Happy New Year To All

Happy New Year Everyone! Be safe and have good one!

A Nice Christmas Present (Corel Draw 11)

Hello Folks,

My beautiful, kind husband Ray is always wanting to by me something that I really don't want

for Christmas. Yeah I said ! What??

While I appreciate the very kind very kind jester, it can be rather frustrating to me.

Each year I try to help the brother out by telling him,

" Just get me a gift certificate and call it a day!" He sometimes, as Bug Bunny would say, " He just don't git it!" This year I'm gonna have to ambush the brother and do my own shopping. You know people, kinda direct him where he should go. So this is for all you wonderful people who have artist in your life and don't have a clue as to what to give 'em!!

1. Give them a gift certificate to their favorite art store. Like PearlPaint, or Jerry's Artist Supply, or Dick Blick! Yeah that's the ticket!!!

2. Corel as wonderful software for the artist in your life. I actually did this picture with Corel

Painter 11! And no, I ain't bein' paid by the company for this! If it's someone who is into animation purchase this wonderful animation software from Fablevisionlearning.com by artist

Peter H Reynolds. Very inexpensive and Fun! Great for the young artist.

3. Give them as a blank artist journal with some colorful pens. They will love you for it

I promise! So Ra.... I mean people save yourself the headache and try some of these things out

he he he!!

Happy Holidays

My Christmas Wish ( Hatch)

Wishing with all my heart, might and soul that you and yours will have the most blessed and happiest Holiday. And may good things be hatched in the New Year!!!

Here are some of my Holiday wishes for you.

1. That you will grow where you are planted. ( If you don't like where you are stop complaining about it and do something about it!) Stop giving all your power and authority to people who don't care about you. You care about you!!! You are valuable and precious. A promise!!!

2. That you will dream bigger than yourself! ( You can't share your dreams with everybody.

Sometimes you are already battling your own self doubt why bring someone else's negativity into the mix. Remember, you can't put a 18x24 vision in a 3x5 card mind! Get somewhere quite and dream as big as you want. Write it down or draw it out. If you don't have a vision for it you won't know how to handle it when it comes. Feel the joy of it. Feel the

moment and watch what happens! Dreams really do come true he he he!!

3. That you will have all the encouragement and support you need when you need it most. ( Who have you encouraged in the last 30 days? Heck, when was the last time you encouraged You he he he??? When we give even the smallest bit of encouragement to someone we get a bigger return. You get to make someone feel so special and this creates more good energy! Some of you will never ever know how much you have encouraged and supported me. I could just cry thinking about it. Your words have been like medicine to me. Giving me much laughter, healing and comfort. I wish you all the same. Hugs a plenty!

Happy Holidays

Peace

Crunchy

I love the crunchy sound snow makes under foot!

Happy Monday

Music

This is an illustrations from my new book, "Let Freedom Sing."

Music is a very large part of my life. I am both a singer and musician.

Music is such a powerful tool for artist. It can move you in so many

ways. It can create a mood for a story or illustration. Yes, music even

has charms to soothe the savage beast of illustration and inspirational

blockages! So the very next time you feel artistic constipation with inspirational

irregularity, take two music laxatives and call me in the morning.

Tootles! he he he!

Have a good one People!

Happy Tuesday!!

I came out to play with yall today for just one second cause I got a pile of work just waiting for me and honestly I'm happy for it! While I was taking a little break I did this little ditty!

Just playing around with some filters and different brushes. Okay that's enough! Got to run!

Have wonderful week everyone!!!! he he he!

Blur

Sinbad used Sasha as his secret weapon of choice. When the Sasha danced everything

became a total blur he he he he!!!

Where the Sweet Things Are

This weeks prompt for WAWE was ," Create a Wild Things scene or characters"

I love this book, but the movie left me feeling very sad. I prefer the book!

Have a sweet week everyone!

Work for National Geographic

Hello All,

I just wanted to share a little bit about what I've been working on and what's on my desk.

I have been doing work for National Geographic under Hamilton-Brown Publishing. It's been

pretty busy around here too and I'm happy for that!!! This is a piece I did for a children's

Phonic's book. There are a few pieces that I have done that I hope to share later on.

I so enjoy doing work like this. Sometimes it's a crazy deadline in front of me,

but I do love what I get to do every single day and that is create! It's joy! How many people

can say that they get to do what they love and get paid for it too??? GOD IS GOOD! he he he!!

Well it's time to go back to work. So I will be checking in on Yall a little later during the week.

Keep your heads up!

Have a sweet one Yall!

My Brother Pal Peter Bresse is having a wonderful show in Dallas, Texas at

the 4th Wall Gallery on November 7th. I will not be able to be there, but I would

really love to share in the evening with him. Peter is an awesome illustrator! I love

his retro style fashion illustrations. The delicious black line and spots of color. From

robots to fabulously painted Mod models Peter brings it in his own style.

I have been following Peter's blog for a long time. You should really see his old stuff.

Wonderful robots that I have always adored! Peter I wish you all the very best

and lots of fun and SALES! We are all so very proud of you! YOU ROCK DUDE!!!!

"Hey Mom, I want to be a Show Girl!"

Oh Yeah, I know it's a bit shameful, but yes, yours truly has always, always had a thing for

the cute little blinged out costumes, feathers, and makeup. I wanted to be a Show Girl!!!

I can only imagine what I put my poor parents through using their good sheets and

wax flowers trying to pull it off he he he! Here's wishing you a very happy and safe Halloweeny!

FAST

Is it me or is Halloweeny coming up really fast this year???

Have a safe one!!!

Not Making the Cut

Well Friends, it is said," In each ones life some rain must fall." I ended up with hurricane with

this little project. My wonderful Agent and friend

Lori Norwicki of Painted-Words.com was working on getting me this possible job with a well know book publisher, which shall remain nameless.

I really wanted this job very badly. Well, while the editors loved the

artwork, the art director didn't! He or she felt is was to commercial. It took me a couple of days to pull it together. A few pep talks from my brother Eric and sister Bella and I let it go.

I remember when disappointing situation like this would have devastated me and left me

feeling like such a failure. The fact is sometime we just don't make the cut and it not because we are not talented or capable. It just didn't work for them. Why am I sharing this information?? Just being real, we live in a real world with real people. In this business of

children's book illustration, fashion, editoral, crafting or the like, someone is going to have

an opinion about our work. Some will like it and some will not and just because they don't

doesn't make you any less talented or gifted. If I only told you about the good things and how

I got this or that job I would not be who I am. The Vanessa Brantley-Newton

who blogs here is the same Vaness Brantley-Newton who speaks to many of you on the

phone, via email, and facebook and through comments on your blogs. I share the good, the bad, and the ugly with yall he he he! Hey, as my very geechee Mama would say, " Chil' what don't kill ya sure will fatten you and when life gives you lemons, dam it, make lemonade!" I thought I would share the illustrations with you as well. Other project have come and will come and I am so very grateful for them. I hope that this will encourage those of you who feel like you've failed or didn't make the cut in some way. I would say to you, keep doing your best work. Enjoy the process of creation, laugh at yourself, pick yourself up and dust yourself off and try again.

Breakthrough is just around the corner.

Peace

Frozen

Eric knew something was up when he and his family came home to find

their freezer in the middle of the kitchen floor. Yup, the "Frozen", veggies

decided to put on a show. With all the falling down, they had managed to move

the freezer away from the wall. That lazy lima bean and his french string bean

partner were rehearsing their frozen follies right there in the freezer.

Moral of the story, there is none. he he he he!!!

Okay, back to my rock. Have a wonderful week everyone.

Gotta Get Gone Again!!!

Hey Everyone, I've got to get gone for a minute, but I'll be right back to hangout

and play. I have to do some work! Now behave yourselves till I get back now

you hear??? he he he! Have a wonderfully creative week Yall!!

Flying

Camille and Brown got away just in time. She hadn't done her homework

or chores. She placed the balloon up to her mother's bedroom window and

got all the hot air she and Brown needed to take a balloon ride for the day.

he he he!

It's Friendship, Friendship!

This is a prompt from WW "Younger Frankenstein".

Frankie and Mo would remain best friends throughout their lifetime. And even though

they didn't fit in with everyone else they love each others and they

loved themselves! I love you just the way you are my friends!

Remember Lucy and Ethel singing the,"Friendship" song???

Okay to the tune of that he he he! Here we go!!!

If you're ever need a brain call my name,

If you're ever chased by a crowd scream real loud

If they ever run you down and tell us to leave this town

(Well still have)

FRIENDSHIP, FRIENDSHIP!!!!

That's the prefect planship!

When the village idiots are after you.

I'll still be true blue!

alotta lotta lotta boo boo boo!

he he he!

Thanks Everyone for making my 46th birthday such a treat!

he he he!

A Happy Germy Birthday to Me!!!!

If you know who this green woman is, then you and I are children of the 60's!

I wanted this green, shiny, beautiful, glowing, alien goddess, from the "Lost in Space"

series to be my friend and live with me forever. Athena was her name! She was

the most beautiful green girl I had ever seen and she might have even had a few

alien germs, but I liked her just the same. So since it's my 46th birthday

I took some need time and recreated her for If's Germs. Thanks to all my family,

blog Peeps and friends who have wished me a Happy Birthday! I love yall so much!!!!

Now make sure you wash your hands after reading this post he he he!

Makeup Works

I have been a Makeup Artist for many, many a year now. I still do it as a side job and I must

admit I love the stuff. It's something about doing a makeover or under on a woman and watching

the reaction. I'm the makeup artist to woman who don't like makeup. Most of my clients really hate the stuff and only wear it for T.V appearances , photo shoots, or weddings. This is an illustration I did for a possible business card. Yeah, I know I have my hands in 40 tills, but in this economy you had better he he he!

MAKEUPPPPPPPP!!!!

Have a great day.

Following the Pattern

Little Red knew that she need to keep to her same pattern on the way to

Grandma's but which one???

he he he!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

That Wicked City Woman

Treat or Treat meant something totally different for the

deranged Anna Bella Maria Mary Josephine Constance Karen Maryweather.

That name had caused her much distress as a young girl.

The constant teasing would drive her to a life of crime.

She has since changed her name to, "That Wicked City Woman"

I'm sure some of you know her. She comes over to borrow your car

and brings it back on E or not at all! Ask to use your expensive jewelry and never

returns it! Steals your parking space at the mall. Gets in the 12 items

or less line with of course 30 items. If you see this woman, there is

a world wide warrant out for her arrest! GEEEEEEEETTTTTTT HERRRRR!

He he he!

What the???

"Oh for crying in the beer cheese soup, who the heck is this?",

whined Marsha. She wanted Reggie all to herself.

Reggie was determined to make new friends no matter how

weird or strange. he he he! Happy Week everyone!!!

Chair Study

Nothing special just studying chairs.

Neo Soul Nursery Rhymes and Let Freedom Sing on the road

Neo Soul Rhymes Goes on Tour!

It's about to get busy!!! I start off with a book signing and then some singing. This is from the posting of my little Sister Coy Laverne Curry

Over at 2Geecheegirls.blogspot.com. Hope that some

of my friends and family can make it.

We are so excited! Thanks so much for your support!

Hi All,

Well as many of you know my new CD Neo Soul Rhymes Volume 1 is done and doing well! V also just completed a book that is gaining great notoriety "Let Freedom Sing" and is available in stores now. Our 8 City Tour launches this month on the 19th! Red Hippo Box is handling the promotion and the tour. I will keep you posted on dates and locations. For the month of September V and I will be doing the following:


BROWNSTONE BOOKS: Let Freedom Sing Book Signing
Brownstone Books, 409 Lewis Avenue, Brooklyn, NY Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 1:00 pm-3:00 pm www.brownstonebooks.com/718.953.7328



WHOLE FOODS BLOCK PARTY: Neo Soul Rhymes Vol. 1
Whole Food's Block Party, Springfield Avenue, Milburn, NJ Saturday, September 11:00 am - 3:00 pm www.wholefood.com/stores/milburn/908.688.1455



AUNT JEAN'S TOY STORE: Neo Soul Rhymes Vol. 1
Aunt Jean's Block Party, 12 North Willow Street, Montclair, NJ Sunday, September 27, 2009 11:00 am - 4:00 pm www.auntjeanstoys.com/973.783.6100

Be sure and tell all your friends and family to come out and say hello and enjoy the events!

We look forward to seeing your face in the place!
2Geechee Girls!

LUNCCCCCCCCCCCH!!!

Is this one of the biggest lunches you've ever seen????

he he he!! A piece I did for Watercolor Wednesday.

Welcome To the Woods

Cous Cous really knew how to empress the ladies.

He really wanted to show his new neighbor, Miss Slappy his skills.

He would almost have killed her trying.

Have a joyful weekend!

It Cost to much to live here in Jersey

Well, my husband and I are considering relocating.

IT'S STRAIGHT SCARY PEOPLE!!!!!!

I can't imagine living any where else. All I have ever

known is New Jersey exits 145, 143, and 130!!!

WHAT IS WE'S GONE DOOOOOO!!!!

Okay, I know, " Man up and deal right?"

I will know by Dec 1 if we have to move. The only way for

me to shake the scary feelings was to draw so I came up with this.

The only person that really won't mine is my cat Kirby the fearless

and the over weight lover. I will keep you posted.

Pray yall! I AIN'T READY TO LEAVE JUST YET!!!

Seth's first Day

Lady Good Nectar has the Bear Family over for Costume Tea Party

Oh Dear, I invited the bears over for Tea this afternoon.

When I opened the cottage door the poor dears ran away!

I thought I'd told them that it was a costume Tea and that

I would be dressed as a Mime. Mrs. Bear let me have it for

scaring poor baby bear to death. He doesn't take kindly to

clowns and Mine, but he sure ate his weight in tea and crumpets.

He he he!

Down The Rabbit Hole Again

Hello Family,

Oh well, It's that time again. I have to go under. Lots of work has come and I am grateful for each and every job as my wonderful and talented husband has been out of work for almost 6 years. It's a sign of the times. The tables have turned and now I am the bread winner for the family for a little while at least. Zoe is resting and we will not be sending her to school if she is not feeling better by tomorrow. That's the last thing any parent needs is another kid coming to school sick and spreading the joy! And all the parents said, "AMMMEEENNNN!" I will post on the weekends or when I finish a few things until then Yall behave yourself!! Have fun and laugh alot and be very, very creative!

Hugs and Plenty

Okay it's down

down

down

Zoe's First Day

Well, Yall... Zoe, my beautiful and talented almost nine year old will be starting third grade

on this Wednesday coming. Yesterday she woke up with a sore throat

and now she is coughing a little. She is now in my bed. It's 5:25 am

eastern time and I have a little itch in my throat too. I've been up since

3:25am this morning check and working on her.

This child cannot afford to miss the first day of school!!!!

Well just have to play it by ear. So, she ain't really feelin' school

right now. What is wee's gone do?????

HELPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!

Magnify

His wife was concerned about his health and quickly placed him on the latest diet plan.

The man wasn't even trying to hear anything about any new Magnify Diet!

This diet came complete with super magnifying glass, instructions and a card that said, "Good Luck Sucker!" I suppose you want to know what the instructions said???

Yup you guessed it!!! Hold the super magnifying glass up to your small portion breakfast,

lunch or dinner to, of course make it appear to be a larger portion, there by satisfying your

desire for a larger meal. He he he!

Have a good one folks

Duh,

Have you ever had one of those days as an illustrator or, one who creates, when you just can't seem to do anything right??? Maybe your wrote down the message wrong or you didn't get all that the client said before you hung up the phone? Oh well, anyway, I had the kind of day. I think my brain fell out of my head and somehow ended up on the bottom of my shoe. Okay, the client asked me to do character studies, but some how I totally missed what style they wanted it in. They wanted my tradition collage style seen here.

Anyway, now that we are all on the same piece of paper I can start doing what they have requested of me. Lesson learned: Get all the information you can before you start a job. Listen very intently and purposefully as well. Write every single thing down. Ask questions. If they have samples of your work as them to refer to the style the would like you have you do the work in. Of course their time is important, but so is YOURS. Get as much as you can so that you can follow through without problems. I have bared my soul today and I'm just going to laugh this one off. So don't laugh at me laugh with me. Oops hee he he hee!

Have a good one Yall

Let Freedom Sing On Just One More Book

Hey Family, I got this wonderful email from two creators of a wonderful

Podcast called, Just One More Book. They shared with me that they choose

my most recent book, "Let Freedom Sing" to be a part of their discussion

on todays show at 12:00pm. I am so honored and humbled by this. If you

get a moment or two would you please be my guest and tune in? Just click on the link here

share.php and it will take you to the site. Thanks so very much my friends. I so appreciate eac and everyone of you precious, precious souls. Sending very many hugs out to all today.

Keep your heads up and let your light shine

Drum City (sneak Peak)

Hey there Family,

Some of you know that I have been busy working on a couple of new projects.

One of which was a wonderful story called, "Drum City".

It is due to be released sometime this year before Christmas

through Tricycle Press. It's a fun book about a boy who is over

heard playing his little pots and pans in his backyard. Everyone

in the neighborhood becomes curious and wants to joins in. Both children and adults

find all kinds of objects to make a drums from and form a city wide band!

The whole city becomes one big drumming band.

I have to say I so enjoyed working on this project. I got stretched

in so many different ways he he he he!

I will tell you that this is not the business for thin skinned illustrators.

Just because you like your illustration doesn't mean everyone else

will and so you have to take the critics and comments on the chin, build up

a thick skin and of course, don't take it personal. Remember this is what you love to do!

I have learned so much through the process. I will forever be a student

because I love to learn. With each new project I learn something new.

Here are just two spreads that I would

like to share with you. I'll let you know when it goes on sale.

Enjoy!!

Caution

Tabitha told her father

not to add to much

yeast. " I know what I'm

doing honey." he replied.

She had cautioned him

many, many times before.

There is still remains from

his last meal on the ceiling.

hee he hee !

Have a wonderful weekend!

Meet Davelean

Hello There,

Meet Davelean. She is just one of the newest

characters that I have had the pleasure to

work on. I love developing character for

books. So, of course I want to know what

Yall think. She is about 6 ish or 7.

Have a good one!

THANKS CAREN!

I got one of the nicest surprises on last week from a wonderful friend
Caren kdottiedesigns.typepad.com. Caren has one of the most beautiful

Blogs around. It's like a going to high tea, A garden party, girls night outs,

and A fabulously delightful Shabby Chic shop all in one!!! It's a pleasure so please

when get a moment or two check it out. Caren has was she calls,

PINK SATURDAY AND A GIVEAWAY!

Welcome to PINK SATURDAY! Has another week gone by so quickly? So glad you stopped by to visit me today....it's another GIVEAWAY!

In honor of our new website (see previous post), we are giving away to one LUCKY winner, a FAIRY DOOR of your choice. We have plenty that are PINK but you don't have to choose a pink one! Please leave a comment and if you would like you can jump on over to our website -( just click that button over there on the right) and let me know in your comment which Fairy Door you prefer!

Well I won!!!! Yeah, they picked my name out of hat and I won! I'm so excited about my little fairly door.

here is a picture of what these awesome fairy door look like!

So cute!!!

They are the cutest item. A beautifully painted door with wonderful details. If you would like to see it close up take a peek at Kdottiedesigns.com.
Of course if you would like to purchase one you can purchase online as well.
Thanks again Caren. I will treasure my Fairy door and take a picture of it when it comes so
you can all see where I've placed it. Thanks again Caren you made my day!!!
Have a good one everyone!

Wrapped

Auntie Harriet had kept the poor thing hidden in the back of the closet
until just the right time. She had worn Trixie to her high school prom
and wanted Jillian to help keep the tradition going.
Poor Jillian she had always known that Auntie Harriet
wasn't "Wrapped" to tight. Trixie was still alive and kicking!!!
hee he hee!!!
Have a great weekend everyone!

I'm doing the Happy Dance over these Awards!

I have been blessed to know so many, many wonderful and talented people
out in what I like to call, "Blogland". Some of these beautiful souls are
fabulous people that I might not have ever gotten the chance to meet
at any other time in this life. I hold things thing as precious and priceless.
I view each of you as valuable and precious. We are like vapors. Here
one beautiful moment and gone the next. I have been given some very
sweet awards and I want to thank these fabulous people.
First a very talent woman and sisterfriend Michelle Henniger
for the "Superior Scibbler Bloggy Award. Thank you so much Michelle I will always cherish this fine award.
This next ward was given to me by Janine who is a fabulous
artist and illustrator be sure and check out her blog. Thank you so much for this wonderful and fun award I really appreciate your kindness.
The next award comes from talented friend, who made me drool all over my computer key this morning
with her latest post called, " Food Art".
I gained 50 pounds while looking at it and reading it! thank you
Miss D BTW this award was created by Diana!
Then there is Ms.Shirley
The Bella Sinclair award has come full circle and this is just fabulous!
I love you Bella Sinclair
Thank you so very much my friends. I am so blessed by all of your kindness!
Thank you all for sharing these award with me and I will pass them on later
on in September as I am in the middle of working on some projects.
Thanks again Lovely Ladies you ROCK!