Painting Submissions For New Book

Submissions are invited for inclusion in a small book I am compiling based on the poem “How to Paint a Donkey” by renowned Arab/American Poet, Naomi Shihab Nye. (See the poem below).

With the Poet's full permission, the book titled “How to Paint a Donkey” will be a compilation of “paintings of donkeys” which will serve as a metaphor for individuality and self- belief.

All participating artists will have their name printed beside their painting in the book and their website address (if desired) at the rear of the book. It is my intention to get the book into art gallery shops/art spaces throughout the UK and onto Amazon.

The poem will be included in the preface. Otherwise, there will be no text other than the name of the artist at the foot of each painting.

We believe it will be an unique, enchanting and lyrical publication.

The artist will retain full copyright of their painting.

It is intended that after publication the original paintings will be distributed to UK mental health hospitals. If you do not wish your painting to be donated in this way please indicate this on the rear of your submission with an address for return.


Submissions by 30th June 2010

The subject must be a donkey (with or without any background).

Size A5.

Any painting medium including charcoal drawings and pastels.

Colour - as little or as much colour as you wish.


Please write your name and art school (if applicable) on the rear with a contact e-mail address.


Send to:

Louise Greig
7 Ashfield Road
Cults
Aberdeen
SCOTLAND
AB15 9NQ

e-mail a1@idnet.com

How to Paint a Donkey

by Naomi Shihab Nye

She said the head was too large,
the hooves too small.

I could clean my paintbrush
but I couldn't get rid of that voice.

While they watched,
I crumpled him,

let his blue body
stain my hand.

I cried when he hit the can.
She smiled. I could try again.

Maybe this is what I unfold in the dark,
deciding, for the rest of my life,

that donkey was just the right size.