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Welcome to my blog! I originally started this blog to write about the launching of my non-profit project "Moni's Kids", which entails painting  portraits of children in need and using the proceeds to aid these kids. As time went by, it has also become a great way for me to share more about myself, my inspirations, creative process and techniques. I share with you my journey to become a full time artist, the joys and struggles that ensue. I welcome comments and questions and invite you to sign up to receive regular updates on the orange button on the left column. Thank you for visiting! 

 

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Four more portraits


Since I am way behind posting new images of the kids, let me get right to it:
 
"Kenley" 10"x10" pastel by Daggi Wallace

"Kenley" 16"x16" finished size by Daggi Wallace and Kenley

This is Kenley, and boy, does he have something special about him! This 15 year old boy had such a dignified, sincere air about him, one could tell he had a heart of gold.
Recently, I received an email from a lady who doesn't know me, but saw his portrait in an email forwarded to her by another woman she didn't know and wrote me the most beautiful message. She was so touched by Kenley's face, that she felt compelled to help him and has since signed up to make regular donations through New Life Children's Home in Port-au-Prince where all of these children live! I was thrilled beyond words! She called Kenley "regal", and thus put into words what I could not when I met him. It fits him perfectly and I'm so happy that this wonderful lady in Texas felt such a connection with this boy in Haiti.
It made the time and effort of this project even more worthwhile to me, gave me the affirmation I needed to keep going. Thank you, Nancy!

Next I painted Kenley's brother, MacKenley, but I honestly did not know at the time that they are not only brothers but TWINS! There is actually a third brother, Roberto, who is three years older, but I did not photograph him. The list of kids to be portrayed was chosen by the staff at New Life.
Here is MacKenley's portrait and his drawing:

"MacKenley" 10"x10" pastel by Daggi Wallace

"MacKenley" 16"x16" finished size by Daggi Wallace and MacKenley

Both brothers came to the home at age 6 with severe malnutrition and Tuberculosis. As quiet and shy as Kenley was, his brother seemed to be the opposite. Outgoing and confident, he posed like a model, totally comfortable in front of the camera. The staff told me that all three brothers are exceptional kids.

Next, I'd like you to meet Daniella:

"Daniella" 10"x10" pastel by Daggi Wallace

"Daniella" 16"x16" finished size by Daggi Wallace and Daniella

Don't you just love her delicate drawings? And she seemed delicate herself, giggling and being so shy while I took her picture. I was immediately smitten with her beauty and sweet smile. She, too, had TB when she arrived and suffered from malnutrition as so many of Haiti's children do. She is 12 years old and has been at New Life since she lost her mother during the earthquake.

And here is Stevenson, a 10 year old boy who lost both parents during the earthquake:

"Stevenson" 10"x10" pastel by Daggi Wallace

"Stevenson" 16"x16" finished size by Daggi Wallace and Stevenson

I thought his drawing was VERY interesting!
On the back of it he wrote that he wants to be a doctor, and added two more words: No mother, no father.
All I could do was give him a hug when I saw that.



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