829 Pretending

I have studied this child's face for many months in anticipation of painting his portrait, searching for his true emotion.  In his eyes, I see such sadness, yet he tries to muster up a smile for the camera.  I note that he, like all the other refugee children, have dark circles under their eyes.  Their sleeping conditions are poor at best, and they may be cold or hungry or both.   Fear has to play a part in their emotions, as there is often unrest in the refugee camps.  Many of the children know no life other than in a refugee camp.  These children are The Innocents.  They deserve so much more.

ANERA (American Near East Refugee Aid) tries to give these the children the "more" --- the things we take for granted:  clean water,  warm clothing, shoes, medical attention, schooling---and all of this requires money.  Please consider a donation to ANERA and  "The Innocents Project," which ismy attempt to bring awareness and monetary support of the good work ANERA does in Lebanon andPalestine.  As you know, Lebanon is inundated with refugees from Syria, and it greatly affects their economy.  ANERA is there to help the Syrian and Palestinian children and families.

Here is ANERA's contact information:  www.ANERA.org
ANERA
1111 14th Street N
#400
Washington, DC 20005

Thank you for your consideration.

"829 Pretending"
acrylic - 12x12 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/829-pretending/519842