Going to Peaces

This is my addition to Camille Olsen's journal for the Flying Moleskins project. Camille's theme is Peace. At first I was stumped about what to paint to depict Peace. I could see John and Yoko riding on Cat Stevens "Peace Train" singing "Give Peace A Chance"...but after I thought about it for a few seconds I couldn't see it. With my warped sense of humor, I started to get a can of green peas, throw em in a blender, paint em, and call it "Envision Whirled Peas". Fortunately, that one didn't stay afloat either. So I just started painting without a notion of what I was doing and finished it without a notion of what I did. That's it above...a potpourri of Peace stuff...peaceful scene, a dove, a peace lily, a peace symbol, and a Peace rose. Unless you mistake the fall foliage for a major forest fire, the painting's not too bad.


With a flying start, this month's Window to the Words Challenge, "For The Birds", took off faster than a beagle on a pork chop. There's already over a dozen talented entries which you can view by clicking HERE. My rendition of a wood thrush is pictured above. Birds seems to be a very popular theme, maybe because Spring is busting out all over, but my birdseed bill is sky-high.

And, if you're a bird affecianado, check out the "Incredible Bird Photos" like the one of a woodpecker, above, on "WOW - Windows of Wonders" by clicking HERE.

There are three other new posts on WOW...one on "The Shoppers of Wal-Mart", which I wouldn't recommend if you don't like nightmares and having dark, disturbing doubts about the future of mankind. But...the post of "Forever Friends" is a delightfully touching story of a real "odd couple" who found life and happiness in each other. Your kids and grandkids would love this one. The photo below shows the two, and you can view their story by clicking HERE.


And Don't Miss This One...It is truly incredible...STREET PAINTING!!
The photo below is NOT a photo trick...that street is painted!! check it out by clicking HERE.
I am a big kid. I get up each morning, eager to see what new wonders might be waiting. I revel in finding new things, seeing new stuff, making new friends and cherishing old ones, My soul and spirit is strengthened by humor, uplifted by beauty and inspiration, tempered by compassion and sorrow, and defined by that mixture. I like to share that recipe, and that's the reason I started WOW...Windows of Wonders. I invite you to join me as I post the weird, the funny, the beautiful, the inspiring, the touching, the awesome and everything in between.

Cya down the road.......James

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