Please visit Art & Music For Hope on Facebook for all the latest project information!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Art-Music-For-Hope/187906391258125

Do It! :-) Like It :-)

A Rewarding Day....

Today was a great Day.
We drove to Baltimore, MD to be apart of something pretty special...
First, had some great family time at the Port Discovery at the Harbor: http://www.portdiscovery.org/  It was so much fun with lots to do!

Then, I met up with the wonderful people of the Baltimore Art & Music Project . They asked me to be a part of their cause of spreading the gift of art & music. It was the most rewarding and humbling day. I was able to spend time at a homeless shelter; with both individuals as well as full families living at the facility. I spoke about my Lee series of paintings and the inspiration I achieve through his music. They looked over the paintings, as each one of the songs that inspired them played. One little boy loved the music so much, I gave him the cd (See...Lee's music makes people so happy!)  The plan was to get them inspired to create their own art. Everyone was given their own t-shirts and art supplies to create a shirt. 

Due to the privacy issues, photos are unavailable. but all the shirts came out great!!!! Pictures of the shirts were taken and when available, I will post them. There was a huge turn out and everyone seemed had a terrific time. I want to thank The Baltimore Art & Music Project for asking me to be a part of today. I really can not describe how good it feels to spread the inspiration that I feel through music and its impact on my art, particularly, to Lee's music. It seems quite basic but simple things such as art and music and gave a lasting impact. Even helping some of the little ones out by drawing a simple cartoon dog on their shirt brought smiles to their faces. It is very humbling and makes you realize just how good you have it. This whole thing started with me wanting to donate the sales of my T-shirts to the food bank, but now....Seeing and spending time with the people that will be benefit... WOW. That is all I can say. It feels good and I hope that what I am doing inspires others.  PAY IT FORWARD, you will not regret it :-)  Please check out The Baltimore Art & Music Project here----> http://www.baltimoreamp.com/  or clicking ob their name above. They have a lot of community activities. The Next one, Zombies in the Park, looks like so much fun!!!!!

NEW Shirt added to the online store ****SALE****

A plain white tee with the "Sweet Sweet" & Wuli logo has been added to the art & music for hope store!!!!

The new addition located on page four and is on sale for $15.97!!!!

Sharing my story with Children

Last night I had my very first public speaking event!
 After the article in Reading Eagle I was contacted by St. John's Lutheran Church. They have a Vacation Bible school & the children spent their summer collecting food for the Wilson Food Pantry (affiliated with the Greater Food Bank & Feeding America) and learning the importance of helping others. Last night was their closing ceremony and they asked me to come in and speak to the children. They had a little show, sang songs and talked about everything they learned. 


  I was very nervous, but I did well and I think the children enjoyed it. I got some ohh's and ahh's from a lot of the children up front that made me feel pretty good. 


I do have some more speaking events in September, but now I know what to expect :-) 


Thank you everyone that came out tonight! 

Please Read this if your purchased a shirt or another item with "Sweet Sweet"

First of all, Thank you for your support! I can not even begin to tell you how much I appreciate it! 

I have had the pleasure of speaking to Myrlia Purcell.  Along with her husband Steve, they created  http://www.looktothestars.org/ 

Look to the Stars is the web's number one source of celebrity charity news and information, covering what the top stars are doing to make a positive difference in the world. The site includes exclusive interviews and a database where fans can learn about their favorite stars' good deeds.

Publications and websites such as Celebrity Society Magazine, Think MTV and E! Online go to them for information, and their broad readership includes fans and those working in the non-profit sector.

Myrlia loves what I am doing and is thinking about starting a project called “Look To The Stars Moments”, which will help to publicize works such as Art & Music for Hope. She is asking people who have been inspired to take action to create a video for them to include on their YouTube page. The videos will tell their viewers who inspired them, what actions they are taking and which organizations are benefiting from their works.

So, I am asking all of you that purchased a shirt or any other item with “Sweet Sweet” to send me a picture of you wearing or holding your item. I will create a video explaining my inspiration, which will be followed by a slide show of all your pictures, set to the song, “Sweet Sweet”. I believe it could be a great way to get more exposure, help out our cause and also promote Lee! 

PLEASE E-MAIL YOUR PICTURES TO ME NO LATER THAN AUGUST 1ST TO jmharding86@gmail.com 

Thank you again!!!! 

Inspiration...

Hello Everyone, It just occurred to me that I have explained the inspiration behind each song and painting, but not how Lee inspires me as a person. Those of you that are fans already know this and feel the same way; this is for the benefit of the people that just do not know!

I have always been a fan of music, all kinds of music. In my opinion, anything you would have to say about anything can be said through a well thought out play list. (I know this, because I do it all the time). Great music can help you get through your day, help you relax, get out frustration and even help you solve problems….

When you hear that this was inspired by someone from American Idol, your cheesiness factor flag goes up, doesn’t it?  It used to for me, until season 9! Most people may see Lee DeWyze as just another American Idol winner, but he is so much more than that. Did you know he has been the only American Idol winner to have writing credits on his first single/album? That is a big deal.

I hold the highest respect for song writers. To make someone actually feel what you are saying...it's a gift…you can not “learn” that. You have it, or you don’t. I have had many favorites throughout my life so far, but Lee is by far my favorite. I just get this comforting feeling when I hear his voice and can relate to all his songs. It is the ultimate “comfort” just feeling that someone else understands where you are coming from and how you feel. Aren’t I right? That is how his music makes me feel. I can not listen to his voice without visualizing every single lyric, wanting to get it onto canvas.

On top of being an incredibly talented singer/song writer, he is an amazing genuine person. Never before have I witnessed someone in the spotlight be so down to earth, humble and appreciative. He has to know how talented he is, He gets paid to do what he loves and you never see the slightest cockiness in him. He appreciates his fans and makes sure we know it everyday.  How can you not be inspired by someone like that?  And I promise you, this is genuine awe and respect for him as a person and an artist- not a girly-girl attempt to gush over her favorite singer. It’s really important to me that you all know that.

Seriously, you should visit his site and check him out, you will not be sorry!!!! http://www.leedewyzeofficial.com/

THANK YOU!

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to thank everyone for being so excited and supportive of this project! The amount of positive comments and kind words are overwhelming.

I received a thank you from my local food bank; Greater Berks Food Bank and would like to share it with you because it should really go to everyone that has help me get started, everyone that purchased a shirt so far, and everyone that has re-posted the link to spread the word. Thank you all so Much!

“On behalf of the Greater Berks Food Bank, I’d like to offer you a heartfelt thank you for all of the time, energy, and talent you put into this project and for seeing it through to completion. I am sure the campaign will be a success and because of it many, many families in need will benefit.”

TODAY IS THE DAY!!!!

Hello Everyone! Surprise, it is launch day of my “Sweet Sweet” Project!

After receiving such positive feedback on the painting and about 30 e-mails a day from people asking to buy it-I had an idea!

Back in November of 2010, I decided to create a T-shirt utilizing the “Sweet Sweet” painting. However, I did not feel right making money off of Lee’s fame.  Lee DeWyze has been a very active supporter of Feeding America, so I sent an e-mail to the Peg Bianca; director of my town’s local food bank (and member of Feeding America), Greater Berks Food Bank. I told her that I would like to make a shirt using this art and then donate the proceeds to their charity.  Much to my surprise, not only did she love my idea, she is also a fan. Peg has been a huge help and I appreciate all she has done. At that time, I also reached out to Wuli Records, who graciously offered to assist with the project. Wuli Records is offering a one time only free digital download of the song, “Sweet Sweet” to everyone who purchases a shirt.

100% of the net proceeds will be donated to Feeding America and Greater Berks Food Bank.

Please check out my website below to read more about the project, Feeding America, Greater Berks Food Bank, Wuli Records and Lee DeWyze, and to purchase the shirt!!

 

BUY THE T-SHIRT HERE :    http://artandmusicforhope.com/

 

Thank you to everyone who has been supportive with this project and helped it become a reality: Greater Berks Food Bank, Feeding America, Wuli Records, Lee DeWyze fans and Darren Price, Art Director for Virtual Farm Creative.

 

Thank you for your Support !!!!!!!!

Me and My Jealousy

Painting # 7 in currently still in the works!  Between work, family obligations and my top secret “Sweet Sweet” project; I just have not had much time. However…I am very pleased so far!!!!

 For this painting, I was inspired by “Me & My Jealousy” off of the Live it Up album. The song is intense and I think I have nailed that feeling (if I do say so myself...) I’m actually pretty proud of it so far! It is only in the beginning works though (so be nice!)  I knew what I wanted to paint after the first time I heard this song, but had two different images in my head. With the help of another awesome Lee fan (thank you @Dewyzemomma), I decided to go with this one.  I love how you can feel the emotion and torment he feels through this image. Even more, I love the fact that I used the image of him during the Idol Season 9 finale ….where the actually feeling was anticipation! Fooled you! Isn’t funny how atmosphere can make the exact same image look totally different?? I have done much more to this painting since this picture was taken….but I’ll keep it a surprise until it is finished (*wink)

**WORK IN PROGRESS**
"Me & my Jealousy" Acrylic- Jennifer Harding

Me And My Jealousy by Lee DeWyze (“Live It Up” album)
I'm thinking about I'm holding you
There's nothing much that I can do
The seconds and the minutes
The minutes and the hours
The future is his and the past is ours

They tell me I should just move on
It's easier said than done
The only thing left keeping me company just me and my jealousy

Lying awake at night
You keep running through my mind
Jealous of the hand that you hold
The city in the winter never seemed so cold
Nothing left of me just me and my jealousy
Just me and my jealousy

You said there really isn't much to say
But we'll be better off this way
So tell me is it better while you're lying in bed
I wonder if you ever think of me instead

Then I got nothing left to prove
When you got nothing, you got nothing to lose
The only thing left keeping me company just me and my jealousy

Lying awake at night
You keep running through my mind
Jealous of the hand that you hold
Chicago in the winter never seemed this cold
Nothing left of me
Just me and my jealousy

I'm jealous of the pillow where you lay your head
The only thing you're lying with is my regret, my regret
And I'm jealous of the way he says your name
I should of held you tighter but I let you walk away

I lie awake at night
You keep running through my mind...

This needs to end tonight
I can't get you off my mind
Jealous of the hand that you hold
Chicago in the winter never seemed this cold
Nothing left of me
Just me and my jealousy, my jealousy, my jealousy
Me and my jealousy

Sweet Serendipity

Although I have plenty of sketches for other Pre-idol Lee songs, I have decided to put them on hold for a bit. When I started this series, the only songs I was able to listen to were the ones off of “So I’m Told” and “Slumberland” (Which I still listen to every single day! My “Lee-shuffle” on my iPod just expanded!) I love them ALL

In November, 2010 Lee DeWyze released his debut post-Idol album “Live It Up” with RCA.

It is a great CD and a huge step in Lee’s career! J  Painting # 6 was inspired by Lee’s First Single off the album “Sweet Serendipity” This is one of my son’s favorite songs! He knows all the words and can even sing it when it is not playing (he is only 3 ½ years old... so that is just amazing!)

I decided to go with simple silhouettes for this painting to almost mirror the plot of the music video. For as simple as it was, the fact that I chose to use all metallic paint gave me more than a few issues. In all honestly, this painting turned out to not be one of my favorites, but don’t get me wrong I still like it. I am just hard on myself at times and do not feel it is up to par with the other paintings so far. However, it received lots of positive feedback from Lee fans and also from Jonna Walsh, who happens to be in the video and very close to Lee, So that made me happy!

(Just between you and me, I think when I get some of my other paintings completed; I might re-do this one and go in a different direction)

"Sweet Serendipity" metallic acrylic-painted by Jennifer Harding

“Sweet Serendipity” by Lee DeWyze (“Live It Up” album)
I ain’t got no car
And I've got one pair of jeans
They’ve been stretched too far
And now they’re weak at the seams
I can’t say what’s next
And I got nothin' up my sleeve
But I don’t lose my head
Cause it ain’t really up to me

[chorus]
And I’m doing just fine
I’m always landing on my feet
In the nick of time
And by the skin of my teeth
I ain’t gonna stress
Cause the worst ain’t happened yet
Somethings watching over me
Like Sweet Serendipity
Sweet Serendipity

I don’t ask for a lot
No nothing more than I need
Because I love what I got
Don’t need to play the lottery
I just want to be strong
At the end of the road
I don’t want to hold on
I want the strength to let go

[chorus]
And I’m doing just fine
I’m always landing on my feet
In the nick of time
And by the skin of my teeth
I ain’t gonna stress
Cause the worst ain’t happened yet
Somethings watching over me
Like Sweet Serendipity

And what will be will be
In the nick of time
And by the skin of my teeth
I aint gonna stress
Cause the worst ain’t happened yet

Somethings watching over me
Like Sweet Serendipity
Sweet Serendipity
Like Sweet Serendipity

Don’t look fate can only find you
You can’t choose for something to surprise you
Set sail without a destination
Just see where the wind will take you
You never know when you're gonna fall
But I'm not worried
No I'm not worried

[chorus]
And I’m doing just fine
I’m always landing on my feet
In the nick of time
And by the skin of my teeth
I ain’t gonna stress
Cause the worst ain’t happened yet
Somethings watching over me

And I’m doing just fine
I’m always landing on my feet
In the nic of time
And by the skin of my teeth
I ain’t gonna stress
Cause the worst ain’t happened yet
Somethings watching over me
Like Sweet Serendipity
Sweet Serendipity
Sweet Serendipity

Don’t look fate can only find you
You can’t choose for something to surprise you
Set sail without a destination

Sweet, sweet
Sweet, sweet
Sweet Serendipity
Sweet, sweet
Sweet, sweet
Sweet Serendipity
I don't know
Sweet Serendipity

Much Love!!!!

"Much Love" Acyrlic- painted by Jennifer Harding

Paint me! Paint me!....

Much Love

Hello everyone!

 Painting #5 was not inspired by a song, It was simply just a portrait of Lee made from a picture he tweeted of himself one night. There is no reason behind why I chose to paint it. I loved the picture and it just screamed “Paint me! Paint me!”  And the title, well…was just appropriate!

A few months ago I tweeted the painting to Lee, Asking if he liked it, and he replied! See below!!!!

Love & Misery

“Love & Misery” is definitely my favorite Lee song! I know, you are thinking “If it’s your favorite, why didn’t you paint that one first??” Well, I will tell you….. I listen to this song a few hundred times a day (that is NOT an exaggeration…) and had several different ideas for it. Every time I listen to the song, I hear something new like a lyric I did not notice before and also depending on my mood-I interpreted the song in a different way. So this brings us to painting #4:
Overall, the song just makes me think of sitting down with someone just mesmerized by their every word and having the best conversation ever. This may not be what other people get from it, but that is what I think of.

 I had some trouble getting the faces just right because I could not even imagine messing up Lee’s face, but after weeks of thinking about it, I decided to go faceless and let the gestures portray the emotion. I love it without faces, so I call that a “happy mistake”  I had to go back in a few times to “Mess up” the graffiti on the wall, as it looked too perfect and not authentic enough…Hopefully, you all love it as much as I do.

Love & Misery – Lee DeWyze (“So I’m Told” album)

If what they say is true
then I'm committing last
Sitting on the other side
but I'm staring at the same grass

They said it's better to have loved and lost
Then to have never loved at all
But all I really needed was time
Someone that could show me a sign
All I ever wanted, all I ever needed was time

Sing with me, come tell your story
Love and misery and everything in between
I don't know where to go but when I get there
I promised love that she'd be the first to see

Now, I don't mind listening
to your fables and stories
you always said that things wouldn't be
the way that they should be
but all I wanted was time
someone that could show me a sign
All I ever wanted, all I ever needed was time

Sing with me, come tell your story
Sing with me, come tell your story
Love and misery and everything in between
I don't know where to go but when I get there
I promised love that she'd be the first to see

But do you want to see?
Does anybody ever really want to see?
Do you want to see?

Don't know where to go but when I get there
I promised love she'd be the first to see

'Love & Misery"- Acrylic-painting by Jennifer Harding

Sweet Sweet

The third painting in my Lee DeWyze series has come to be the most popular. It’s funny because this painting actually took the least amount of time. “Sweet Sweet” is a fun song that easily gets stuck in your head (except you never try to get it out).

 In June of 2010 I actually ran my very first 5K race. For anyone that knows me, that is some what of a big accomplishment for me(YEAH!!!!)  I ran it with my sister-good bonding time. The whole time I was running, I used the lyrics as my mantra “Sweet Sweet is the sound of my feet as they’re drumming down the side of the road…”

After I began posting this painting, I began gaining lots of Lee followers and people wanting to see more.  I have to admit, Lee may have given me the inspiration- but the welcoming encouragement and excitement from the fans helped me push forward. Thank you everyone!!!!!

As many of you know, I have been working on a top secret project involving this painting. It was supposed to be launched on May 1^st, but I promise only a few more days! Here are a few hints: It involves a charity Lee is involved with on his own, it will make the fans very happy and hopefully it will show Lee just exactly how much love and support he has from us.  Are you excited yet? I sure am. I am guarantee I have never worked on anything this hard in my life, I am extremely proud and can not wait to share it with you all.

……………….Stay Tuned…………..

Sweet Sweet, by Lee DeWyze, (Slumberland album)

Sweet, sweet is the sound of my feet
As they're drumming down the side of the road
They say I've got nowhere to be
But I know that I've got somewhere to go
And I am on my way
But I ain't gonna stay

I feel like I'm just standing still
And the world is moving under my feet
They say I got somewhere to go
But I know that I got nowhere to be
And I am on my way
But I ain't gonna stay

I will not go down like that
Even if the world stops walking back
Yeah, I will not go down like that
Because of the sweet, sweet
Sweet, sweet, yeah, oh.
Sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet, yeah, oh.

But you do whatever you will
And you think nobody knows
But you did whatever you did
And only cause the bible tells you so
And I am on my way
But I ain't gonna stay

I feel like something ain't right
And maybe it's only me
I'm sure that later you'll find
That everyone else can see
That I am on my way
But I ain't gonna stay

I will not go down like that
Even if the world stops walking back
Yeah, I will not go down like that
Because of the

Sweet, sweet is the sound of my feet
As they're drumming down the side of the road
And they say I got nowhere to be
But I know that I got nowhere to go
And I am on my way
But I ain't gonna stay

I will not go down like that
Even if the world stops walking back
Yeah, I will not go down like that
Because of the sweet, sweet
Sweet, sweet, yeah, oh.
Sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet, yeah.

"Sweet Sweet", Acrylic- painting by Jennifer Harding

 

Dreaming Alone

The second painting of the series was inspired by the song "Dreaming Alone". I really connect with this song; it is one of my favorites, so it made perfect sense to make it a self portrait. I actually started this painting a few different times, but am extremely happy with the outcome. I feel the serene smile portrays the emotion I get from this song perfectly- to not want to wake up and leave that dream behind. That is how I interpret the song, and I have had plenty of those dreams.....

Dreaming Alone; by Lee DeWyze, “So I’m Told” albumwake up
remembering just what she said
memories of things that never even happened
run through your head

I keep the shades pulled tight
to let the light in
my eyes have all been closed
seeing only what if

but when you said goodbye
is what you meant goodnight
'til tomorrow
if it's me in your dreams
i'd sleep the day away
cause when you say goodbye
what I hear is goodnight
So keep it in the night

the fight's in the love and aftermath
and me melting into you
melting into the place you dreamt last
don't leave
the fear eats me away

the fear you're dreaming alone

but when you said goodbye
is what you meant goodnight
'til tomorrow
if it's me in your dreams
i'd sleep the day away
cause when you say goodbye
what I hear is goodnight
so don't leave me goodnight

but when you said goodbye
is what you mean goodnight
'til tomorrow
is it me in your dreams?
i'll sleep the day away
but when you say goodbye
what I hear is goodnight
but when you,

"Dreaming Alone", Acrylic, painting by Jennifer Harding

"Flower Child"

The first completed painting is named after and inspired by "Flower Child" . It is a hauntingly beautiful song.  This painting was not only inspired by the lyrics, but also by  my husband's cousin who is a young talented singer/songwriter- Brittany Cook, who is featured in the painting and loves the song as well. For some reason the lyrics  reminded me of her and it was planned she'd be in it before she even told me that she also loved the song.....I guess that means it was meant to be.


This painting is just the first of many. I have a sketchbook full of ideas that I jot down throughout the day as I listen, how it makes me feel, etc.

Hope you enjoy because I am enjoying working on them.

"Flower Child"
Everybody hates you today, A superstar by tomorrow
You gotta put a smile on Just to hide your sorrow
But you have walked Where others fear to tread
And there's a light at the end You gotta reach out your hand
You gotta go find some love There's a whole lotta love to be got
You're my flower child  And I'm your forget-me-not
Then all your friends disappear  And you feel so alone
And the only thing you're dreaming of  Are memories of hope
So love me today  And forget about tomorrow
Cause you don't have to wear a smile now And I'll take away your sorrow
You gotta go find some love There's a whole lotta love to be got
You're my flower child I'm your forget-me-not
Everybody hates you today A superstar by tomorrow
And you don't have to wear a smile now And I'll take away your sorrow
You gotta go find some love There's a whole lotta love to be got
You're my flower child And I'm your forget-me-not
  - Lee DeWyze , Album-Slumberland

"Flower Child", Acrylic- Painted by Jennifer Harding

Wife, Mother & an Artist

Hello, My name is Jenn, Welcome to my blog!
I am a music fan, inspired by one particular amazing voice and I'd like to share the journey of my first series of painting inspired by Lee DeWyze. Lee was the 2010 Season 9 Winner of American Idol.

First, a bit about me :-)

My family makes me incredibly happy and painting calms me.

Until recently though, I have not had much time for sketching let alone painting... I have a full time job, an active 3 year old and a loving husband. In our down time, we do things together. I do not get much alone time to paint, but for as much as I love painting...I love my family a billion times more and they are worth it. I love them with all my heart!

I listen to ALL kinds of music, but lean more to the singer-songwriter side. I hold the highest respect for song writers. To make someone actually feel what you are saying...it's a gift. I have grown up around musicians, been friends with musicians, been a little inspired, but I never was truly effected by some one's music (aside from stints of having that favorite band growing up, being starstruck and obsessed. lol..we have all had them..) As you get older-those feelings fade and the more musicians you know, even if they are local- you realize they are just people that have talent...no different from any other person. However lately, there has been music that has touched me to the point of being beyond inspiring...like a muse in a way...
Lately I have been pretty much listening to Lee DeWyze.
I am absolutely amazed by every song he had written and performed. I have been listening to nothing but his voice everyday while at work, in the car, jogging and they have definitely inspired me.
When I listen to Lee's music, my mind races with images to his words, I have a plan for just about every song he has written. I welcome any feedback you have as I post the paintings.