature trail. I've never been on the nature trail because when I visit it is alligator nesting season and the trails are closed. I'm always amazed at the number of alligators we see, and am very grateful they appear to prefer the water areas and not the area on land where I am painting. While painting, we are entertained by a number of different egrets, spoonbills, ibis', and of course the very loud mating calls of the alligators. There are always a few people fishing, some in boats and others alongside the banks. I've never been to Lake Martin where we have not run into professional photographers camped out in their cars with giant lenses waiting for the perfect picture opportunity.

I have collected a variety of photos from Lake Martin for future paintings and this is one of the many I've been wanting to paint.

On the opposite side of the swamp are a few private homes, a very eclectic mix. There is one home that is designed by it's architect owner and it looks like a tall, narrow fortress, the neighboring home is a farm with the friendliest horses and cows. There are several private dirt roads leading, I am assuming, to private residences, Dominique's painting is of one of those private roads. Take a minute and google Lake Martin Louisiana images, you will not be disappointed!

Next voyage - April 9

Everyones work is so varied and beautiful it's exciting to be able to see each person's  artwork before you.
Thank you all for making this project so special.

BTW -  Liz you win the most creative dare devil post this time.

SOUVENIRS OF MY CHILDHOOD

Michelle Burnett's moleskine theme is souvenirs and postcards. I went back and forth thinking about the only 2 homes I've ever known: Louisiana and Texas. Every idea I came up with for either state seemed a bit trite and then I thought about stretching Michelle's theme a bit, hence Souvenirs of My Childhood.

As a child, I loved our set of Golden Book Encyclopedias that Mom bought at the grocery store each week. Do ya'll remember these books? The covers were highly illustrated and the inside, had a lot of simple drawings. For a little kid who loved to draw, I spent a lot of time looking at and copying those pictures, constantly discovering new pictures and drawings.

For Souvenirs of My Childhood, I decided to copy two of my favorite covers and in the background I included drawings that I did when I was about 6 or 7 years old. Looking at these books now, I realize how simplistic and dated the content is, but I have to tell you, I still love those illustrated covers.

ANGELA ELLEDGE

Black ink pen/watercolor pencils

I've chosen the theme: places, and decided to show you my little painting place. I used to paint in the closet (door to the left). Well, things got a little crowded in that closet, so, a trip to one of my favorite thrift stores turned up a decent table/workspace. I moved some furniture around in the family room, and now, the closet is for storing painting stuff... which, of course, is getting very crowded and ready for a cleaning, but that will have to wait until Spring.

Thank you for including me in this fun adventure; I look forward to seeing everyone's art! This theme is meant to be very open, do whatever you like, have fun and enjoy! James, I'm mailing my book to you on Saturday.