Giant Dragonfly Goes for a Joy Ride – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor & Ink

“If you don’t like something change it;  If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.”
–Mary Engelbreit

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2012

Giant Dragonfly Goes for a Joy Ride – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor & Ink

The two (yes… thank goodness it was two) seperate photos I used to paint this gem, were posted to WetCanvas by Oty.  Oty is from Greece and I’m pretty sure their dragonflies are regular sized.

I got to hear Mary Engelbreit speak to a small group at AmericasMart in Atlanta in 2011.  She is an amazing woman and very inspiring.  She has built an amazing empire with her art.  Go Mary!

Mary Engelbreit

Mary Engelbreit is known throughout the world for her distinctive illustration style, imbued with spirited wit and nostalgic warmth. The unmatched following for her work has grown with a range of licensed products that stretches from calendars, to best-selling children’s books, millions of greeting cards sold each year, and thousands of gifts, crafts and home accents.  More here.

Lighthouse in Chania city, Crete, Greece – 6″ x 11″ Watercolor & Ink

“I don’t want to get to the end of my life and find that I have lived just the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.”
–Author Unknown

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2012

Lighthouse in Chania city, Crete, Greece – 6″ x 11″ Watercolor & Ink

Oty hosted the WDE (weekend drawing event)  over at WetCanvas and she lives in Greece.  This was painted from her photo reference.   In the photo, there was a beautiful horse and buggy, too.  I may have to find time to paint it later.

When I lived in Huntington Beach, CA, I worked for a company called Omynee Industries.  My boss, Tony Kardamakis, was from Crete.  He eventually went back to Crete and offered me the job of running Omynee Industries.  I had just moved to Oklahoma when I got this offer and passed it up, but I have always been grateful for the opportunity.

Author Unknown

This quote came from my wonderful little book by Ruth Fishel, Wrinkles Don’t Hurt, Daily Meditations on the Joy of Aging Mindfully.  I love this book!!!