Flying Moleskins - WTTW - Music to Paint by

Dominique Eichi had a bright idea a while back...to form a small group of artists and begin a travelling sketchbook project. So she did, and it kicks off today...THE FLYING MOLESKINS (click here) There's a little over a dozen of us who got a sketchbook, did a little work of art in it, and will pass it on to the next artist. At the end of the circular journey, each of us will have our own journal, filled with the work of our fellow artists...a treasured memento. Below is the cover from my sketchbook...

And, my theme is wildlife, and this is my send-off artwork....


The first submission for the current Windows to the Words Challenge "Kids & Their Pets...Matching Sets" is from Liz Pearson, from South Africa, called "Puppy Love", and here it is...


And Back to the Flying Moleskins. Edward Burton chose "Music" as his theme and painting a magnificent Jazz artwork (see it by clicking HERE). Ed says he has the tunes going all the time while he's painting. I do too. I was wondering how many of you all out there, listen to music as you work? Leave a comment and let us know what you listen to. Would be interesting.

Most of the time I listen to The Moody Blues. But three of my favorites are Enya, Yanni, and Enigma. And I have (hopefully) attached a selection from each of them. If you have a chance, lend me an ear. Lemme know what you think. Click on the Names.

Enya - Only Time

Yanni - Nostalgia

Enigma - Sadeness

Cya down the Road.................... James

The Lighter Side of Edward Burton and Artist 'sMagazine Entries

One day I'm gonna put up a blog analyzing why we blog. For now, I'll just say I blog to show off my art and share art tips and ideas, of course. BUT...I think the REAL reason I blog is to try to entertain. I have a weird sense of humor, and I like to inflict it on others. So, let's start off with the good stuff first.

This blog is kinda about aging, which I'm doing. I'm trying to eat better...more fruits and veggies, etc. Well...ED BURTON (an exceptionally talented artist and my buddy by the bay...visit his site for awe and inspiration by clicking HERE) seems to have a friend who likes fruits and veggies too.....as "disturbed art creations"....makes me want to grab an avocado and an Exacto knife. Ed shared these with me, and now I'm sharing em with you.

Extremely rare Butterfly.....Lepedoptera Appleicus

Watering the Melon

Remember that old B-Movie, Killer Tomatoes? Well..............

Next, I'm addicted to writing poems for "Every Photo Tells A Story"...a delightful blog site that features great artwork and writing....check it out by clicking the photo on the right. Today's photo was of three old geezers sitting on a park bench reminiscing about old times. I wrote my poem "I Remember What I almost Forgot" and then reflected some more on getting older. So when I picked up my E-Mail, there was ED BURTON sharing some more with me. Others are aging also....which makes me feel better? Hmmmm. Anyway, let me share with you a few others who are adding on the years (and pounds?)

Barbie Turns 50...... (and 250)

"Puddy Tat? Puddy Tat? Who Cares? Tweetie at 60

Linda Carter? Calling Linda Carter. We need you, Linda Carter.

Speaking of old geezers....Artist's Magazine has just sponsored a competition for artists over 60 years of age....which excludes most of you all. The deadline was September 30 and the top ten chosen by the jury will receive $100 and a feature in the March issue. I submitted 4 for the competition....wish me luck.

"Moon Dog on the Streets of Granada, Nicaragua"
MoonDog was a sweet old dog that kinda attached himself to Me and Pokey and TacoBelle. Totally useless, but rather endearing. I visited Granada, Nicaragua quite often, and took a lot of pictures of the neat streets and scenery there. I plan on using more of those backgrounds and add elements to them.

"TacoBelle at the Door In Granada, Nicaragua"
This is the third version of this painting. I had posted a larger version of it several months ago. I sold both previous paintings and this one I just finished (12 x 16 acrylic on canvas) for another customer.


"Back Steps Beggar"

I have posted this one previously. It is a pezote, or coati mundi on the back steps of MINAE (Costa Rica's Environment Agency). I painted it last year and OTS (Organization for Tropical Studies) used it for their Holiday greeting cards.

"Egret on the Rocks"
I have posted this one earlier, too. Caught this photo of an egret on the Sarapiqui River in Costa Rica a year and a half ago.

And finally....3 more days for WTTW "Cats Up" challenge. I've had some delightful submissions (see em HERE), but there's still plenty of kitty litter left undisturbed, so send me your art. Next month's challenge will be "SCARY STUFF", and I'll post those reference photos Sunday on Windows to the Words.

Thought for the Blog....It seems the more timesaving devices you accumulate, the less leisure time you have. Have a good weekend & CYA down the road.