Happy New Messager

Wishing All of my Blogger Friends,Bubbies and Visitors a most
wonderful, beautiful and creative New Year ever!!!
Heres to throwing all caution to the
wind and finding our dreams, hopes, and creative
genius to help us move forward in the New Year.
I wish you all much success and happiness!
Happy New Year Everyone!!!

Who's Child Is This???

Who's child is this???? Huh? This little boy has been reeking
havoc and chaos in my head for days now. Kept asking if he
could go outside. When I released him from my creative head,
all you know what broke loose! His name is Little Ray.
He talks and talks and talks. I thought that if I gave him
a PBJ sandwich he'd shut his mouth, but noooooooooo.
First he left his chocolate fingerprints all over my new
white sofa! Now my cat is missing his left eye and I'm
sure he had something to do with it. He went shopping with
me and we were asked to leave the store y'all! Oh don't let
deem big old blue eyes fool you this one is a trip! Just look
at him standing there lookin' all innocent. You should have
seen what he did with my toothpaste. He is proof that parenting
ain't for punks!!! So here is my Christmas gift to all of you.
Little Ray. Right click all you want.
Merry Christmas
he he he he

Happy Holidays Everyone

Wishing you and yours the very best for a sweet and wonderful
Holiday Season!

She Got It Honest

Hello Blogger Friends,
Sure hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.
Mine was filled with lots of creativity and not just from me,
but my 10 year old Zoe. I have been encouraging Zoe to
get in touch with her artistic and creative side instead of
watching so much T.V and playing video games.
Children watch everything we do and though they might
not say a word they see EVERYTHING! That said, I've got to
be a really good example in all things, life, self, art, etc.
Zoe's school is really limiting the music and art programs in her
school, but both she I are determined to have expression
in both areas. I'm not leaving this up to anyone but me!
It is my joy to push my child and watch her do her thang too.
Go Zoe! Mama is SO proud of you.

An Interview with Dennis of Tanoshiboy

Hello Gang,
I just had the awesome privilege of doing an interview with
the very talented Illustrator and Designer Dennis Salvatier.
of Tanoshiboy.blogspot.com
Tanoshiboy started as a nickname, but has quickly become a place
where you can see new original sketches, works in progress
and finished work by Graphic Designer and Illustrator,
Dennis Salvatier. He also shares creative
inspiration and knowledge on branding and marketing.
Run on over and check it out when you have a chance.
Okay here is my new avatar for the moment.
I change it almost as often as I change my wigs he he he!
Just wanted to give you a close up of it since it's so
small. Have a great week everyone! Oh. and Rock
Steady Baby!
Peace

Burning

Those little mamas where burning up telephone lines
way before cell phones! Theirs was a three way HOT line!
Have you called your friends today???
Have a great weekend everyone.
Wawe
Illustration Friday

Hello All,
I've been people watching again.
Faces that stay with me and end up in
my sketch book. I just love watching people
he he he he he!
I'll be watching you so have a wonderful
week everyone!
me

Frightfully Beautiful

I have always found the bride of Frankenstein so pretty!
I so wanted that hair! Did this illustration really quick this morning.
Have a frightfully beautiful Halloweeny!
BOO!!!!

Spooky

Everyone else was afraid of the dark dank "Spooky" basement.
Lysan however, always walked lightly and carried a big stick.
The stick she carried just happened to a baseball bat!!!
I've got a feeling it's about to get busy! he he he he
Have a wonderful week everyone!!

Transportation

Lulabell's storybook was often the transportation to many spooky places.

Spiders New Whip

After waiting for over an hour for the public bus,
Loredan gets to ride with Spider's Jazz Trio. They are on there way to a gig
at the "Dish and Spoon Supper Club."

Birthday Super Suit

Hey Blogger Family!
My Birthday is coming up Sunday Oct 3.
I will have on my trusty poplin floral sheet cape
and hand cut super eye mask just like Batman's.
Of course you know I will also have my undies over
my tee shirt and jeans while I eat birthday with my
trusty country spoon. he he he he!!!
God has been so gracious to me that He has
granted me one more year to terrorize all you
good people!!! he he he he! I've been reeking havoc and
chaos on this world for 47 years! My daily prayer
is," May you not take me from This World before
my time, before the completion of my years
so that I my rectify anything that I have ruined."
Looks like it's gone be a while y'all!!!!
Up, Up, and Awayyyyyyyyy! Aw shoot I dropped my spoon.
Have a great week everyone.

A day with Tori Spelling and Tallulah Pt.3

Hey It's Heather one of our blogger buddies. Heather YOU ROCK GIRLY he he he he he!!!
Vanessa and Rosena
Tori having a long day. She's already signed at least 500 books by then!! Go Tori!
My Fabulous Agent Lori Nowicki and Editor Emily Lawrence from Simon and Schuster

A Day with Tori Spelling and Tallulah Pt.2

Tori and my cousin Shirley who came all the way from Boston to be with me. Thanks Shirley!
Me actually signing some books.
My husbands Sisters come to support. Sonia and Vanessa!
Two Vanessa Newtons Oh Lord!
The Twins, Ray and Allen Newton. My husband and his handsome brother.

A Day with Tori Spelling and Tallulah Pt.1

Hello Blogger Family,
So glad that I could get myself together and share the photos from the
fabulous book signing in NYC with Tori Spelling! It was wonderful
and very busy. It was a great day had by all and I even got to meet one
of our blogger buddies as you will see. Tori's fans turned out to support
her and my wonderful family and blogger family I just want to say,
"Thank you ALL from the bottom of my heart." Those that couldn't
be there with us, but who sent prayers and much love and support I want
you to know, It made all the difference in the world for me.
To Bella and Shirley who hopped into my purse and where carted
around all day long cheering me on. Thanks I love you guys.
Thanks Eric, for making me laugh and taking the edge off. To Coy,
my sister and very best friend I love you more than you. To all my
blogger buddies who emailed and commented and said such
encouraging words and cheered me on, I so appreciate you guys!
You people are the BESTEST from the Eastest to the Westest!
YOU ROCK PEOPLE!!!! YOU ROCK!!!!!
Tori Spelling and I meet for the first time at a Barnes and Noble's in house reception. She is so sweet and kind and very gracious. Thanks Barnes and Nobles for hosting Tori and I!
Tori and her best friend Mehran Farhat.
Tori Spelling and me!!! he he he he!!
Tori with more family!
Tori and my sister Coy talk and hug.
Tori takes a photoshot with my whole family! I love you guys.

Hint of a gift prepared for Tori.

Tori Spelling At Borders Books NYC

Hello Friends,
I got some wonderful news today. I was told that Tori Spelling will
be appearing at the Park Ave Borders Book Store
for a book signing on Sept 22,2010 at 6 pm.
She will be greeting and signing her first children's
book, "Presenting Talluah" and I had the pleasure of illustrating
"Talluah" so I will also be there to sign books too.
I would be so honored if some of you wonderful illustrators
and artist who live in and around the city would come out
so that I could meet you. I would love too meet my very
talented friends he he he he!! That would make my day!!!
If you can't make it just send your love and well wishes that's
just as good!!!!! I will take lots of pictures and post them
to share. Hopefully I will get to meet some of you!
Wish me lots of blessing and luck please.
Hugs to Everyone.
V

Collage My First Love

Of all the media that I work with collage, I have to say,
is the one the challenges me and stretches me as an
artist and illustrator. I am constantly blown away
with unlimited materials that can be found and
reused to create wonderful and whimsical art.
I am always on the hunt and prowl spying
for special papers and library book sales and such to
find things to work on and with. This piece was done
on heavy watercolor paper and then collaged with dictionary
and old ledger papers as well as novel pages. I then
painted with gouache, watercolor and crayons and
let the back ground come through. It was fun and next time
I would like to try something bigger. Hope that this
will inspire you try it for yourself. Let me know how it turns
out!!!
Have a great week!

Welcome Back Zoe

Well today is my daughter's first day back at school and she has
mixed feelings about the whole thing. "Will I see my old friends?
Will I like my new teacher? Will she or he like me? And by the way,
WHATS UP THESE UNIFORMS AGAIN?" The girl has been wearing
a school uniform for over 3 years now and we are still stuck
here! Her dad and I thinks she looks pretty COOL in her
burgundy and plaid. She would prefer wearing her regular
clothing. I have to say though, it's something so wonderful
about seeing a playground full of girls and boys in fabulous
uniforms. Just makes me want to stop and draw.
Zoe, Have a wonderful first day!!
Love you!
Mommy

Drum City at Books of Wonder

Howdy Folks,
It's been so busy around here and I have missed blogging, but we have been having
such fun with some new books that are out and about."Drum City", by my friend, the beautiful
and talented Thea Guidone was released in June 2010.
We finally had the chance to meet at a book signing we did together this past weekend
at NYC's famous, Books of Wonder on 18th Street
between 5 and 6th Ave. It was a very touching moment for Thea and I. It is often said that
some publisher don't want authors and illustrators to talk while doing a book. I was
all to happy and thrilled to meet Thea finally. She is wonderful! The book signing was great!
A good time was had by all. I got to meet some famous
people and I want to share it all with you.
Here is Thea the author of "Drum City"

Ms Rhode Levine the fabulous author of" Three Ladies Beside the Sea"

Mr. Bob Shea author/illustrator of "Race up to Bed and Oh Daddy"
Last but certainly not least and a very cool Dude,
the talented, funny, and musical Mr. Jef Czekaj
author/illustrator of "Hip and Hop Don't Stop"
This is Thea and Jef together.
It was my great honor to sit with all these talented people who are gifted yet very humble.
Books of Wonder has a fabulous staff. Meet Allan one of the wonderful sales people at
the store. He is so knowledgeable and hilarious! Thank Allan for all your help!

They are all ready to help you find the books of
your dreams and I do mean dreams!! There is nothing like it. Every kind of book you can
imagine will found in this very magical place. If you are a budding illustrator or writer or
perhaps you are a seasoned professional, if you can, take a magical trip to
Books of Wonder and sit a while. You are in for a great adventure!!!

The People In My Head

Character development is something that I really enjoy. Illustrating the
wonderful whimsical people that live inside my head. I am a people
watcher and living around the metro area of New Jersey and New York
I get to see a whole lot of fun and exciting characters. I also get the joy
of putting some of my family and friends into the my mix as
well. Now there is a bunch of hilarious characters. Here are just
a few. Meet Betty Needlemayer, The Magical Chauffer, and the
Family and friends of Auntie Mabel. The last illustration was used in
my latest book," Don't Let Aunt Mabel Bless the Table" we used it
as the end papers for the book. As you can I have been busy, but
not to busy to say thanks to everyone who comes to visit and leaves
a message. I appreciate you all taking time out of your busy day and
schedules to do so. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Have a great week everyone.
Me.

artificial

Chyna's new Seababy adjusted just fine to her new "Artificial" Water play ground.
She promised herself that she would not ruin this one like
she did the Sea Monkey's.

Love Stinks

Billy Bob had ridden his Mama's Wonder Mop since he was three.
Then his parents purchased him a play pony and it was love at
first site. Now Wonder Mop is upset. The only time it gets
taken out is when the floor needs cleaning. Poor Wonder
Mop. Love stinks. he he he he he!!!
Hope that you all are enjoying your summer. Thanks so much
for all your fabulous comments and calls. I really miss you
all so much. Just working is all. I just had to come and leave
something he he he he! Thanks again everyone. Enjoy!

Diary

It was 1955 and black folks couldn't attend the same events as whites.
Susan wanted her best friend Betty Jane to experience all the fun of the carnival just like
everyone else so she got the workers to closed down the carnival a hour early
just so Betty Jane could come and enjoy a few moments of fun. Betty Jane
would write about this event in her diary and one day share it with her
children.
Hello All, now that I have taken care of crazy ads and done one last piece
for Illustration Friday, I have to now go to work for real. Please have a wonderful
summer my friends. I will be coming around to post illustrations, but not
doing much blogging while I work. I will miss you guys, but I will be back
soon to visit each and everyone of your blogs! I promise.
Have a great week and wonderful summer.
V

I've Gotten Rid Of the Monster Ads

Hey Fellow Bloggers,
I want to thank each and every single one of you that have
come to visit the blog while I have been away. I really, truly
appreciate each and everyone of your comments and can't wait
to get back to leaving messages on your blogs. I am also writing
to make an grand apology for the recent ads that have shown up
on my blog. To each his own, but some of these ads did not reflect
Vanessa Brantley-Newton. I was horrified when I saw them
and tried to fix them through the host and It still didn't work.
The last thing I'd ever want to do is to offend any of you beautiful
souls and if I have offended any of you, I am truly sorry.
I want my blog to be a safe and happy place where families
can come and visit and my fellow artist/illustrators can
be encouraged and inspired.
I promise you that you will not see these ads anymore. I have removed
them all. My desire and hope is that I will always have the joy of
posting illustrations and pictures that speak to the child in each
of us and bring much inspiration, laugher and creativity.
Thanks so much for your understanding. Okay, I've taken care
of the monsters. Have a good one.

Hello Everyone,
Well, life is happening and I have to take off once
again. I'll be right back. If you leave a comment,
while I might not get back to you right away, I will get back to you.
I am so very grateful for all your comments. Thank you.
Okay people," PIG OUT!!!!" Have a wonderful and safe
4th of July. It's going to be" HOT FUN IN THE SUMMER
TIME" So enjoy!

Katie had to be fitted with a really good GPS system so that
her mom could located for school and playdates via satellite.
Katie's parents thought she was just out of this world!
Have a most wonderful and creative week!
Peace!

Happy Birthday Eric

Happy Birthday to Eric Barclay! Eric is one of the most talented
illustrators around. He is a very kind soul and it has been my joy to
know him. He is a devil with a brush and paint. Painting images that
make us laugh and scream with delight. I call him my twin brother
because we love the same artist and illustrator and laugh at the same
crazy stuff. Yup, Mr.E is cool. He just did a wonderful interview with
Vectortutst Magazine. Go ahead and check it out
you'll be so glad you did. Please help me in wishing Eric a wonderful,
blessed, and Happy Birthday!
YOU ROCK DUDE!!!!

Playing with Red Again

I will admit that the stories of "Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs"
are two of my favorite fairy tales. These old favorites have been told and
retold in almost every language and in every culture. I wonder what would happen
if you brought the two stories together??? Kinda like peanut butter and
chocolate if you will. What do you think would happen if the two stories
where to come together as one? Okay don't hold back. Tell us how you
really feel! he he he he!
Have a great rest of the week.

Dr. Lipshitz Has Fallen in Love

Dr. Lipshitz has fallen in love with this beautiful angel of joy.
It was love at first sight when she help to sew his face back on
after the thing... you know. Meet nurse Pansy McBride. This
sistah has it going on for real. She has buried 3 husbands
and one boyfriend. She has raised 5.3 children and has put
them all through collage and put her own self through nursing school.
Her house is paid off and Pansy don't take no stuff! Pansy is
the BOMB!
Happy Father's Day too!

Kicking Archimedes's Butt (WAWE Prompt)

Trey was pretty sure this guy was the source of all his math woes.
"I'm going to kick your butt Archie!" he said.