4 Paws Facing Southwest - 5″ x 5″ – Painting Stages

“Experience is not what happens to a man. It is what a man does with what happens to him.”
– Aldous Huxley

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

4 Paws Facing Southwest -  5″ x 5″  – Painting Stages

I painted this little painting from the driveway of the cabin I stayed in during my 2011 Driggs, Idaho visit.  It’s 5″ x 5″ and I’ve included the progress shots of the stages.  First, I took a panel that I had painted earlier with black gesso.  I drew the lines on with chalk that I wanted to stay black.  Then, with Golden Fluid Acrylic, I painted the underpainting.  I come in and add color after that.  Layers and layers and layers of glazing (with Golden Fluid Acrylic) later, I end up with the finished painting.  These little acrylics are better in person. 

About Aldous Huxley

Aldous Huxley, the cerebral English writer and social critic, is best known for his dystopian novel Brave New World, about a theoretically ideal society that stamps out individuality. He was born in Surrey on July 26, 1894. His teen years were difficult: His mother and sister died when he was 14 and a few years later, he became nearly blind. After early success with fiction, he switched to essays and screenplays, moving to California and becoming a kind of guru for the 60′s counterculture movement. He died on November 22, 1963.

Character Neighborhood – 4″ x 6″ Line Drawing

“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”

–Carl Bard

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Character Neighborhood – 4″ x 6″ Line Drawing

I just finished the ink on my newest painting.  I found this Kansas City neighborhood on Google street view and I fell in love with the character of the homes.  I imagine that they were quite fancy in their day.  I can’t wait to start painting this one!

Carl Bard (1907-1978) was a Scottish Theologian Religious Writer Broadcaster.   (I couldn’t find more on him than that.  There are too many Carl Bards, and I don’t want to get the wrong info.)

JJ’s – A Kansas City Icon – 5″ x 7″ Watercolor & Ink

“There is no shortcut to life. To the end of our days, life is a lesson imperfectly learned.”
–Harrison E. Salisbury

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

JJ’s – A Kansas City Icon – 5″ x 7″ Watercolor & Ink

Tragically, JJ’s exploded and burned to the ground last week.  JJ’s was a much loved Kansas City icon for 28 years.   If you go to their website, you can see their heartfelt thanks to the outpouring of support from the community.  You can also find out how to donate to the fund that will help the employees and charitable groups that have responded to this tragedy.

This has to be one of my favorite Kansas City paintings.  It was important to me that I added the color and life that they brought to the plaza.

Harrison Evans Salisbury (November 14, 1908 – July 5, 1993), an American Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist (1955), was the first regular New York Times correspondent in Moscow after World War II.^[1] He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He graduated from Minneapolis North High School in 1925 and the University of Minnesota in 1930.  More…

West 57th and State Line Home – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor & Ink

“No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”
– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

West 57th and State Line Home – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor & Ink

I found this wonderful, stately home on Google street view.  I was drawn to the landscaping.  It was so fun to paint the cute little round bushes and the cool rock wall. 

About Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr., the revered civil- rights activist renowned for his stirring “I Have a Dream” speech, was arrested more than 20 times for his part in civil-disobedience actions. He was born on January 15, 1929. He believed in the power of nonviolent protest, and organized the Montgomery Bus Boycott to protest Jim Crow segregation laws. The protest was successful, leading to a change in the law and cementing King’s leadership in the emerging movement. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

Felt, Idaho – 4" x 6" Watercolor

“There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something tomorrow.”
– Orison Swett Marden

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Felt, Idaho – A Little Watercolor

I know… it’s not new, but I’m behind on my painting.  My sign shop has been absolutely insane this winter.  I’ve been working six 11-12 hour days a week  for a while now.  On Sunday, the hubby has stuff for me to do.  That means I’m only getting my little hour every morning, between 5 and 6 am to paint.    I’m not complaining, though.  I am really fortunate to be so busy at work.

When I was in Driggs in 2011, a lady who owned a wonderful little bead shop suggested I go check out Felt.  I’m so glad I did!  I painted this from the side of the road.  I was thrilled to see a tractor out there in the fields!   I’m going back this year for more of Felt.

About Orison Swett Marden

Orison Swett Marden, the American writer who is considered the forerunner of motivational authors, wrote an average of two books a year from 1894 to 1924. He was born on a New England farm in 1850. During college, he worked in hotel management. He then used his seed money to buy a resort in Rhode Island. Wanting to inspire people as he himself had been inspired by British author Samuel Smiles, he began writing books like You Can, But Will You? and founded Success Magazine. He died in 1924.

View from 4 Paws Cabin - Watercolor on Masa

“When you have a great and difficult task, something perhaps almost impossible, if you only work a little at a time, every day a little, suddenly the work will finish itself.”
– Isak Dinesen

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

View from 4 Paws Cabin – Driggs, Idaho

This is the view from the beautiful little cabin I stayed at, in Driggs, Idaho two years ago.  I wish it was available this year, but it’s booked the whole month of August.

This is painted in watercolor on masa paper.  You wad this paper up, get it wet, then spread it out and drop watercolor into it.  After it dries, you attach it to watercolor paper with matte medium and let it dry again.  Then you do your painting on it.  Fun!

I learned about it from Leslie White.  You can see her “how to” post here.

About Isak Dinesen
Isak Dinesen was the pen name of Karen Blixen, the Danish author famously portrayed by Meryl Streep in the film of her best-selling memoir, Out of Africa. She was born near Copenhagen on April 17, 1885. In 1914, she and her new husband moved to Kenya to run a coffee plantation. She stayed on after divorcing her husband ten years later, living an unusually independent life. Her book of stories, Seven Gothic Tales, sold well, but Out of Africa made her a worldwide success. She died on September 7, 1962.

Mission Hills, Kansas Home – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor

“Be miserable or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice.”
–Wayne Dyer

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Mission Hills, Kansas Home – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor

I found this home while wandering around Google street view.  It was really fun to do!  I was hoping if I have a few homes in my Kansas City inventory, it might encourage commissions.  Oh and because it’s FUN!! 

This painting is done on a wonderful Kilimanjaro watercolor paper.  I bought a little sample pack and I love the way this paper loves watercolor.

WAYNE W. DYER, PH.D., is an internationally renowned author and speaker in the field of self-development. He’s the author of over 30 books, has created many audio programs and videos, and has appeared on thousands of television and radio shows.

His books Manifest Your Destiny, Wisdom of the Ages, There’s a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem, and the New York Times bestsellers 10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace, The Power of Intention, Inspiration, Change Your Thoughts—Change Your Life, Excuses Begone, and now Wishes Fulfilled have all been featured as National Public Television specials.

Dyer holds a Doctorate in Educational Counseling from Wayne State University and was an associate professor at St. John’s University in New York.

Dr. Wayne Dyer is affectionately called the “father of motivation” by his fans. Despite his childhood spent in orphanages and foster homes, Dr. Dyer has overcome many obstacles to make his dreams come true. Today he spends much of his time showing others how to do the same.

When he’s not traveling the globe delivering his uplifting message, Wayne is writing from his home in Maui.

Pink Moose – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor & Ink Postcard

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.  It turns what we have into enough, and more.  It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.  It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.  Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

–Melody Beattie

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Pink Moose – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor & Ink Postcard

This little postcard was a doodle, more than anything.  I painted the moose from a photo by Stalksthedawn at WetCanvas, then just doodled.  This is another one from Idaho in 2011.  I’m working on some more new paintings, but they are slow, since I haven’t had much time to paint.  Should have a new one for you in a day or two.

I LOVE today’s quote!  It’s my life mantra, so to speak.

Melody Beattie is one of America’s most beloved self-help authors and a household name in addiction and recovery circles.  Her international bestselling book, Codependent No More, introduced the world to the term “codependency” in 1986.  Millions of readers have trusted Melody’s words of wisdom and guidance because she knows firsthand what they’re going through. In her lifetime, she has survived abandonment, kidnapping, sexual abuse, drug and alcohol addiction, divorce, and the death of a child. “Beattie understands being overboard, which helps her throw bestselling lifelines to those still adrift,” said Time Magazine.  More…

Park College Power Plant – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor & Ink

“The tragedy in life doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.”
– Benjamin Mays

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Park College Power Plant – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor & Ink

This was fun!!!  I looked all over Parkville, trying to get a good view of the college, with Google street view, but there are just too many trees.  I did find this little gem though.  I’m wondering if it’s a restaurant.  The hubby noticed there were no beer lights, so it’s unlikely it’s a bar.

About Benjamin Mays

African-American minister Benjamin Mays laid the foundation for the civil rights movement with his books and speeches and as a mentor to Martin Luther King. He was born on August 1, 1894 in South Carolina to tenant farmer parents. His study, The Negro’s Church, co-written with Joseph Nicholson, was a groundbreaking look at the black religious experience. Mays served as president of Morehouse College from 1940 to 1967. His work emphasized the inherent dignity in all people. He died on March 28, 1984.

Idaho Fence – Acrylic on Small 4″ x 6″ Canvas

“Never let life’s hardships disturb you…no one can avoid problems, not even saints or sages.”
– Nichiren Daishonin

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2012

Idaho Fence – Acrylic on Small 4″ x 6″ Canvas

There is some really beautiful country between Blackfoot and Driggs, Idaho.  Gentle rolling hills of various shades of gold take my breath away.   I am visiting some paintings from the archives while I am working too much to get very many other paintings done.

I am working on a painting of Park College Power Plant, in Parkville, MO, which I think looks like maybe it’s a bar.  Hard to say, since I found it on Google Street View. 

About Nichiren Daishonin

Thirteenth century Japanese monk Nichiren Daishonin is known as the founder of the branch of Buddhism that bears his name. Born Zennichi-maro in a fishing village in 1222, he changed his name when he founded “True Buddhism,” a return to the non-discriminatory basis of the religion. His huge following and his dire predictions made him unpopular with rulers; according to legend, he was about to be killed when a freak astronomical phenomenon blinded the executioner and saved Daishonin’s life. He died on October 13, 1282.

Puppy Love Painting for Valentines Day

“Discontent is the first step in progress. No one knows what is in him till he tries, and many would never try if they were not forced to.”
– Basil Maturin

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Puppy Love for Valentines Day 

Have a very Happy Valentines Day!  My hubby got the short end of the stick this year.  I’ve been so busy that time got away from me.  He got a box of Girl Scout Cookies.  *sigh*  He actually loved them!! 

About Basil Maturin

British cleric Basil Maturin, renowned for his oratory skill, was ordained as an Anglican but later converted to Catholicism. He was born on February 15, 1847 in Ireland. He ministered in Philadelphia before returning to England in 1888 to resolve his conflict about his religious identity. He died on board the Lusitania when it was sunk by a German U-boat on May 7, 1915. He was observed giving last rites as the ship sank, looking pale but calm.

Parkville, MO – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor & Ink

“Don’t let other people tell you what you want.”
– Pat Riley

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Parkville, MO – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor & Ink

Parkville is a beautiful little historic town near Kansas City.  I got the image from Google Maps.  If you’re wondering  how Google Maps feels about art being painted and sold from their site… I got the following information from Virtual Paintout:

Google approves using Street View for art!

“After speaking with Google’s Maps Team, it has been determined that artists can use images from Google Street View as reference for creating paintings and drawings, and the artists can sell these works.
One thing that needs to be made clear. If the artist shows an original view on which a painting is based, i.e. the original screenshot, make sure to keep the Google logo and copyright visible on that screenshot. No logos or mention of Google is necessary on your art itself. As an example, if you show your Street View art in a gallery and want to show the reference beside the painting, the reference would have the logo, not your painting.
The team is very excited about the concept! As am I.”

About Pat Riley

Legendary American sports coach Pat Riley, the three-time NBA Coach of the Year, was drafted by both NBA and NFL teams when he graduated from college. He was born on March 20, 1945 in New York. He played with the LA Lakers on their championship-winning 1972 team and retired in 1976, becoming an assistant coach to the same team in 1980. The 1981–82 season began badly, so management fired his boss and promoted Riley, who took the Lakers to the first of their four championships under his guidance. In 1995, Riley resigned from the Knicks and became the head coach of the Miami Heat, advancing the team to the finals for the first time in francise history. He stepped down as head coach in 2008, but still serves as President of the team.

4 Paws West View – 8″ x 8″ Acrylic on Panel

Change and growth take place when a person has risked himself and dares to become involved with experimenting with his own life.
–Herbert Otto

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

4 Paws West View – 8″ x 8″ Acrylic on Panel

Since I have Idaho on my mind, I thought I would share another painting from my Driggs visit in 2011.  I painted this while I was there at the 4 Paws cabin.  It’s my interpretation of the view to the west of the cabin.   I am so excited that I’m spending time in Driggs this summer, especially since it will probably be 110 degrees here in Oklahoma.  During their heat wave in August of 2011… it was 90. 

I really love that quote by Herbert Otto, but I couldn’t determine what Herbert Otto to credit this quote to.  Yes!  There was more than one Herbert Otto when I googled him.  Who knew?

The Hey Hey Club – 5″ x 7″ Watercolor & Ink

“We each need to let our intuition guide us, and then be willing to follow that guidance directly and fearlessly.”
– Shakti Gawain

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

The Hey Hey Club – 5″ x 7″ Watercolor & Ink

Someone suggested the Jazz District of Kansas City for possible paintings, so I went to Google Maps and drug the little yellow man around until I found this building.  I just love it and I had fun doing this painting, hey hey! 

About Shakti Gawain

American New Age author Shakti Gawain was born on September 30, 1948. Raised by atheists who taught her to question everything, she went through an existential crisis after a romantic breakup, which led her on a pilgrimage to India. Her experiences inspired the book Creative Visualization, which became an international best seller. She has been featured in Time magazine and has appeared on such shows as Oprah, Good Morning Americav and The Larry King Show. She currently lives in California with her husband Jim Burns.

Inside 4 Paws Cabin – 6″ x 6″ Watercolor and Ink

“Many of us, whether we are conscious of it or not, create much of the unhappiness we experience. Our disappointments are the result of our own negative or limited thoughts about ourselves and our world. What are some of those limiting thoughts, those subconscious beliefs, which keep us from experiencing joy and wholeness?

 

TODAY I will see each disappointment in my life as a challenge to discover the negative or limited beliefs which keep me from seeing myself as a person of unlimited resources and potential.”

 

–Liane Cordes

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Inside 4 Paws Cabin – 6″ x 6″ Watercolor and Ink

I just booked a flight and rental car for my trip to Idaho this summer.  I’m headed there to see my mom and my brother.  I love Idaho so much and I’m particularly fond of Driggs, Idaho, on the quiet side of the Tetons.  Jackson Hole is on the busy side.  I stayed in Driggs 2 years ago at a lovely cabin called 4 Paws, after spending time with the family in Blackfoot.  The cabin was so cute!  Lots of bear themed decor and wonderful privacy, as the cabin was situated on acreage west of Driggs.  I painted this little painting for the owners of the cabin.

This year 4 Paws is booked, so I am on the search for a similar cabin to spend a few days painting and exploring.  I have a little time, since I’m not going until August, but I’m already excited! 

Liane Cordes is the author of Reflecting Pond.  The Reflecting Pond is a collection of meditations that takes one subject at a time and covers it in depth. Whether we have a concern about self-acceptance, fear, friendship, or love, there is a chapter full of understanding thoughts. Used as an extra dose of support on specific issues, this book will help us think through day-to-day living problems

Downtown Weston, MO II – 5″ x 7″ Watercolor and Ink

“When you cannot make up your mind between two evenly balanced courses of action, choose the bolder.”
– William Joseph Slim

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Downtown Weston, MO  II – 5″ x 7″ Watercolor and Ink

I wish I had time to go see this cute little town when I am in Kansas City, but alas… no time.  I love doing these little paintings.  Of course, the street was full of cars in the photo so I made up all the store fronts at street level. 

About William Joseph Slim

The courageous British commander William Joseph Slim, who led forces during both world wars, led an impressive turnaround of the so-called Forgotten Army in Burma during World War II after he trained them how to fight in jungle conditions. He was born on August 6, 1891 in Bristol. He joined the army as a second lieutenant at the outbreak of World War I and was wounded in the battle of Gallipoli. He served as governor-general of Australia, a ceremonial role, from 1953 to 1960. He died on December 14, 1970.

One Last Little 4" x 6" Collage & A Random Act of Kindness

“Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter every day epiphanies, those trancendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.”
– John Milton

.

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

.

One Last Little Collage & A Giveaway

.

I’m going to give this little postcard collage away today.   I’m going to leave it somewhere in Eufaula, as a random act of kindness.  If you find it… it’s yours!  I hope whoever finds it will let me know where it ended up. 

.

John Milton

.

John Milton (1608–1674) is often regarded as one of England’s greatest poets, second only to Shakespeare. Best known for his magnum opus Paradise Lost, Milton was also one of history’s most politically active writers. A radical Protestant and staunch republican, he served as Latin secretary to Oliver Cromwell during the Commonwealth and throughout his life wrote eloquent treatises on topics including divorce, freedom of the press, kingship, and education. This extensive look at Milton’s life and ethos addresses the psychological complexities and political tenets of the man who dared to put words in God’s mouth, and whose life was spared following the restoration of the monarchy due only to his reputation as a poet.

KCC – Kansas City Christian School – 5″ x 7″ Watercolor & Ink

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on my life. Attitude to me is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than success, than what other people think or say or do.
 It is more important than appearance, gift or skill. It will make or break a company… a church… a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.

 We cannot change our past…

 The only thing we can do is play on the string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you… we are in charge of our attitudes.”
 
–Charles Swindoll

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

KCC – Kansas City Christian School – 5″ x 7″ Watercolor & Ink

This little painting is a painting of the front of the school where I will be showing my art in April.  The Art Event at KCC looks like it will be a wonderful show, where they treat their artists very well and the support from the community is incredible.  I’m really excited!

I have the added bonus of having family in Kansas City.  My step-mom, Joan, lives in Overland Park… right down the street!  I think some folks from Eufaula are even planning a road trip to come to the show.  That is so cool! 

Charles Rozell “Chuck” Swindoll (born October 18, 1934) is an evangelical Christian pastor, author, educator, and radio preacher. He founded Insight for Living, headquartered in Plano, Texas, which airs a radio program of the same name on more than 2,000 stations around the world in 15 languages. He is currently senior pastor at Stonebriar Community Church, in Frisco, Texas.  More here…

Weston, Missouri – 5″ x 7″ Watercolor & Ink

“An optimist sees an opportunity in every calamity; A pessimist sees a calamity in every opportunity.”
– Winston Churchill

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Weston, Missouri – 5″ x 7″ Watercolor & Ink

This little painting reminds me a lot of Eufaula, Oklahoma, where I live.  Mandy from KCC suggested I check it out.  It’s a cool little town and I had fun painting this.  I did another one, too. 

From the Weston Chamber of Commerce:  Weston, Missouri is a small, charming community nestled among the high bluffs of the Missouri River.  Founded in 1837, Weston grew into prominence in the 1850′s and then settled into a quiet existence. Now home to an historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as Preserve America community by the National Park Service, Weston is a great place to visit for a day, a weekend or a long as you like.  There are great restaurants, lots of live music, and shops offering home decor, gifts, antiques, clothing and lots of original American folk art.

Historic Weston provides fun and entertainment for the entire family. Thirty minutes north of Kansas City, thirty minutes south of St. Joseph, and minutes North of Kansas City’s International Airport, which make Weston just a few hours from anywhere, this 1837 town is a popular destination for big city residents seeking a taste of small town life.

Winston Churchill is one of the best-known, and some say one of the greatest, statesmen of the 20th century. Though he was born into a life of privilege, he dedicated himself to public service. His legacy is a complicated one–he was an idealist and a pragmatist; an orator and a soldier; an advocate of progressive social reforms and an unapologetic elitist; a defender of democracy as well as of Britain’s fading empire–but for many people in Great Britain and elsewhere, Winston Churchill is simply a hero.  More here….

A little Collage Postcard for Renee – 4″ x 6″

“Sometimes in the winds of change we find our true direction.”
–Unknown

That unknown guy is pretty smart!



A little Collage Postcard for Renee – 4″ x 6″

Once again, I put fabric and little painting pieces on the postcard with Mod Podge, then just kept adding to it, finishing it off with little dabs of acrylic paint.

One day next week, I’m going to give one of these away on Facebook. 

Can you believe it’s already February?  I need to do some kind of cool Valentine for my hubby and one to give away.  I’m having so much fun doing these little random giveaways.  It’s a shame I have to work.  I’d never run out of things to do…. but then who’s going to buy all my art supplies?