A House Portrait - My Big Brother’s Christmas Card

“The most successful people are often very intuitive. Consciously or unconsciously, they follow their gut feelings. Following intuition puts us in the flow – a very alive, productive, and desirable state.”
~ Shakti Gawain

copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

My Big Brother’s Christmas Card – His House Portrait

I was so excited to get my brother’s Christmas card yesterday.  I painted this portrait of his house as a surprise when I visited him in Idaho in August.  It brought tears to his eyes then… and to my eyes last night when I opened the card.  I really love what they did for their card.  It made my Christmas.  (Love you Dine & Cari!)

It sure has been a long time since I posted here.  Of course I’ve been busy at the sign shop, but I also have been preparing collections for art licensing and I’m saving the reveal of those until later.  I’m headed to Atlanta in a few weeks and am excited about my trip to AmericasMart Home & Gift show.  I was there a couple years ago, but got temporarily way-layed by that whole flying thing.  I am now excited and back to business!

I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday time and are avoiding all the stress that comes with it.  My hubby has recently had a hip replacement, so we are laying low and having a quiet Christmas.     No stress there. 

Shakti Gawain

Shakti is a pioneer in the field of personal development. For over twenty-five years, she has been a best-selling author and internationally renowned teacher of consciousness. Shakti has facilitated thousands of individuals in developing greater awareness, balance and wholeness in their lives.

Shakti has written numerous books considered classics in her field. Her distinguished publishing history includes best sellers Creative Visualization, Living in the Light, The Path of Transformation, Four Levels of Healing, Creating True Prosperity, and Developing Intuition. Her books have sold over 10 million copies and have been translated into more than thirty languages. She is the co-founder, with Marc Allen, of New World Library Publishing Company.

She has appeared on such nationally syndicated programs as The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, Sonya Live, The Larry King Show, The Leeza Show, America’s Talking and New Dimensions Radio, and has been featured in New Woman, New Age Journal, and Time Magazine.

Through her seminars and her books, Shakti helps people heal and develop all levels of their being — spiritual, mental, emotional, physical — and access their intuitive inner wisdom. Sharing the ideas and practices that have helped her the most in her own life, she guides others on their path to living more consciously. She facilitates us in finding deeper meaning and purpose through developing our unique gifts and abilities.

Shakti is a passionate environmentalist, who believes that as we bring more awareness to our daily lives, we can learn to live in balance on our planet.

She and her husband Jim Burns, live in Mill Valley, California.

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.

Aunt Opal’s 99th Birthday Card – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor & Ink on 5″ x 7″ Black Greeting Card

“Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things…”
–Robert Brault

So true.  One of my favorite memories of my dad is he and I having an ice cream sundae at Howard Johnson’s… just the two of us.  A simple little moment in time, yet all these years later, one of my favorite moments.

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2012

Aunt Opal’s 99th Birthday Card – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor & Ink on 5″ x 7″ Black Greeting Card

The hubby’s aunt Opal turned 99 last month and we attended her birthday party at The Canadian First Methodist Church on Sunday.   She is such a joy and we love seeing her surrounded by people that she loves.  I had fun making her card.   I am looking forward to doing a special one for her 100th birthday. 

On Robert Brault’s blog: I am a free-lance writer who has contributed to magazines and newspapers in the USA for over 40 years. I offer my writings here as an entertainment only, pursuing no agenda and promoting no political philosophy. You can read more here.

I got his quote from my little Simple Truths book Stress is a Choice, by David Zerfoss.

A Very Tall Birdthday Cake – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor & Ink

“Let a joy keep you. Reach out your hands and take it when it runs by.”
– Carl Sandburg

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2012

A Very Tall Birdthday Cake  – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor & Ink

Tall is the word this week at Illustration Friday.  Who wouldn’t love a very tall Birdthday cake with a rooster on top.  I painted this card for my friend Teresa.  The flowers and the rooster were from two different  reference photos by Lin at WetCanvas.  I had so much fun painting this for my very special friend.

About Carl Sandburg

American poet, songwriter, and journalist Carl Sandburg played an essential role in the Chicago renaissance of the early twentieth century. He won two Pulitzer Prizes, one for poetry and one as a historian. He was born in Illinois in 1878. When he was 19, he hopped a westbound train and lived as a hobo. His poetry is filled with slang and the language of ordinary Americans. His publications include Chicago Poems, Cornhuskers, and the children’s series, Rootabaga Stories. He died in 1967.

Gossiping Penguins

“Most people are so busy knocking themselves out trying to do everything they think they should do, they never get around to do what they want to do.”
– Kathleen Winsor

Gossiping Penguins 

5" x 7" Gouache on Black Greeting Card

Saturday night, I was awakened by the sound of a helicopter flying mere inches over the house…. or so I thought.   We actually had a 5.7 earthquake!

Many of the reports I read stated that people thought it was a low flying airplane, when it was the roar of the ground shaking violently.   Nothing fell at our house, but I heard stories of pictures falling off the walls at some homes.    Having lived in California for over 10 years, I remember earthquakes well.  But it’s only the second time I have experienced one in Oklahoma.  This one beat the 1952 record for the strongest Oklahoma earthquake.

My neighbors still insist that a military helicopter flew over our homes… minutes before the earthquake, although nobody actually “saw” it. 

Photo reference for this painting was provided by mginsberg at WeCanvas.  Thanks, Marianne!

About Kathleen Winsor

American author Kathleen Winsor is best known for the racy historical novel, Forever Amber, which made a huge splash when it was first published in 1944, selling 100,000 copies the first week. It was banned in 14 states for its sexual content. The ensuing debate contributed to the loosening of restrictions that allowed works by D. H. Lawrence and Henry Miller to be published in the US. Winsor wrote a number of other novels, none as successful. She was born in 1919 and died in 2003.

Idaho Range

“When we are unable to find tranquility within ourselves, it is useless to seek it elsewhere.”
-Core-A-Te

Isn't that the truth! 



Idaho Range – Gouache & Acrylic on Black Strathmore Photo Mount Card – 5″ x 7″

More practice from my 2009 photos.  I think if you looked at this week’s paintings, it would seem that they came from 5 different artists.  I was all over the place last weekend… having fun with my art.  he he

I just found out last night that we have a weekend house guest coming, so I’m not sure how much time I’ll get to paint.  I’ll probably sneak into the studio in the wee hours of the morning.  I’ll just have to be quiet, since it’s right next door to the guest bedroom. 

Core-a-te: conditioning meets martial arts

A body workout with a dollop of self-defense and a dash of spirituality

November 08, 2010|By Meredith May, Chronicle Staff Writer

Before entering the dojo, Whitney Arnautou had her students contemplate a daily saying:
“Accept change. It is inevitable. … In ourselves. Our bodies. Our relationships. Our Jobs. Understand that it’s happening every day, and try to move with the changes – gracefully.”  (Note from Beth… WOW!  I like that!)

Minds centered, it was time for Core-a-te, a new exercise class at the United Studios of Self Defense in San Francisco that combines karate, self-defense and a kick-in-the-pants core workout.
Arnautou, a Shaolin Kenpo black belt and fitness instructor, designed the one-hour workout to bring her students physical and spiritual balance.  More…

Patches the Cat

“Victory is won not in miles but in inches. Win a little now, hold your ground, and later, win a little more.”
– Louis L’Amour



Patches the Cat – Gouache on Black 5″ x 7″ Greeting Card

Saturday, I needed a card for a baby shower, so I did this little cat on a black greeting card.  It was a hit at the party, but then… so was the cake. 

The reference is from Catherine at WetCanvas.

About Louis L’Amour

Louis L’Amour, the author known for his pulp westerns, wrote more than 100 novels in his lifetime. Born in North Dakota in 1908 as Louis LaMoore, he worked across the southwestern U.S. on a string of backbreaking jobs including longshoreman, elephant handler, and cattle skinner. He saw his writing as akin to telling tales by a campfire and wanted to be remembered simply as a good storyteller. He won the Medal of Freedom in 1984 and died in 1988.

Balloon Ride Over Thailand II

“When one’s expectations are reduced to zero, one really appreciates everything one does have.”
– Stephen Hawking



Balloon Ride Over Thailand II
Gouache on 5″ x 7″ Black Photo Mount Greeting Card

First, I have to say that my heart goes out to all the storm victims in Alabama.  There have been so many lives lost and property destroyed.  What a tragic night it has been.

This is another painting done from a photo reference by Dewi at WetCanvas, from her balloon ride over Thailand.  I had a lot of fun doing this.  Click on the photo for a larger look. 

It has stopped raining for a couple days, so this afternoon I’m going flying.  I’m just going to practice my landings, but I’m really looking forward to it.  Tomorrow it will be too windy and then the rain comes back for Saturday and Sunday.

About Stephen Hawking

British scientist Stephen Hawking, best known for his book A Brief History of Time, which did much to popularize physics, is a leading theoretical physicist who used Einstein’s general theory of relativity to prove the big bang theory. He was born in 1942 in Oxford. He was diagnosed with severe amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at 21 and was not expected to live more than three years. Over time he has become more disabled, but he continues to lecture, speaking through a computer-controlled voice box.

Thailand Balloon Ride I

“It’s not what you are, but what you don’t become that hurts.”
– Oscar Levant



Thailand Balloon Ride I
Gouache on 5″ x 7″  Black Photo Mount Card

To follow along with the quote… this little black photo mount card wasn’t satisfied to be just that.  It wanted to be the surface for a painting.    The photo reference came from Dewi at WetCanvas.  She took it from a hot air balloon.  The photo was rather dark, so it inspired me to play with my gouache.  I had a great time. 

Tomorrow, I’ll show you the other view from her balloon.

About Oscar Levant

Oscar Levant was a brilliant musician whose work was often overshadowed by his witty, neurotic persona. He was born in 1906 in Pittsburgh and moved with his mother to New York in 1922 to study music, gaining renown as a concert pianist before his twentieth birthday. He composed the scores for more than 20 movies in the years 1929 to 1948. He appeared in movies such as An American in Paris and hosted a TV talk show for two years; the show was taken off the air due to his risqué comments. He died in 1972.

Kitten Sandwich

The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm.
–Swedish proverb



Kitten Sandwich
4″ x 6″ Watercolor

I couldn’t resist this reference photo from Dewi’s WDE at WetCanvas.    When my husband first saw this, he thought it was two kittens in a clam shell.   
 
Here are some more Swedish proverbs, if you are interested.

Beagle Puppy

“Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit.”
– e. e. cummings



Beagle Puppy
6″ x 6″ Watercolor

I hosted the WDE over the weekend at WetCanvas.  I gave myself permission to paint just for the pure joy of it.  I had the best time!!  I love this little puppy.  I imagine I will paint him again.  I painted him in an hour and put him on a birthday card for my neighbor, Sue.  I did three other paintings, so I’ll have some fresh content for my blog this week. 

 There are some great reference photos in the link above, so go look and see if there is something you’d enjoy painting.  I included hi res links for each photo.  You don’t have to participate on WetCanvas.  Just enjoy the refs.

About e. e. cummings

The writer who became known as e. e. cummings was an experimental poet whose idiosyncratic typography complements the music of his poetry; he published more than 900 poems, two novels, and four plays. He was also an accomplished painter. He was born in Massachusetts in 1894 and entered the ambulance corps in World War I but ended up in a detention camp after expressing his pacifist views. He died in 1962. “In Just-” was his most famous poem.

Dave in Pink

“What we hope ever to do with ease we may learn first to do with diligence.”
– Samuel Johnson



Dave in Pink

5″ x 7″ Watercolor

I spent a lot of time on my big 2′ x 4′ painting, but I did manage a few little bitty paintings.  This one is Dave, the cat of OldRockChick at WetCanvas.  She said he may not approve of being pink.  He’s quite a manly man!  hehehe

About Samuel Johnson

Samuel Johnson, the sharp-witted British essayist, wrote the first English language dictionary; his definitions still form the backbone of current dictionaries. He was born in Staffordshire in 1709. Johnson married a widow 20 years his senior and lived in poverty before achieving success with his essays when he was in his forties. Later in life, he befriended the young James Boswell, whose Life of Johnson became the quintessential English biography. Johnson died in 1784.

Mate for Life

“Courage is the finest of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees all the others.”
– Winston Churchill

 

Mate for Life
4″ x 6″ Watercolor attached to black greeting card blank.

My husband’s aunt and uncle are celebrating their 65th anniversary tomorrow.  Their daughter sent out a mailing to their friends and family, hoping to generate 65 cards arriving in their mailbox on their anniversary.  Here is my contribution.  I hope they are flooded with warm wishes on their special day!  They got married in a time when people married for life, unlike today.  I am blown away by their successful union!

Winston Churchill

The English statesman and author Sir Winston Churchill led Britain during World War II (1939–45) and is often described as the “savior of his country.” Sir Winston Churchill’s exact place in the political history of the twentieth century is, and will continue to be, a subject of debate. But his strong personality and forceful determination made him a popular figure during the war years.

Read more

Blue Jay

“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.”
– Amelia Earhart

 

Blue Jay
5″ x 7″ Watercolor Greeting Card

I painted this little blue jay for my mother-in-law’s 85th birthday on Sunday.  I think she liked it, as she was planning to put it on her bulletin board.  My mother-in-law, Ruby, is a hoot!  She is a smart,  pretty lady with a wonderful sense of humor.  I really lucked out in that department.    Even though my husband just doesn’t “get” my normal goofy painting style, I bet she would love it.  I’m going to have to try it on her next time I see her.

About Amelia Earhart

Amelia Earhart, who was born in 1897 in Kansas, became the first person to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean and gained renown as a woman in a field dominated by men. Earhart worked as a nurse’s aide during World War I and learned to fly after moving to Los Angeles in 1919. She first became famous as one of a crew of three to fly across the Atlantic in 1928, but her best-known flight was her last. As she was attempting to fly around the world in 1937, her plane disappeared over the Pacific Ocean and was never found.

Sweet Baby Boy

“Hold your child’s hand every chance you get.  The time will come all too soon when he or she won’t let you.”
H. Jackson Brown Jr.
from: The Complete – Life’s Little Instruction Book

 
Sweet Baby Boy
5″ x 7″ Watercolor

This is my attempt to paint my little grand-nephew, Gage.  I have never met this little sweetie, because he lives in Washington state.  He was born right after I was there last fall.  I messed his little hands up, so I kinda like this version….





Jackson Brown originally wrote Life’s Little Instruction book as a gift for his son who was leaving home to begin his freshman year in college. Brown says, “I read years ago that it was not the responsibility of parents to pave the road for their children but to provide a road map, and I wanted to provide him with what I had learned about living a happy and rewarding life.” Life’s Little Instruction Book is a guidebook that gently points the way to happiness and fulfillment. The observations are direct, simple, and as practical as an umbrella.

“Most of us already know how to live a successful and purposeful life,” says Brown. “We know we should be more understanding and thoughtful, more responsible, courageous and appreciative. It’s just that we sometimes need reminding.” Life’s Little Instruction Book is that reminder and the perfect gift for students, relatives, or a friend who needs encouragement at any time of the year. A New York Times #1 bestseller for 50 weeks, it is translated into 33 languages and continues to inspire readers throughout the world. This title is available in three separate volumes or in one book collection, The Complete Life’s Little Instruction Book.

How About a Swim?

“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will.”
– Vincent Lombardi

 

How About a Swim?
4″ x 6″ on Watercolor Greeting Card


I painted this little watercolor yesterday for my granddaughter’s birthday card.  It was fun trying to get as much color as I could into it, while staying pretty true to the great reference photo from Li.
I’m ready to take a dip.  Are you coming? 

About Vincent Lombardi

American football coach Vincent Lombardi is famed for turning the Green Bay Packers from a losing team to two-time Super Bowl champions. He was born in 1913 in Brooklyn. He initially wanted to be a priest, but changed his mind after he became the star fullback on his high school team. When he began coaching the Packers, he set up intensive training camps and demanded absolute dedication but promised them the championship. The NFL named him “Man of the Decade” in the 1960′s. He died in 1970.

Swimming Pretty

“If you want a place in the sun, you’ve got to put up with a few blisters.”
– Abigail Van Buren

 
Swimming Pretty
5″ x 7″ Watercolor

This one is a little bit of a happy accident.  I placed some stretched out gauze across a piece of watercolor paper and dabbed color onto it.   (I got a little too far into it, when I realized I forgot to mask off a place for my fish. )

After it dried, I removed the gauze and continued with a little negative painting around the coral.  Not to be undone by my own forgetfulness, I painted a little fish on a scrap of watercolor paper and attached it to the painting.  I think it will make a nice birthday card for a child.  I send hand painted cards to all my family members.  They love it!

Just for fun, I pulled the colored gauze out of the trash can and scanned this one.  Isn’t that fun? 




An even better birthday card, perhaps?

Gotta love those happy accidents. 

About Abigail Van Buren

Pauline Phillips, better known as Abigail Van Buren, wrote the syndicated “Dear Abby” column for 46 years. She was born in 1918 in Iowa. She had never written professionally when she contacted the San Francisco Chronicle’s editor and said she could do better than their current advice maven. Her version was an instant success. Her twin sister, Esther Lederer, became an advice columnist under the name Ann Landers. Phillips retired in 2002; her daughter, Jeanne Phillips, took over her column.

The Grazing Giraffe

“Forget past mistakes. Forget failures. Forget everything except what you’re going to do now and do it.”
– William C. Durant


 

The Grazing Giraffe
4″ x 5″ on 5″ x 7″ Watercolor Greeting Card

I learned something new and wonderful on Leslie White’s blog here.  She toned her kitty with a blue watercolor wash, before she painted the details in.  I thought that was brilliant, so I tried it on this giraffe.  Here is the naked picture, before I added the spots.



I really love this whole idea!  Leslie’s cat has such beautiful form, and I think it helped my giraffe.  Thanks, Leslie!!

By the way, I passed my FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test with a 93% yesterday!  I am so thrilled!  I can’t wait to start the flying lessons. 

About William C. Durant

William C. Durant, founder of General Motors, consolidated much of the fledgling American auto industry under one roof. He was born in 1861 in Boston and grew up in Flint, Michigan. His innovative business model was to buy out vendors and acquire competitors. Forced to resign from GM due to this management style, he founded a new company with his race-car driver, Louis Chevrolet. He later regained control of GM but lost everything in the Great Depression. He died in 1947.

Nostalgia - December 29, 2009

“A man can do only what he can do. But if he does that each day he can sleep at night and do it again the next day.”
– Albert Schweitzer

Nostalgia

5″ x 7″ Acrylic Greeting Card

I found these black photo cards and thought it would be perfect for this painting of a lovely nostalgic lady. I did this with my Golden fluid acrylics, mixing some of the Iridescent Copper (fine) in with some of the glazes at the end. Sorry about the glare from the sunlight, but when I scanned her, she was just too flat.

About Albert Schweitzer

Albert Schweitzer, the German medical missionary, won the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work at a hospital in French Equatorial Africa, where he treated and operated on thousands of people, including hundreds of people afflicted with leprosy. He was also an organist, famous for his interpretation of J.S. Bach’s music. Late in life, he worked with Albert Einstein and Bertrand Russell against nuclear proliferation. He was born in 1875 in Kaysersberg and died in 1965.