Summer Lovin'

This is our addition for the July 24th YouTube project that could become part of an independent film next year. It doesn't matter to us if he's in it or not because our boy loves painting. Wouldn't you agree?

"Different but Not Less"

I loved that phrase used by the journalist near the end of the video. It perfectly describes how we parents of exceptional children feel. Ben is obviously different from a typical child - an exception.

But being an exception doesn't mean he should be prevented from working towards the same goals as a typical child. If you read more about Dalton you'll find that the state of New Jersey provides a means for him to reach for achievements that he couldn't obtain had he lived elsewhere. That is something we plan on exploring in the coming weeks and months here at A Work of Art - equal rights, equal entitlements, and better opportunities for our exceptional children to not just live but thrive.

Yes You Can!

Just as we have found with Ben, art can do wonders for those facing challenges. Whether the challenge is difficult like the Alzheimer sufferers in this story or someone dealing with a mild case of depression by picking up a brush, pen, pencil, or even a camera, life becomes more tolerable. Personally I believe it to be no coincidence that children of elementary school age seem to be the happiest people on the planet. Generally they are engaged in some creative activity on a daily basis.

Just about every weekend I'm working a show someone will make the comment that they wish they could paint or that "I have no talent for this." My feeling is that maybe you don't have the talent to be a professional artist but you certainly have the talent to produce worthwhile art. As the folks at Nike would say just do it!

Leftovers from Southport

Unfortunately my annual trip to Southport, North Carolina wasn't very good this year meaning that most likely it will no longer be on the schedule. I was able to barely break even just before the close of the third and final day. Although thankful that I didn't lose money next year I'd rather spend the holiday weekend with my family while it's 100 degrees and 100 percent humidity outdoors! Another thing that I won't miss is dealing with that nasty black dirt that covers Franklin Square.

Since my sales were down I brought home goodies for you art collectors to peruse. Each one of these acrylic paintings are 10" x 20" on canvas - ready to hang and no framing necessary. For the price of $75 one of these can be yours (I will even include the shipping which typically cost around $10 for these).

These have also been very good sellers for commission work. Just tell me the theme you'd like and the colors you would be interested in. Although these have been the most popular themes I've also added soccer balls, guitars, margaritas, and flowers. As always e-mail me at benwaddell@bellsouth.net if interested.

SOLD - I didn't even get to upload it! But I have one more of this theme completed and can do more.