You Made Me Smile

“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, but only saps today of its strength.”
– A. J. Cronin

Boy… isn’t that the truth!

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2012

You Made Me Smile – 3″ x 5″ Watercolor & Sharpie

I painted this for my friend, Donna Pearce, who is retiring from her job as the editor of our local newspaper, The Indian Journal, at the end of the month.  We had a surprise party for her last night at the VFW and this was the card in her gift bag from me.  Donna is a very wonderful person.  She works so hard and never complains.  She has generously given her valuable time to the community, wherever she was needed.  We served on the Eufaula Area Arts Council board together.  Donna sings, writes, paints, and smiles all the time.  I am proud to call her my friend and I will miss her constant presence all over town.  Enjoy your retirement, Donna!

This card was painted from a reference photo by Lin (oldrockchick) at WetCanvas.

About A. J. Cronin

Archibald Joseph Cronin, the Scottish novelist who wrote as A. J. Cronin, had a full career as a doctor before turning to fiction. He was born in 1896, worked as a Royal Navy surgeon during World War I, and later was appointed Medical Inspector of Mines in Wales. Some of his most famous books are The Citadel, The Keys of the Kingdom, and Pocketful of Rye. His works were known to reflect both his religious beliefs as a Roman Catholic and his medical training. He died in 1981.

Rainbow Bird

“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, but only saps today of its strength.”
– A. J. Cronin



Rainbow Bird
Watercolor & Sharpie

Yay!  I got up my driveway this morning!  I worked at home yesterday, but it’s still a little worrisome when I can’t get to the sign shop.   I don’t want to miss anything. 

About A. J. Cronin

Archibald Joseph Cronin, the Scottish novelist who wrote as A. J. Cronin, had a full career as a doctor before turning to fiction. He was born in 1896, worked as a Royal Navy surgeon during World War I, and later was appointed Medical Inspector of Mines in Wales. Some of his most famous books are The Citadel, The Keys of the Kingdom, and Pocketful of Rye. His works were known to reflect both his religious beliefs as a Roman Catholic and his medical training. He died in 1981.

Studying Audubon

“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, but only saps today of its strength.”
– A. J. Cronin
(That is so true!  I used to be the queen of worry.  I like life much better without it.)

 
Studying Audubon

2.5″ x 3.5″ watercolor study of
John Audubon’s 1838 American Flamingo

I was in an ATC exchange some time ago where we studied the Masters and painted a crop or a whole painting in the style of the artist.  I learned so much during that exchange.  Some of the paintings that looked so easy, were really complicated.  This was one of my favorites.

Here is the original:

When I look at it now, I can see so many differences, but I still like it. 

About A. J. Cronin

Archibald Joseph Cronin, the Scottish novelist who wrote as A. J. Cronin, had a full career as a doctor before turning to fiction. He was born in 1896, worked as a Royal Navy surgeon during World War I, and later was appointed Medical Inspector of Mines in Wales. Some of his most famous books are The Citadel, The Keys of the Kingdom, and Pocketful of Rye. His works were known to reflect both his religious beliefs as a Roman Catholic and his medical training. He died in 1981.