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“We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.”
– Marian Wright Edelman

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Show Bookmark – Watercolor

This is a little bookmark I made to use as a demo piece at the show in Kansas City.  It was all inked, but only partially painted, so people could see how I do my paintings.  So many people asked on Friday, that I did this for Saturday.  It was an amazing show!!  I sold 5 paintings and got deposits on 4 commissions!!  Oh, I sold my zentangle bowl and some boxed postcards, too.  I’ll tell you more about it later.  Right now, I need to return a bunch of calls and emails. 

About Marian Wright Edelman

American activist Marian Wright Edelman, who founded the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) as a voice for poor, minority, and handicapped children, was the first African-American woman to practice law in Mississippi. She was born in 1939 in South Carolina. Her father, a Baptist preacher, died when she was 14; his last words to her were, “Don’t let anything get in the way of your education.” She graduated from Yale Law School in 1963. Her many awards include the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Itty Bitty Little Farm Truck

“All that is necessary to break the spell of inertia and frustration is this:  act as if it were impossible to fail.  That is the talisman, the formula, the command of right-about-face which turns us from failure towards success.”

–Dorthea Brande

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Little Farm Truck – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor

This little painting is hanging in the hubby’s bar at the house.  That truck in real life is only about an inch long.
I’m leaving for Kansas City in the morning, so unless I figure out how to do this from my phone, I’ll be off line until I return on Tuesday.  I am so excited!   This is one adventure I am really looking forward to.  Have a great day!

Dorthea Brande

American author, lecturer and magazine editor, Dorothea Brande, was the youngest of five children born to Frederick S. and Alice P. Thompson of Chicago, Illinois. Alice Dorothea Alden Thompson was born in Englewood, a Chicago community, on 12 January, 1892. Both of her parents were originally from Maine and had previously lived in Delaware where her three oldest siblings were born. Her father was employed as a manager at local business in the Chicago area. Brande attended the Universities of Michigan and Chicago, earning her Phi Beta Kappa key at the former. She went on to work as a newspaper reporter in Chicago and later as circulation manager for American Mercury magazine during the time of H.L. Mencken and George Jean Nathan. In the 1930s she became an associate editor of Bookman magazine and later its successor (1934), the American Review. In the years to come Brande would also operate a nationwide correspondence school for aspiring writers and tour on the lecture circuit.  More…

Floating Your Boat

“I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”

–Christopher Reeve

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Whatever Floats Your Boat

This is a little 4″ x 6″ Postcard I painted last spring.  The photo was from my friend, Dewi who lives in the Philippines.  Just a bit of fun.

Today is the 21st anniversary of Signs by Beth, LLC.  Where did the years go?

Christopher Reeve

Actor, director, and activist are just some of the words used to describe Christopher Reeve. From his first appearance at the Williamstown Theatre Festival at the age of 15, Reeve established a reputation as one of the country’s leading actors. However, ever since he was paralyzed in an equestrian competition in 1995, Reeve not only put a human face on spinal cord injury but he motivated neuroscientists around the world to conquer the most complex diseases of the brain and central nervous system.  More…

Little French 4" x 6" Painting

“When you own your own imperfections and you embrace your life, you become a better person.  Life is about turning obstacles into pedestals.”

–Dodinsky

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Little French Postcard in Color

I finally finished this one.  It was fun!

It’s countdown to Kansas City for me, so I’m going to be pretty busy the next few days.  Thursday morning, I head north for my six hour drive to Overland Park, KS.  I made the trip two years ago to visit my step-mom,  and it was a pleasant drive.  I’ll be spending a little time with her on Friday.   Fun!

Dodinsky is the author of the upcoming inspirational and reflective gift book IN THE GARDEN OF THOUGHTS, scheduled to be released Spring of 2013 by Sourcebooks Publishing.  (It’s out.  Get your copy here.)

His intent was simply to share his reflections about life in order to help heal the wounds inflicted by life’s troubles. At the time, the man known by his readers as Dodinsky had no idea that within months of starting his blog In The Garden of Thoughts, thousands of readers would find healing through the modest words he planted.  More at dodinsky.com

I’m so excited!  My pre-ordered copy of In The Garden of Thoughts arrived Friday.  It’s wonderfully illustrated by Amanda Cass and it’s just beautiful!

Versace Home Painted in Pink Watercolor

“Our real blessings often appear to us in the shape of pains, losses and disappointments, but let us have patience and we soon shall see them in their proper figures.”
– Joseph Addison

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Versace Home in Pink

Again, I am posting an older painting.  Yes, I’m busy, busy, busy.  Yesterday was a day full of new orders at the sign shop.  I’m blessed and amazed at how much business is coming in these days.   I wish I was 35 again, with all that stamina and energy. 

The photo of the white building I painted this from was by my friend, Helen, at WetCanvas.   This home was on the market for $125 million!  I wonder if it sold?

About Joseph Addison

 

English politician and writer Joseph Addison is remembered as a cofounder, along with his friend Richard Steele, of The Spectator, one of the first magazines to cover literature and manners. He was born on May 1, 1672 in Wiltshire. He spent four years traveling in Europe, studying politics and writing poetry, and became a Commissioner of Appeals on his return to England. His shyness made public office difficult. His most famous work is the play Cato, a tragedy about ancient Rome. He died on June 17, 1719.

Little Watercolor Houses

“True silence is the rest of the mind; it is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment.”
– William Penn

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Little Houses – 5″ x 8″ Watercolor

This is an older painting, but I really liked it.  The photo was from Jakesgram at WetCanvas.  I think the building on the left is a bar.

I am almost finished with all my framing for KC show.  Yay!   That’s hard work, when you do it right. 

About William Penn

 

William Penn is remembered as the founder of Pennsylvania; the democratic government he set up became the model for the United States Constitution. He was born on October 14, 1644 in England. After he was arrested several times for preaching Quaker ideals, he decided to found a settlement in America. He drew up the “Great Treaty” with the Delaware Indians to ensure they were paid fairly for their land and toured Europe marketing the new colony. He died on July 30, 1718.

Little French 4" x 6" Beginning

“Just as appetite comes by eating, so work brings inspiration, if inspiration is not discernible at the beginning.”
– Igor Stravinsky

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Little French Postcard Beginning

I just started this one yesterday morning.  I’ll be working on it this week.  The photo reference is inspiring and I promise it will be colorful.  It’s Alsace, France by Elaine V at WetCanvas.

About Igor Stravinsky

Igor Stravinsky, the modernist Russian composer, had a profound influence on classical music with his musical innovations in such pieces as the ballet The Rite of Spring, which shocked contemporary society with the newness of its sound. He was born on June 17, 1882 near St. Petersburg. After briefly considering law, he apprenticed to composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. He was also a virtuosic pianist. He continued composing and touring into his 80′s. He died on April 6, 1971.

Foresee Ready Mix - Eufaula, OK

“My father used to say to me, ‘Whenever you get into a jam, whenever you get into a crisis or an emergency…become the calmest person in the room and you’ll be able to figure your way out of it.’”
– Rudolph Giuliani

My dad taught me that, too!  It works!

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Foresee Ready Mix – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor

This painting was commissioned by Kathy at Foresee.  The last time I painted this property, the client wanted more of the land and buildings in the painting.  I finally convinced her to bring it in, but not by much.  After she had an opportunity to see some of my other building portraits, she asked me to do another one… real up close and colorful.  This is the new one.  The first one is here.

About Rudolph Giuliani

 

Rudolph Giuliani, the controversial former mayor of New York City, took the national spotlight after the events of September 11th, when he stood strong, pulling the city together, which garnered him the Person of the Year accolade from Time magazine. He was born in Brooklyn on May 28, 1944. As mayor, he presided over a massive urban redevelopment and implemented the “broken windows” policy, which cracks down on small crimes to deter larger ones. After his term as mayor ended, Giuliani founded an investment and consulting company. He remains heavily involved in American politics and ran for president in 2008.

Some Fun Little Technicolor Cows – 5″ x 7″

“There is a sense of exhilaration that comes from facing head-on the hard truths and saying, ‘We will never give up. We will never capitulate. It might take a long time, but we will find a way to prevail.’”
– Jim Collins

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Technicolor Cows – 5″ x 7″ Watercolor and Black Ink

That was fun!  I’m going through building portrait withdrawal, I think.  My mind went a little crazy here, but I had a good time.  All of it is watercolor except the black.  Yeah, I have some tiny brushes and a great light.

Only 10 more days until I head to Kansas City.  All the sudden, I am realizing how much I have left to do.  I have all the paintings done and framed, but still have to wire all the frames.   Most of my postcard mailing has gone out and I have postcard prints boxed.   Hotel is booked and jeep is clean on the inside.  Hmmmm, I guess I’m further along than I thought. 

Now to whip the sign shop into shape.  I’ve been crazy busy and working 66 hours a week.  (not counting painting and framing)  I am very blessed to be so busy, but I’m actually looking forward to a few days off.

About Jim Collins

American business guru Jim Collins has written or cowritten four books, including the instant classic Built to Last, which spent more than six years on the Business Week best-seller list, and Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t, which became a New York Times best seller. He was raised in Boulder, Colorado. After seven years teaching at Stanford University’s business school, he founded a research laboratory to examine companies and why they succeed.

The Tattooed (with paint) Puppy

“If you must begin then go all the way, because if you begin and quit, the unfinished business you have left behind begins to haunt you all the time.”
– Chögyam Trungpa

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

The Tattooed Puppy… not in real life!!

Of course you know I did the tattooing with my paint brush… on the paper.  Just checkin’.    No puppy (or cow) was subjected to a real tattoo making contraption.  Can you imagine a critter sitting still for all that?  Not any I have ever known.  I don’t even have tattoos.   You couldn’t make me do that!

This is an older painting because I haven’t had time to get much done of the cows.  Maybe over the weekend.  I’m working at the sign shop Saturday, but I’ll be off on Sunday.

About Chögyam Trungpa

 

Tibetan Buddhist leader Chögyam Trungpa was instrumental in bringing Buddhism to the West. He was born on February 28, 1939 in Tibet and was recognized as the reincarnation of a Rinpoche (enlightened teacher) at 13 months old. After moving to England, he abandoned his monk garb: He wanted his Western students to perceive the Buddhist teachings without becoming distracted by exotic trappings. He founded Naropa University in Colorado and wrote several books. He died on April 4, 1987.

Another Little Peek at the Cow Painting

“Challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new center of gravity.  Don’t fight them.  Just find a different way to stand.”

–Oprah Winfrey

I love that!!!!

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Another Little Peek at my Cows

Rumor has it, a tattoo artist escaped from the big city and since he had never seen a cow before, he only saw a huge moving billboard to advertise his trade.  Wouldn’t he have to shave them first?  And perhaps drug them?

But, it is just a rumor. 

Early yesterday evening, I drove out to Cross Ranch in Stigler to letter a couple cattle trucks.  It was so beautiful out there.  The pastures were that brand new spring green and they has a bizzillion cows, most of them being black.  The contrast of the cattle against the pasture was really wonderful!  There were a lot of babies, too.  It was cool, so they were playing and running around.  I even saw a coyote running full speed across the property.  Artist fodder…. all of it!

Oprah Gail Winfrey (born January 29, 1954) is an American media proprietor, talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist.  Winfrey is best known for her self-titled, multi-award-winning talk show “The Oprah Winfrey Show” which was the highest-rated program of its kind in history and was nationally syndicated from 1986 to 2011.  She has been ranked the richest African-American of the 20th century, the greatest black philanthropist in American history, and was for a time the world’s only black billionaire.   She is also, according to some assessments, the most influential woman in the world.  More…

Sneak Peek at the Cow Progress

“Had there been no difficulties and no thorns in the way, then man would have been in his primitive state and no progress made in civilization and mental culture.”
– Anandibai Joshee

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Cow Belly Sneak Peek

Here’s a little look at what’s happening to the cows I posted yesterday.  It looks like a tattoo artist wandered into the pasture and found a couple willing victims.  he he he

About Anandibai Joshee

Anandibai Joshee, also referred to as Anandi Gopal Joshi, was the first Hindu woman to receive a medical degree. She was born on March 31, 1865 into the constrictive Brahmin class in India. Born with the name Yamu, she was married at age nine to Gopalrao Joshi, who renamed her and educated her in secret, watching her grow more independent. She secretly flew to the United States to become a doctor and intended to treat Indian women, who were not given medical attention at the time, but died of tuberculosis on February 26, 1887 at age 21.

In the Beginning… A Couple Simple Bovines

“How do you want your life to turn out?  If you don’t like the plot your life is taking, rework it!  Take out a piece of paper and re-fashion.  Set Goals, break big goals into day-to-day manageable chunks, set deadlines, mentally rehearse your success by visualizing it and then start!”

– Vicki Hitzges

In the Beginning… A Couple Simple Bovines

This is the start of a painting I am working on now.  Just a simple little ditty…. or maybe not. 

Last night I had the honor of serving on an Eagle Scout Review Board for the local Boy Scout Troop.  There was just one young man being reviewed to see if he met all the requirements to progress to this level.  I am happy to say, Jacob Jester made it to Eagle Scout.  He was a very impressive young man and it was a very interesting experience.  I just served as a member of the community.  I have no scout experience (or children for that matter) so it was cool!  Congratulations, Jacob!

Vicki Hitzges speaks to large corporations around the globe teaching audiences to build better relationships, zap stress and conquer change. Now in her first book, “Attitude is Everything”, she shares the 10 secrets to a positive attitude with you.

Another Purple Dachshund Watercolor

“The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything.”
– William Connor Magee

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Little Purple Doxie – 4″ x 5″ Watercolor

I did this little quickie this morning, because I had a little extra time on my hands.  I have one of those atomic alarm clocks that is over 15 years old.  It changed to daylight savings automatically…. at the time of year it used to change.  So when I thought I was getting up at 5:00 am, it was actually only 4:00.  Mercy!
I don’t really even like this painting, but I know a few dachshund lovers that may look past the flaws. 

About William Connor Magee

 

British prelate William Connor Magee was known as the Militant Bishop for his forceful speaking style, though he always worked for peace. He was born in 1821 in Ireland. Extremely bright, he enrolled in Trinity College at age 13. Ordained to a curacy at St. Thomas’s, Dublin, his fame as a speaker took him all the way to the powerful Archbishop of York. He spoke several times in the House of Lords, arguing against the dissolution of the Irish Church and against national temperance laws. He died on May 5, 1891.

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“Talk doesn’t cook rice.” –Chinese proverb

“Some of us are crazy about self-help books, inspirational tapes, and personal improvement seminars. We’ll buy or sign up for anything, whatever the price, if it promises revolutionary insights or a foolproof new system. We want relief in a day and deliverance in a weekend. And we want the expert of the hour to do it for us. There’s nothing wrong with wishing, of course. But there’s a lot wrong with kidding ourselves as a way of life.
Think about it: If progress could be bought, we wouldn’t need to be meditating. If personal transformation resulted from collecting new ideas, we’d have been transformed long ago. Exploring is great. And looking for all the inspiration and wisdom we can find is necessary for growth. But changing is doing. All the plans and schemes for improvement put together won’t change a thing if we don’t put the principles into daily practice. Even catchy words are just words.”

 –Earnie Larsen & Carol Larsen Hegarty

Shhhhh... It's a Cat Nap

“The be-all and end-all of life should not be to get rich, but to enrich the world.”
– Bertie Charles Forbes

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Lucy, the The Cat is Trying to take a nap!  Shhhhhh….

Okay, time for another cat.  This one is from the archives, also.  It’s Lucy and the photo of the cat in a plain old box came from Crispur at WetCanvas.  The embellishment came from….. you got it…. Bethville! 

About Bertie Charles Forbes

Bertie Charles Forbes, known as B.C. Forbes, is remembered as the founder of the long-running Forbes magazine, aimed at investors. He was born on May 14, 1880 in Scotland. He worked as a reporter for a Dundee newspaper until 1901, when he moved to South Africa and founded a newspaper there; but he stayed just three years before moving to the United States, where he became a financial editor and columnist. His sons Bruce and Malcolm succeeded him as editors-in-chief of Forbes. He died on May 6, 1954.

Purple Dachshund and Copyright Ethics

“I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be honorable, to be compassionate. It is, after all, to matter: to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you lived at all.”
– Leo Rosten

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Purple Dachshund

I painted this a couple years ago for a neighbor.  She was giving it to her friend to put in her cubicle at work.  I recently received a message about this little painting that I really appreciated.

“Hi there! I was searching the web for pictures of purple dachshunds for a graduate video class I am currently taking and found some of your art work. I was wondering if I could use a clip of your purple dachshund art at the end of my video. My video group is called Purple Doxie Productions. It would only be shown for a 6 second clip. I wanted to be kind and ask permission, rather than just steal your image. I think that it is wrong to use someone’s creative work without asking. I would also put your information in the credits. Would this be ok? Ali Kelly”

I love that she was concerned about creative copyright.  Of course, I not only gave her permission, but sent her a higher res photo.  Neat, huh! 

About Leo Rosten

 

Leo Rosten, the Polish-American academic and author, is best known for his seminal The Joys of Yiddish, an amusing look at Yiddish words that have entered the American vernacular. Born in Lodz, Poland, on April 11, 1908, he immigrated to Chicago as a child. He wrote dozens of books, including a set of extremely popular humorous stories about Hyman Kaplan, a night-school student struggling with English. Under the pseudonym Leonard Q. Ross, he wrote mysteries and film noir screenplays. He died on February 19, 1997.

Would you buy a used car from this alpaca?

“What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul.”

–Yiddish Proverb

“Need a good cleanse on the inside?  Find a funny friend.  Have dinner with someone who makes you laugh out loud.  See a movie that makes you laugh ’til you cry.  You need a bath!  On the inside.”

–Vickie Hitzges, Author of Attitude is Everything

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Herb the Alpaca – Are you Smiling Yet?

I painted this alpaca some time ago.  I call him Herb, because he looks like a Herb and a used car salesman.   (He also looks like he may have really bad breath!)  Would you buy a used car from this alpaca?  I don’t think so.  But I hope he brightened up your morning. 

The painting went to some folks who raise alpacas.

This morning, the clock and my daylight lamp in the studio both quit at the same time.  What are the chances of that happening.  Rather than see it as an omen that my day is going to be crummy, I see it as an opportunity to avoid things with electricity and batteries today.  I think I’ll get a lot done and have a really amazing day.  I hope you do, too!

Vicki Hitzges

Motivational Speaker, Former Television Host, & Corporate Publicist

Vicki Hitzges’s energy and humor encourage audiences to relax, laugh, and listen.  Vicki Hitzges is recognized as a CSP, Certified Speaking Professional, a title designated to less than 7% of the speakers who belong to the International Federation for Professional Speakers.  Vicki Hitzges polished her communication skills hosting television news and talk shows at Dallas TV affiliates for Fox, CBS, ABC, and the NBC affiliate in Corpus Christi, Texas, where she won a National Press Club Headliner Award for outstanding reporting ability.  Vicki Hitzges is represented for lectures by Leading Authorities, Inc., based in Washington, D.C.  More….

Yes... the kitty is Pink - 4" x 6" Watercolor Postcard

“Hope is the feeling you have that the feeling you have isn’t permanent.”
– Jean Kerr

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Colorful Kitty – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor Postcard

I did this little painting last May, from a photo by Lotsofmoggies at WetCanvas.   I’m working on another Eufaula painting, but it won’t be done for a while, so I hope you don’t mind the older work.
I’m getting a bit of a late start this morning because my darling hubby took me to breakfast. 

About Jean Kerr

Comedic American author Jean Kerr is known for her wry take on married life in the suburbs in such books as How I Got to Be Perfect and Please Don’t Eat the Daisies, which was turned into both a movie and a TV series. She was born in Pennsylvania on July 10, 1922. She often collaborated on plays with her husband, drama critic Walter Kerr. She also wrote a number of plays by herself, including the extremely successful Mary, Mary, which ran for nearly 1,600 performances. She died on January 5, 2003.

The Quilt & The Shoe – for 6x62013 Rochester, NY

“When thinking won’t cure fear, action will.”
– William Clement Stone

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

The Quilt & The Shoe – 6″ x 6″ Watercolor

This little painting is headed for Rochester, NY.  For the last 5 years, I have participated in an event at the Rochester Contemporary Art Center called 6×6. It is a huge fundraiser for the gallery.  I started doing it for the resume, but continue for the fun.  Last year, I forgot and they contacted me and reminded me because they had paintings from every state except Oklahoma.   Of course I dashed one off to them.

In 2012, they sold 2417 6″ x 6″ paintings.   They receive art  from celebrities, international and local artists, designers, college students, youth and ME, from all over the world.    We are not allowed to sign the front, so no one knows who did the painting they are purchasing.  (There is a form with info on the back.)  Each piece of art sells for $20.  They raffle off positions 1-20 for first grabs at the art.

When you purchase your painting, they tell you who the artist is.   They reveal the names of all the sold out artists on July 5th, and artwork can be picked up 10 days after that.    If you click the 2012 link, you can see photo gallery from last year’s event.  It takes a ton of wall space!

You can purchase paintings online, beginning June 4th, as well.   This is their 6th year with this event.

About William Clement Stone

American businessman William Clement Stone overcame an impoverished childhood to head an insurance empire. He was born on May 4, 1902 in Chicago. His father died when he was three, leaving the family in debt. Stone dropped out of school to help his mother sell insurance. He called cold calls “gold calls,” and started each day saying, “I feel happy! I feel healthy! I feel ter-r-r-ific!” He cowrote the book Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude with Napoleon Hill. He died on September 3, 2002 at age 100.