Salome riding her elephant

I was thrilled to see this wonderful drawing, top, by Salome Lema Franco, six years old, who lives in Colombia, South America! She has books I've illustrated, given to her by our mutual friend, Patricia, and she was inspired by my illustration, bottom, in THE NEW QUOTABLE WOMAN book. I love the energy, the spirit, the flat out joyful friskiness she gave this image!  Love that little dancing tent. Six years old. I'm taking a lesson from Salome, and from Picasso, who famously noted that "All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."  Thank you, Salome, and never stop drawing!

Quotable

Announcing THE NEW QUOTABLE WOMAN mini edition, coming soon to a book or gift shop near you!

This is a tiny book with pithy quotes from lots of wise women who have lived large enough lives for their words to rate being collected in a book like this. For me, it will be a nice portable portfolio since each and every illustration in it is mine, and most feature my "ladies".

The cover art is from feminist journalist Rebecca West's quote, "Life ought to be a struggle of desire toward adventures whose nobility will fertilize the soul." I immediately visualized riding an elephant through India, as that is my idea of having a grand adventure.

My very favorite quote didn't make this book, however, as the author is precluded by gender:

"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." Oscar Wilde

What else are you going to do?