The creative spark is all the brighter right now in my studio.
Drawing endangered species has always been a leap of faith- and one of confidence. Confidence that it was a worthy subject, confidence that the challenges could be met, and perhaps most importantly, confidence that there were friends out there ,like you, with the heart and necessary optimism to affect change.
Over the years, we've come a long way together. Thank goodness, a growing awareness in media has alerted us to the need for protection of elephants, polar bears, wolves and all of our planet's wildlife. Scientists have found new ways of tracking migrations, reproduction, and loss of habitat - making great strides in the preservation of our treasured wild animals.
And through many years of showing my artwork, spreading the message, and meeting you all, I have been rewarded with the certainty that I was right to trust my optimism .
You know who you are- some of you have been sitting next to me in an open safari vehicle as I made the sketch that later became a finished piece of art. Some of you are living with a piece I first sketched during precious moments in the shadow of these wonderful beasts. Some of you have brought your children to meet me with their own inspired sketches- future world changers , keepers of the spark themselves.
During our current challenge, I am "drilling down" as they say, with paint and charcoal. Determined to feel gratitude ( for extra time in the studio) ,and to trust in my treasured community of art and animal lovers like you .The world is a different place at the moment, calling for even more creativity to move forward .
In that spirit, I will offer you a new way to enjoy my art, and exchange ideas with me- a "virtual" one. To that end, we have worked up a" virtual art show booth", so my old friends can visit me and see my latest work from the comfort and safety of their own home.
Just click here to visit my "virtual art show booth. http://aelondonstudio.com/VirtualArtShow/index.php.
There, you will see what continues to motivate me creatively and you can see a continuation of my optimism while having a look into my studio. I hope you enjoy it.
In coming months, I will be working on pieces that will only be seen online at this "virtual" art show site and I'd love invite you to visit me there often. On this site, I'll also list my home phone number and direct email address, so that you can keep in touch. Just call, or e mail me, if you'd like to chat. One of the great things about this " stay-at-home" order, is that we will all have lots of time to chat with friends and visit by phone. We really miss seeing all our friends at our art shows around the country, so please don't hesitate to give me a call and let me know what you have been up to.
I feel this time at home is a great opportunity for each of us to be more creative- artistically, intellectually ,spiritually and in our coping with life's challenges. One of our ARTS FOR ANIMALS donors said it best, " Every spark of creativity adds to the collective light of the world! ". If your "spark of creativity" involves art, please let me know if I can help with your "spark"!
Our non profit, ARTS FOR ANIMALS, will also continue it's mission, connecting creativity with conservation, by teaching African children, using art , to be more creative in protecting their wildlife and in the challenges they face daily. We will carry on providing wildlife conservation schools and camps like Painted Dog Conservation, Timbavati foundation and the ARTS FOR ANIMALS wildlife Center with lesson plans, art materials, and "Wildlife Protector" wristbands, while supporting students on educational and Ranger training scholarships. If you are interested in our work to protect Earth's wildlife, ,check out www.artsforanimals.com .
During this challenging time, Jim and I hope each and every one of you stays safe and healthy. Please don’t forget, during this restriction of “social distancing”, to tell your friends and family how much you love them and what they mean to you. Keep in mind that "social distancing" does not have to mean "emotional distancing". We now have time to reflect on our blessings and offer words of gratitude to all the people you love and appreciate .
One last thing, one of my deepest joys is taking a personal and meaningful photo one of my friends took "in the wild" themselves ,and using it as inspiration for a painting. For me, it adds another dimension to my work and ,for you ,it enables you remember and relive that moment every time they view the painting. Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have a photo or a moment you'd like me to imortalize for you. I'd love to see it and work with you.
I can certainly say that you and my other friends and supporters are the, "wind beneath my wings",and I thank you for that energy .
Here's a few of my favorite new pieces, I hope you enjoy my new directions ......
