More from the Sketch Book

Cordell Monkhouse has escaped from my
sketch book. Said he'd had it with the smell
of moth balls and Buttered Rum Life savers candy stuck to
the bottom of my purse. He going to be a print soon.
I'll let you know when. Have a good one everyone!

From My Sketch Pad

Hey Family,
Thanks so much for all your comments and visits.
They mean so much to me. Just wanted to share
a little something from my sketch pad.
I'm playing around with Halloween ideas.
Yeah, I know, but it's just around the corner he he he!
Have a wonderful week.

Sneak Preview of "One Love"

Hello Family,
I finally got a chance to catch my breathe for a second,
to come around and visit, but to also share a little bit
of what I've been up too. I recently had the chance to
work on a wonderful children's book that will be out soon
called,"One Love" by Cedella Marley. I am so excited about
this book! Cedella has so wonderfully adapted the words
of Bob Marley's (her Daddy) song and created this touching
story. You will want to read it again and again. The book is
going to be in stores on or about Oct 5th and I wanted to
share just a few scenes to wet your taste buds. I had fun
doing the illustrations and playing the song,"One Love"
while working on it he he he he! More to come my friends.
One Love Y'all!
Shalom
Happy Father's Day to all of you wonderful fathers!
Who's knows, may your daughter or son will take one
of your songs and turn it into a great book he he he!

The Happy Dance From My Chair

Hello Friends!
Oh my goodness it's been a long time since I had
the chance to blog, but I wanted to tell each of you
how much appreciate your visits and comments.
They have been such an encouragement to me while
relocating. I will slowly get back into blogging and coming
around to leave each of you a message. I am so happy
that I had today to do some blogging and see what YOU
talented folk have been up too. I'm so excited I'm doing
the happy dance my chair he he he he!
Have a wonderful weekend and
week everyone!
YOU GUYS ARE THE BESTEST IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD!

Where You At????

Hey Gang,
Under a freakin' rock!! AGHHHHHHHHH!
I know I've been missing in action, but I have been
getting your messages and comments in between
breathing, working and unpacking. It's been a crazy busy
relocation to Charlotte. DRAMA! I miss each of you. I really do.
Thanks so much for you comments and while I am not
able to response right now to them, I so appreciate you
stopping by to leave a word or two. I owe
all of you fabulous people BIG TIME!!!! I am almost
done with a big job and I will be back soon to play.
Right now I have to find out where stuff is you know??
he he he he he!! My very best to ALL of you.
Shalom

Work it Lady Ming Ting

Lady Ming Ting is such a copy cat!
Her Toilet Bowl hat doubles as a litter pan
when she has to make piddles.
I miss y'all so much!!! Will be back soon.
Charlotte here I come!
Shalom y'all

Waiting For Uncle Al

Hello Family,
I wanted to share with you two very special people close
to my heart. My daughter Zoe and my dear Brother-In-Law
Alan Newton. Their story. Alan was wrongly convicted and
served 22 years in prison for a crime that he didn't commit.
It tore our family apart and caused us great pain. Zoe grew
up knowing about her Uncle Al. We spoke to Al over the phone
and wrote letters and sent cards. One day in 2006 we got
the most wonderful news and phone call. Alan was coming home!
DNA evidence tested by the Innocence Project freed my Brother-
In-Law and he is doing excellently today. Zoe and Alan have their
own special relationship. She is so proud of him and you can see
it all over her face when she sees him. Alan has been on CNN
and Fox News talking about his case and sharing his story with others.
The blessing is that he is NOT BITTER. Though wrongly accused and
imprisoned, you will often hear him say, " I did the time, but the time
didn't do me. I still feel sorry for the victim because the person that
has done this wrong is still out there." Alan speaks to young people
about the choices that they make. He speaks to my Zoe about who she is
and what she wants to be. He encourages her to work hard and
reach goals. I decided to write a book about Alan and Zoe's story.
About how they waited for each others and what it was
like meeting Uncle Al face to face finally.
It was a very special moment that my husband and I
will always remember. Al coming home was the best present
ever. There is still a long fight ahead of us and I still believe,
"What doesn't kill us, fattens us for the rest of the journey"
We still have a long way to go ,but at least we get to do it
together.
Shalom to All

One Love By Cedella Marley

Hey Family,
I just stopped by to show you a new book that I had the
awesome honor of illustrating called "One Love".
Written and adapted by Bob Marley's own beautiful daughter,
Cedella Marley! Cedella is a mom and designer of her own
fashion line as well as an author of children's books. Oh
and the girl can sing too! The chip don't fall to far from the
tree he he he he! When the book comes out later this summer
I will share with you some of the artwork. Hope that you all
are doing well and getting ready for the summer. I'm still packing
y'all. Sending massive hugs and best wishes to all of you.
Later guys.

Cowboys and Princesses

Missing each and everyone of you so VERY much.
Have great week all you Cowboys and Princesses.
Best to you all.
V

Happy Mother's Day

To all the wonderful and beautiful women who visit my blog
and leave such hilarious and awesome comments,
wishing you the very best and sweetest Mother's Day ever.
Even if you are not a mom, maybe a sister, aunt,
girlfriend, or caretaker, this Mother's Day wish is for you.
So lock the children outside and tell that man to make
a run to the Cheesecake Factory and get you some good
eats and of course watch all the chick flicks you want!
Oh... thats...um what I plan.. to..do.. yeah.
Happy Mothers's Day

Riley's World 2011

A print for babies room coming soon 2011

Moving, working, packing!
More change of scenery.
Hope that you all are doing well
and staying creative! I miss Y'all.
Hope to be back blogging soon.
You guys don't have to leave a comment,
but I'm sure glad that you visit and you do.
I so appreciate every comment and every single
visit. Best to you all.
Hugs
V

Working While Moving

For National Geographic children's work book 2009
Personal Project, " Gloria and Cous Cous the Cat"
2010 copyright

Just came by to change the scenery around here.
Hope that you all are doing well. I will holler back
a little later on. Be well and much
Shalom in your homes Y'all.
Blessed Passover and Easter
Peace Out

I Know Ya Got Soul

Just came by to change the view.
It is April after all. I won't be able
to respond to comments cause I've been
abducted by life!! Remain creative and happy.
Peace Out.

Old Toys

I love old dolls and toys. Just a little illustration
I worked on for a sample.
NJ is about to be hit again with yet
another snow storm. Stick a fork in me
cause I am done. This will be my last post
for a little bit. Need to take care of myself
and some other things too. I won't be able to
response to comments so please don't be
offended. You know I'm good for them he he he.
I'll be back in a little bit.
Shalom my friends.

Toy Love

Cowboy Buck always picked fights just so he could
get all patched up by Miss Betty the windup doll.
Ain't toy love grand?
he he he he!
Have a fun weekend.

Cultivate

What do you do to cultivate creativity and imagination?
I would really like to know.
Have a creative week everyone!

Magic Trash

Hello Blogger friends,
I just wanted to show you what I've been up too.
Have you ever heard of the Heidleberg Project??
It is the out of the box and off the wall art of artist Tryee Guyton
of Detroit, Michigan. Tyree takes trash and makes art i.e.
"Magic Trash". The book is written by J.H. Shapiro
a talented writer of children's books.
The book is published by Charlesbridge Publishing and
due out in Sept of 2011. I had the joy and pleasure of doing the illustrations for
the book. It was the hardest work I ever loved. I usually work digitally.
I had been wanting to do a more traditional style children's book.
This book is done in my collage and mixed media style and
I can't wait to do more like this one.
There is nothing like playing with found objects and paint and glue.
I felt like a mad scientist and I loved it. It took me a while to get started.
Someone told me that, "You have to love it V!" and he was right. Once I stopped
worrying about the process and got into it, it all just came together.
Live art. Touching the media and and mixing the colors was so wonderful.
I am so excited and happy about this project and I hope that you get to
see it soon. Okay, back to packing.
Have a great week Y'all

Fatherhood Involvement PSA

Daddy's Love

A Daddy's love will make him shake his money maker for his child!
I love this PSA! It's the bestest one ever. To my husband and
and baby Daddy thanks so much for being a great dad!
Dads ROCK!
Have a great week.

No! YOU Can't Sit in My Pew

I come from a very churchy background. And yes, I was a
tambourine player....but that itchy yellow dress with the
noisy crinoline and that funny little hat that had the rubber
string in it that went under my chin that cut off my circulation
was cute, but crazy!! What was my Mama thinking? I needed
something to take my mind off the burn, pain and the itch. Sounds
like hemorrhoids don't it??? Laughter. Yeah that's the ticket!
But you couldn't laugh in church. My parents would have a
fit if we even made a peep during service let alone a case of
the uncontrollable giggles. So these are the people who can't
sit in the pew with me because you make me laugh.
My little sister Coy and you know why.
my brother Eric, because it would be none stop with pointing and lots of crying!!
Bella, because there would be gum under the pews and monster laughing
like can't catch my breathe I think I'm going to die laughing.
Tomas It would be in spanish with pictures
and funny as heck!
Anne... Anne... Anne....They would just ask
us to leave altogether.
Jack OOh you're the Sunday School teacher he he he he!!!
Oh there are a whole lot more like
Robin Williams, Rich Pryor, Robert Klein, Bill Cosby, the whole cast from the first season of
"In Living Color", Arenz, and my whole family.
Can't none of Y'ALL sit in my pew.
More craziness to come and you could be next!
Have a great week.

Swarm

Lucille's cheap drugstore perfume did what her snobby personality couldn't.
It couldn't get a date, but man could it draw a swarm of flies!
Run Lucille run!
Swarms of laughter and happiness on you all he he he!

Layers

What???
It's freezing here in Jersey.
Have a great weekend.

My Interview with Don Tate at The Brown Book Shelf

It's Black History Month, but every month is Black History for me! he he he!
I never stop thinking about the wonderful and hard working people who
made it possible for me to be doing what I'm doing right now..... LIVING!
Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, my Great Grandmother and parents
are just a few. And it wasn't just these, but many others
of different races and cultures that have truly
brought me to this very place and I am grateful to all.
I wanted to share the wonderful interview that was done with me
by Mr. Don Tate of The Brown Book Shelf. Thanks Don for your
wonderful introduction. I was speechless for a moment.
You are too kind and I am grateful that you let me share my story.
I hope that it will encourage your heart.
Have a good one y'all!
http://www.facebook.com/l/da121xqUfMYmPTOgwFw1vVIDJag;thebrownbookshelf.com/

Meet Nester P. Piglet

He was making a mess in my head
and I had to release him.
Have a great weekend everyone.

Images From Black History

This was a trial piece I did for "Let Freedom Sing"
Blue Apples Book for Chronicle.
I did the book digitally, but I kept all the collage pieces
that didn't make the cut. This was the bus scene. They
thought the piece was just a little heavy and wanted
something just a bit lighter. I am looking forward to
doing more traditional projects like this in the near
future. There is nothing like collecting vintage papers
and getting my hands all covered in glue. The best
part is peeling the glue off my fingers he he he he!
Have a sticky day y'all!

Pinky Sweetness

I love the old greeting cards designs of the 50's and 60's.
Here's one that I did for a greeting card company.
Have a great day.

My World

Once I was asked," Do you ever create any dark illustrations and artwork?"
It's so funny because I have really had a somewhat of a rough childhood.
When I was born the doctors told my parents that if I lived more than
2 days I would be mentally retard. Okay, so I am a little retarded he he he!
It was a difficult pregnancy for my parents. Being a child of the 60's racism
was a part of everyday life for us. I remember when my parent purchase
our very first home in Irvington, New Jersey. We were one of the first black
families to move into the neighborhood and our neighbors weren't happy
about it! The police would constantly stop my dad who drove a shiny black
Caddy. They would stop us and ask my dad," Is this your car boy? Are these
your children boy? And why are you in this section of town?" It scared my
sister Coy and I. I could see the humiliation and the frustration that our
Dad was feeling. Sometimes when I think about it, it still saddens me.
We were not raised like other children. My parents taught us to embrace all
people. That's why you see it in my illustrations. I love people!!
Pure and simple.
Even though the world we lived in at the time didn't reflect that.
The best times where in front of our T.V. with Rocky and Bullwinkle,
Penelope Pitstop, Captain Kangaroo, Mr. Magoo, and Bugs Bunny. These
shows brought me so much joy and inspiration and became a
magical vehicle to transport me to a joyful place. Oh trust me, I could go
to a dark place and bring up some stuff that could really blow your mind.
I suffered with chronic depression for a large portion of my life.
A dark place that I remember, but never want to go back too.
I choose to be HAPPY! In a world where so many people deal with
low self worth, and bad feeling toward themselves and other,
and overwhelming depression. I choose to create illustrations that
make you laugh when all you want to do is cry.
Art that is inspirational without being preachy. Word pictures
that will give something back when the world takes everything from you.
Maybe I create children art and illustrations to restore and heal the child
in each one of us.
If my illustrations are the magic pill that makes you smile and laugh out loud
then maybe we won't need as much medication with all the dang side effects.
I'm just saying'...
Have a great one.

Fresh and New for 2011

Hello Everyone,
Just wanted to post some fresh stuff for the New Year.
One is a cookbook cover for a children's cook book.
The other is for a new book. Hope you all are off to
a great start for the New Year!
Have a great week.

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."