Valerie answers "Why she paints".

Why do you paint?

I paint because doing so takes my mind off my worries and petty annoyances. Also, painting whimsical animals is just plain fun. My images make me laugh; perhaps they’ll entertain others, as well. And, I think Tony would be relieved to know that I’m “stay[ing] out of trouble.”

Picture credit: "Moo-vin", acrylic on paper

New topic for Fridays

For Fridays, I've decided to include some other websites of interest to cow and art enthusiasts. Today's link is a rather interesting look at the inside of a cow.

"Isabel" can enjoy coffee with you

Valerie has also created a mug with Isabel and Isabel's friend Lisabel on it. It is microwave safe and also available through the Cow Art and More gallery website.

Valerie's advice for other artists

What advice do you have for wanna-be artists?

If I—a little ol’ lady school teacher--can do it, you can do it! I taught college English or served as a college administrator my entire career, never having picked up a paintbrush until I was 58 years young. You, too, have something to express, whether it’s joy or pain, hope or despair. Paint is a great place to start. Don’t restrict yourself with “I can’t draw” (neither can I, my friend); or “What will people think?” (who cares?) or “I’m too old” (as long as your fingers or toes or mouth can hold a brush to dip into paint, you’re plenty young enough).

Picture credit: "Mint chip moos", acrylic on canvas

Adding a new perspective to the blog

Since I started writing this blog last fall, I have made many additional contacts in the agriculture community. What I have come to appreciate is that we all share a common interest: providing the world with a safe, quality and nutritious product. For me, that product is milk and beef; for others it has been grains, poultry, citrus, and list goes on.

Starting today and every Monday, I will post a website or blog that I have found interesting and useful and will share it here. There is a lot of information out there; let's share it!

Today's website: http://farmanddairyoutlook.com/ A blog commenting on current events, new products, innovations, and ideas about anything agriculture

A little more about Valerie's lead character "Isabel"

What are some of Isabel’s fantasies?

Well, Isabel can see herself on the "Oprah" show. You know: grieving senior citizen artist/writer gives back to the community by donating a percentage of her book and art sales to important causes such as educating people about the critical nature of organ donor/transplantation registration; or reminding people to fasten their seatbelts; or establishing a scholarship program for aspiring artists or aspiring chefs who have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; or establishing guidelines for a nationwide roadside marker/memorial program. Or, who knows?

Closer to home, John Travolta owns a home just down the road from Micanopy, FL, a quaint and charming town where Isabel World’s art is on display for exhibit and sale at the Gallery Under the Oaks (a small artists’ co-op housed in a 1920-built log cabin) and Coffee ‘n Cream Café (a small gathering place for locals and tourists who are hungry for homemade chicken salad or a hunk of fudge, or just want to hear the spontaneous country jam fest out on the porch, or hear owner Cliff talk about his other profession—clowning at rodeos). Isabel imagines that one day, Mr. Travolta will roar into town on one of his motorcycles, find Isabel, sweep her off her feet, and tell all his international friends what a treasure she is. (After having written this, I learned that the Travoltas’ son recently died. I am so sorry for their loss. My heart sank to my toes as I recalled the days right after our Tony was killed.)

Picture credit: "Biker Cow Girl", 16" x 12", watercolor on paper

Valerie looks to the future with "Isabel"

What are your future plans with Isabel’s World?

Isabel’s World will be forever under development. What started as one whimsical “stick” cow has multiplied into hundreds of painted stories. I’m fascinated by the idea of merchandising Isabel’s World. I’ve already produced MOO-month Calendars (08 was the 4th year), MOO Mugs and MEOW Mugs, greeting cards, and post cards. I can “see” Isabel on children’s pajamas, bed sheets, wallpaper, and tee shirts.

One day, I intend to slow down long enough from other obligations to concentrate on putting books together. My children’s donor/transplantation book to honor my beloved son Tony consumes my entire focus now. When the book is complete, I will have to find a publisher—or an agent—which ever is supposed to come first. The rest will fall into place, I’m sure.

Meanwhile, as long as I can see and my painting hand functions, I intend to keep painting whatever nonsense pops into my head.

Picture credit: "Mellow Yellow", 12" x 16", acrylic on paper