Anita’s Happy Birthday Card

“Excellence is not an act but a habit. The things you do the most are the things you will do the best.”
– Marva Collins

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Anita Haltom’s Birthday Card

Our friend Anita turned 80!  We went to her Birthday party at the VFW on Saturday.  Anita can run circles around me.  She’s an energetic and beautiful lady.  I’m proud to call her my friend.  Her husband Harold threw a big wing-ding for her, complete with karaoke.  NO…. I do not sing!  (just in case you were wondering) 

About Marva Collins

American educator Marva Collins pioneered progressive education for disadvantaged children. She was born in Alabama on August 31, 1936 and in her 20′s moved to Chicago, where she founded a school for children who were at risk. After one year, every child tested at least five grades higher. Many public schools have successfully implemented her methods. She has appeared on 60 Minutes and Good Morning America and she received the National Humanities Medal from President Bush in 2004. She believes every child is a winner until someone convinces him or her too thoroughly otherwise.

Candy Striped High Heel – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

“Excellence is not an act but a habit. The things you do the most are the things you will do the best.”
– Marva Collins

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2012

Candy Striped High Heel – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

I only got to do one small painting last weekend, because I had to work on Saturday and do my taxes on Sunday.  This means that I’ll be revisiting some paintings from the archives this week.  Anybody remember this one?  It was from an ATC exchange where I painted 24 little paintings of shoes.  It was fun!  Our subject was 24 of anything…. and I picked shoes.  I am not a shoes gal, since I live in flip flops most of the time, but I have always wanted to explore this subject.  There are so many cool shoes out there. 

About Marva Collins

American educator Marva Collins pioneered progressive education for disadvantaged children. She was born in Alabama in 1936 and in her 20′s moved to Chicago, where she founded a school for children who were at risk. After one year, every child tested at least five grades higher. Many public schools have successfully implemented her methods. She has appeared on 60 Minutes and Good Morning America and she recieved the National Humanities Medal from President Bush in 2004. She believes every child is a winner until someone convinces him or her too thoroughly otherwise.

Cozy Little Tavern

“Excellence is not an act but a habit. The things you do the most are the things you will do the best.”
– Marva Collins



Cozy Little Tavern – 6″ x 6″ Watercolor

This is the Buford Arms, somewhere in London.  The reference was provided by artbyjune at WetCanvas.   June said that she walks by it on her dog walking route every day, but has never been inside.  It’s undergoing a renovation now.  Wouldn’t you love to see the inside?  I would!

About Marva Collins

“American educator Marva Collins pioneered progressive education for disadvantaged children. She was born in Alabama in 1936 and in her 20′s moved to Chicago, where she founded a school for children who were at risk. After one year, every child tested at least five grades higher. Many public schools have successfully implemented her methods. She has appeared on 60 Minutes and Good Morning America and she recieved the National Humanities Medal from President Bush in 2004. She believes every child is a winner until someone convinces him or her too thoroughly otherwise.”

Hydrangea Macro

“Excellence is not an act but a habit. The things you do the most are the things you will do the best.”
– Marva Collins



Hydrangea Macro – 6″ x 6″ Acrylic on Canvas

This is one little bloom on a cluster of blooms.  I am too intimidated to do the cluster, but I had a great time doing this macro.

Here’s another photo I took outside on the hood of my Jeep Wrangler.  he he 

About Marva Collins

American educator Marva Collins pioneered progressive education for disadvantaged children. She was born in Alabama in 1936 and in her 20′s moved to Chicago, where she founded a school for children who were at risk. After one year, every child tested at least five grades higher. Many public schools have successfully implemented her methods. She has appeared on 60 Minutes and Good Morning America and she recieved the National Humanities Medal from President Bush in 2004. She believes every child is a winner until someone convinces him or her too thoroughly otherwise.

Masters Study – Edward Hopper’s Room in New York Crop

“Excellence is not an act but a habit. The things you do the most are the things you will do the best.”
– Marva Collins



Masters Study – Edward Hopper’s Room in New York Crop
2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

I fell in love with Edward Hopper, while doing this Masters exchange.  His work looked so easy to do and it was soooo hard.  I think it is amazing.   He wasn’t readily accepted by his peers early on, but stuck to his guns and I’m glad he did!  (to the best of my understanding) 
Hopper’s original painting is here.

I’m off to Muskogee to fly!  **wave**

About Marva Collins

“American educator Marva Collins pioneered progressive education for disadvantaged children. She was born in Alabama in 1936 and in her 20′s moved to Chicago, where she founded a school for children who were at risk. After one year, every child tested at least five grades higher. Many public schools have successfully implemented her methods. She has appeared on 60 Minutes and Good Morning America and she recieved the National Humanities Medal from President Bush in 2004. She believes every child is a winner until someone convinces him or her too thoroughly otherwise.”  (I like that!)

Closed Off

“Excellence is not an act but a habit. The things you do the most are the things you will do the best.”
– Marva Collins

 

Closed Off
2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

There’s something quite unapproachable about this window.  If yesterday’s window was a comfortable old house dress, this one just says “don’t come inside”.  If it were a woman, it may be a woman who has been hurt and needs time to reflect from within, before opening the shades to the world.  All tidy and composed on the outside, yet what lies beyond the shade is anyone’s guess.

About Marva Collins

American educator Marva Collins pioneered progressive education for disadvantaged children. She was born in Alabama in 1936 and in her 20’s moved to Chicago, where she founded a school for children who were at risk. After one year, every child tested at least five grades higher. Many public schools have successfully implemented her methods. She has appeared on 60 Minutes and Good Morning America and she recieved the National Humanities Medal from President Bush in 2004. She believes every child is a winner until someone convinces him or her too thoroughly otherwise.