A Salina, KS Church – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor & Ink

“I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there can be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.”
–William Penn

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

A Salina, KS Church – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor & Ink

I painted this from a photo by Suzanne Wallick at Paint My Photo.  I showed you the ink drawing on my post here, while I was trying to decide if I was brave enough to do the bricks.  I actually painted the whole thing, then added the bricks after I looked at it for a few days.  I’m glad I did it, because the bricks really make the painting. 

William Penn (October 14, 1644–July 30, 1718) founded the Province of Pennsylvania, the British North American colony that became the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The democratic principles that he set forth served as an inspiration for the United States Constitution. Ahead of his time, Penn also published a plan for a United States of Europe, “European Dyet, Parliament or Estates.”  More here.

Church in Salina, KS – 8″ x 10″ Ink so far

“Become so wrapped up in something that you forget to be afraid.”
– Lady Bird Johnson

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Church in Salina, KS – 8″ x 10″ Ink

This is the painting I’m working on now.  Many, many times, while working on this, I found myself saying out loud… “What was I thinking?”  Can you imagine how smart the architects had to be to design this building?  I’m trying to decide whether to add the bricks…. in some fashion or another.  It would really add to the painting, but it would make me go insane!  Hmmmmm…. what to do.   Maybe I should read Lady Bird Johnson’s quote again. 

I am painting this from a photo by Suzanne Wallick at Paint My Photo.

About Lady Bird Johnson

Claudia Alta “Lady Bird” Johnson, the wife of President Lyndon Johnson, is known for her concern for the environment. She was born in Texas in 1912. Johnson asked her to marry him seven weeks after they met. She supported his career by keeping his congressional office running after his heart attack, stumping for Democratic candidates, and visiting 33 countries as his emissary. She founded the Wildflower Research Center and worked to pass the Highway Beautification Act. She lived in Texas until her death in July 2007.

Alexander Campbell House, Salina, KS – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor and Ink

“Be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else.”
– Judy Garland

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Alexander Campbell House, Salina, KS – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor and Ink

I painted this from a wonderful photograph by Suzanne Wallick over at Paint My Photo.  It was really challenging, but I love the way it turned out.   This will be going with me to the show in Kansas City. 

About Judy Garland

Beloved American actress Judy Garland will always be associated with her role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. She was born Frances Gumm in Minnesota in 1922 to vaudevillian parents. She made her stage debut at age two and a half. She starred in 26 films over 13 years and became a huge star. In 1950, MGM ended her contract. Though she primarily gave concerts after that, she did star in a few more films, including her famed role in A Star Is Born. She died in 1969.