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.

Ces's Show of Love

Hello Friends,
So, like this morning I wake up at 2:00 am cause I couldn't sleep. I came to check out
the blog and maybe go and check on a few of you when I see this message from my
SisterFriend Ces of Cesandherdishes.
I've been a crying fool ever since. I have known Ces for a little over a year and half now.
I get that it's blogland. I really do. There are so many of you beautiful souls that
I have spoken to on the phone and emailed and I appreciate EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU.
You don't have to leave comments. Your lives are busy with other important things to
do, but you take time come and visit and it means sooooooooo much to me. I appreciate
every single comment and every visit. I am so very grateful to have and call you friends.
Ces, you will never ever know how this has touched me. I am so blown away by your
show of sisterhood and friendship. I will treasure this always. You have made me
feel soooooo very, very special. Again I am blessed to know you and have you in my life.
I look forward to meeting all of you someday. Thanks Ces again and again. You are going
to make me send you a ticket to Jersey he he he he! Hugs
V

Feed Me Doc

Dr. Lipshitz would be so involved in his lab
experiments that he would often forget to feed
Horton. Horton was a man eating monster. Poor Dr. Lipshitz
still doesn't have a clue. Have a wonderfully creative week.
Looks like it's going to be a short one for the Dr. he he he!

Janelle Monáe - Tightrope ft. Big Boi [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Here is something to make you smile and dance around. I really love my music and really good music
at that. Here is a wonderful singer and dancer Named Janelle Monae. I call her the female James Brown.
I really love the the whole vibe of this girl. She has the 60's thing down pat and I am really digging it.
As many of you know I am a fan of Outkas and Janelle has been seen in one of their many videos.
I love the lyrics of the song very inspiring. Take a look and have a great weekend.
Kwan, You know your stuff Dude. Thanks!
Tip on the Tightrope!
he he he he he!!!!!

The Cleaners Lair ( Strange things in the Cupboard)

Uncle Roscoe knew that he to come clean
about his powerful minty freshness.
Truth is, He was Tammy's Candy pusher by day
and the Cleaner by night! Tammy was a nosey child.
She found Uncle Roscoe's Secret Lair in the Wardrobe.
Oh the shame.
Have a minty fresh week Y'all!

Okay, I got the chance to sneak out and quietly say, THANKS YOU GUYYYYYYYYYYYSSSSSS!!!!
Shoot.... I mean (Thanks everyone for you wonderful comments.)
They really keep me encouraged in so many ways. I so appreciate Y'all taking time to say something!
So today I want to thank Amalia x3, Anne, Eve, Krista, Ces,
Rachel, My twin brother Eric, Sontaswelt, Dot, Jane Wilson, Andrew Finnie, Bella, (if my butt
is missing please find it and sew it back on for me please?), Tamara H, Meagan C, Monica1,
Charmaine,(I'm so proud of you girly!), Atelier B., Amba, Lisa, Vanessa, Rmsmi, Shirley ( are your
fingers falling off yet??), K.H. Whitaker, Diva Diana, Tomas, Tl Holmes, Mechelle, Monica2, Cynthia,
Francisco the great!, Jack, DSM, Michael the talented, Justdoodleit, The Mighty Kwan Holler!, Skizo,
Donny baby, Kelly, Amba (thanks for following), Greg H. Artman, Peter b,( I found your
butt in my yard! I'll help you sew yours back on as soon as Bella fixes my butt!)
Okay I have to go back in, but I just had to come and say,"Hello to all you beautiful souls!"
I leave you with those devilish two, " Nanette and Mr. Wabbit." They are up to no good
again of course!

Hello

Pssssssssssss.... over here." K... don't tell my mama, but I sneaked out
just for a second to say,"THANK YOU Everyone!" K... let me lower my voice.
Thanks Everyone for your comments. I so appreciate you taking time to
leave one or two. I'll be back soon. I owe Y'all. Okay, I hear somebody
coming. Oh dangit! It's my mama! Now I have to drop my butt and run!!!!
Have a great week everyone!

Summertime Invite

Hey Family,
This is just a little invite I did for client. I also used it for the WAWE
post this week as well.
Well looks like I have to go under for a minute. Got lots
of fabulous work on my desk and I need to tend to it. Please don't be
to upset if I don't respond to your comments. I owe you one he he he!
Okay People, behave yourselves!!!! Hugs to you!
peace
VBN

Equipment

Nurse Karen and Nurse Gracy knew Dr. Lipshitz didn't have enough
"Equipment" to examine the poor sick creature. Poor Dr. Lipshitz,
didn't have a clue.

Everyday is Mother's Day (Remembering Mama)

I remember her smile and
butter brown skin.
I remember the swishing sound of her
silk slips and girdles as she walked to the kitchen.
I remember her pink handbag and matching shoes.
I remember her Diva like attitude.
I remember spankings and long talk
about being a girl.
I remember Bible lessons and singing.
I remember candy sweets and cornbread dressing.
I remember a house so clean you could
eat off the floor.
I remember your iron fist in a velvet glove
I remember your awesome love.
I remember all this and more. I remember all this and more.
Happy Belated Mother's Day

Letterpress at Intima Studio Studio On the Square

Hey There, I've been taking a letterpress course at Studio on The Square or Intima Press located in New York City.
I am loving each class! Letterpress is really big now and I see why. It's something so delicious about
cotton paper being pressed with an image. It's not embossed, but pressed into the paper. It's just beautiful
that's all I can say. I took letterpress many, many years ago in highschool. It's changed a little since then.
I wanted to learn the process over again and I really appreciate letterpress even more now.
If you live in New Jersey or New York and are interested in learning the art of Letterpress or
book making please feel free to reach out to this fabulous studio. Mindy is a wonderful and very knowledgeable instructor. No bad projects ever leave her press he he he he!
You can also email Mindy at intimapress@yahoo.com or call 917-412-4134


My illustrations as letterpressed images


Beautiful block letters for letterpressing

The Master Letterpress Artist Mindy Belloff of Intima Press New York

Abby and our fearless teacher Mindy

One of my very talented classmate. She is an awesome illustrator!
Abby and our fearless teacher Mindy

As Promised "Piccoli"

Here are the illustration from the book "Piccoli"
I just love them!!! The line work is amazing! I even love the end papers.
The illustrations are done in a few colors. You have full color and then
tone on tone and and monochromatic as well. I will treasure these
always! Hope they will inspire you too.
Have a great week!

Coocon

I was inspired by a rare children's book that I gifted to myself
called, "Piccola" Okay finding a copy of this amazing book is
not easy and it sure ain't cheap! Some people by the designer
shoes or handbags. I do rare children's books that I love.
I had to have this baby! It's a beautiful book. A collectors item.
I will post pictures of the story soon.
It is wonderful children's book about a boy and
a very tiny girl named Piccola. Piccooi is a girl who is so little that
she can sleep comfortably in a ordinary matchbox or sit curled up,
in a walnut shell. But she is unusually strong for her size.
She is also brave, enterprising , and ingenious-without being in
the slightest stuffy about it! I wish that Simon and Schuster would
reprint and bring it back. The illustrations are amazing. The book
is written by Phillppe Halsman and illustrated by one of my favorite
illustrators Paul Julian!!! Oh if you have ever watched Bugs Bunny you
have seen his before background work. Amazing!
Have a wonderful week!

Don't Let Auntie Mabel Bless The Table

Hey Everyone just wanted to let you know that "Auntie Mabel"
will be coming to store near you soon. I just found out today
that it will be released on my husbands birthday day July
28th 2010! If your family is as hilarious and crazy as mine
you and your children will enjoy the book! The book is
produced by Blue Apple Books and Chronicle.
Fish and Grits Y'all!

If's Ahead

Sure Richy was tall for his age and still wore his sneakers
on the wrong feet, but Zack and Tyrone
would put his over active pituitary gland to work
to get the trio Ahead.
Nobody dare step to these nerd boyz. These boys
had a wonderful relationship and even put a tall roof
on their tree just for Richy. Ain't frienship grand?

Strange Birdy

Have you ever just felt like you just don't fit in???
I would say I have been different the whole of my little life.
Question is why do we feel the need to fit in anyway???
At 46 year old, I feel the need to be honest and true
to myself. I feel that as illustrators and artist, before we ask
other people's opinions of our work, we need to have our
own opinion. Trying to please everyone and trying to fit in their box
makes me tried and zaps me of all my creative energy.
Sometimes being the strange birdy is what takes you to the next level.
I'm just saying...
Have a wonderful week everyone!!