796 Keyless Entry

796 Shy

This is the fourth portrait in my series called "The Innocents Project" in which I am painting the refugee children living in camps in Lebanon and Palestine.  I am hoping to raise awareness and money for the children through ANERA (American Near East Refugee Aid) in Washington, D.C.

There is no "normal" for a kid living in a refuge camp.  Most people don't realize that it gets quite cold in the Middle East during the winter, and heat is unlikely in the camps, and often in homes.  ANERA has distributed over 100,000 pairs of shoes and boots to keep the children safe and warm in Lebanon's refugee camps and in Gaza.  Tom's has been very generous in donating the shoes and boots for the children, who otherwise might be barefoot.  According to ANERA's recent newsletter, they have also distributed millions of dollars worth of vital medicines and supplies to clinics and hospitals in Lebanon and Palestine during the past year, 20,000 relief kits (school supplies, blankets, quilts, hygiene supplies, and clothing) in Lebanon, and as mentioned previously, 12,200 parasite treatment kits to prevent lice in the overcrowded camps in Lebanon.

Aside from all of the physical abnormalities of living in a refugee camp, imagine the psychological affects of living in a refugee camp where children see death from illness, violence or electricution all too often.  There may not be places for them to play, or clean water to drink.

Please consider a donation to ANERA   www.anera.org   and please mention "The Innocents Project."

"796 Shy"
acrylic - 12x12 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/796-shy/475823

dianecampion.blogspot.com

787 Still Sunny

Sunflowers are universally loved, I think.  There are so many interesting varieties
that everyone should be happy.  Sunflowers remind me of two special friends who love the cheery flower, one of them being from Kansas, where sunflower is the state flower.

Sunflowers also remind me of Van Gogh's iconic paintings.  This past weekend, I visited the Art Institute of Chicago and the "Van Gogh's Bedrooms" exhibit, where a life-sized mock-up of his bedroom in his yellow house was featured.  It was wonderful and I'm happy I had the opportunity to see it. 

"787 Still Sunny"
acrylic - 12x12 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/787-still-sunny/464141
dianecampion.blogspot.com