JEN KELLER ART

The Whole 9 Gallery has been sponsoring, The Peace Project, a gallery show based on the concept of Peace. It's opening will be in Culver City, CA on World Peace Day in September. I’ve been wanting to submit something to this project for awhile, and as I thumbed through all of the beautiful traditional imagery of doves, globes, people holding hands, etc… I couldn’t help but think there has got to be something else just as symbolic and meaningful, but would speak to me as an artist and a human being. Then I saw the special on Bella & Tarra . I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I was so moved and touched by this story, I just had to depict these two characters - Peace Project or no Project... I really didn't care. Everyone knows my deep love and affection for the animal world, and this story seemed to seal the deal. I was so moved that I just had to depict it visually. I look at these animals, and see so many differences – Carnivore vs. Vegetarian, Canine vs. Pachyd...

The couple decided that Mattie shouldn't live inside the house anymore. They put her outside with a big bowl of food and a big bowl of water. She was so scared. All alone. Another oldie, but goodie... "Mattie Forgotten Outside" or "All Alone." I've gotten a lot of positive feedback on this piece lately on my Whole 9 Portfolio and I thought it captured a sense of the word "atmosphere" featured this week on Illustration Friday.

There is nothing that compares to playing on the swings during the summer holiday. Some of my fondest childhood memories are swinging on my swing-set in the backyard before school started...

I decided to stretch my sketchbook a bit and practice drawing some babies. It's hard to find structure under all that adorable chub!

This week, Illustration Friday 's word challenge is "CAGED".... Immediately I thought my "Kennel Scene" fit the word perfectly. Poor Mattie - still breaks my heart a little to look at this one, even though the real Mattie is safe and sound, sleeping at my feet.

This past week I was lucky enough to travel to Southern California and visit the famous San Diego Zoo! It was great. There were so many animals waiting to be captured in my sketchbook.... I think I even salivated a little bit upon arrival :-) The Koala Bears were my first subject. I have never seen a Koala live - and you might actually mistake these guys for stuffed animals! Apparently their favorite pass-time, besides eating eucalyptus is sleeping. I did manage to catch one in the act of eating... but before I could finish my sketch, he crashed out! Must take a lot of energy to eat all of those leaves. After my time with the Koalas, I happened upon the New Guinea Singing Dog. This wild dog is apparently a distant relative of the dingo, and has been known to howl in harmony if they are in a group. He wasn't letting out a single tune for us, unfortunately. I guess he was waiting for the rest of the band... Then it was time for the big cats. The San Diego Zoo has a wide va...

I am happy to report that my "Puppy Dog Tails" piece will be making an appearance at the Autobody Fine Art Gallery's benefit event - Dog Days 3 - Petapalooza .   There will be a signed print available for purchase, with the money going to the Alameda Animal Shelter and the Northern California German Shorthair Pointer Rescue .   The event takes place this Saturday, July 24, at the Gallery in Alameda at 1517 Park Street. It starts at 1 pm and goes well into the evening, ending at 9 pm.  Bring yourself, your pooch, and your pocketbook in order to help homeless pets!  More information can be found at the Autobody Fine Art Website - Dog Days 3/Pet-a-palooza .