Larry the Yard Ornament

“The individual is capable of both great compassion and great indifference. He has it within his means to nourish the former and outgrow the latter.”
– Norman Cousins

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2012

Larry the Yard Ornament – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

Susan (surob)  posted a photo of this guy, she calls Larry, in her WDE for WetCanvas.  By the time I finished painting him, I was in love! 

It’s hard to believe it’s the first day of February.  We were being buried under 14″ of snow on this day last year.  Today, I’m wearing flip flops and it’s going to be in the upper 60′s.  I think it made it to 70 yesterday.  LOVE it!!

About Norman Cousins

American writer and editor Norman Cousins is best known for his book, Anatomy of an Illness, an account of how he used nutrition and positive visualizations, including laughter, to heal from an illness diagnosed as fatal. He was born in New Jersey in 1915. He served many years as editor-in-chief of the Saturday Review, a job he loved. Under his guidance, circulation increased from 20,000 to 650,000. He received the UN Peace Medal for his world activism. He died in 1990.

Yogi Bear in Colored Pencil

“The capacity for hope is the most significant fact of life. It provides human beings with a sense of destination and the energy to get started.”
– Norman Cousins

Yogi Bear – 4″ x 6″ Colored Pencil Postcard

Scary, huh!  I am not very good at colored pencils.   I did this postcard back in 2008.  It says on the back that it took me 30 minutes to do it, so I feel a little better.  I did this same reference (from my own photo) in watercolor and pastel.  I thought I’d share them on Thursday and Friday.  Sorry there is no new art to share.

I have been super busy at work.  I am very blessed to have a shop full of work and no free time to play, but I sure miss my art.  I am studying in all my free time at home.  I really must finish up and get my pilot’s license.  No more dilly-dallying.

I am not complete when I am not creating art.  This is really hard, being so disciplined.  When I get my license, I’m going to celebrate by painting for an entire weekend… then I’ll go fly! 

About Norman Cousins

American writer and editor Norman Cousins is best known for his book, Anatomy of an Illness, an account of how he used nutrition and positive visualizations, including laughter, to heal from an illness diagnosed as fatal. He was born in New Jersey in 1915. He served many years as editor-in-chief of the Saturday Review, a job he loved. Under his guidance, circulation increased from 20,000 to 650,000. He received the UN Peace Medal for his world activism. He died in 1990.

Pink Poppy Flamingo

“The individual is capable of both great compassion and great indifference. He has it within his means to nourish the former and outgrow the latter.”
– Norman Cousins



Pink Poppy Flamingo
Watercolor & Ink

This is what happens to a mind that is trapped in a hotel room during a snow storm.  ha ha ha  With our steep driveway (out in the country) we decided to stay in a hotel in town.  It turns out that it was a good decision.  Our neighborhood is still too icy to venture in, so our neighbors are taking care of the house, while we stay in town a couple days.   We got a lot of snow and it’s a mess!

I hope that wherever you are reading this from, that you are safe and warm.

About Norman Cousins

American writer and editor Norman Cousins is best known for his book, Anatomy of an Illness, an account of how he used nutrition and positive visualizations, including laughter, to heal from an illness diagnosed as fatal. He was born in New Jersey in 1915. He served many years as editor-in-chief of the Saturday Review, a job he loved. Under his guidance, circulation increased from 20,000 to 650,000. He received the UN Peace Medal for his world activism. He died in 1990.

Rainbow Cat

“The capacity for hope is the most significant fact of life. It provides human beings with a sense of destination and the energy to get started.”


– Norman Cousins

Rainbow Cat

4″ x 6″ Watercolor Postcard attached to Canvas

While I’m on a roll, I thought I’d share another little cat. Doesn’t it look sweet sitting on that little easel? One of the fun things about small art is the many ways it can be presented. This kitty’s eyes might follow you around the room though.


About Norman Cousins

American writer and editor Norman Cousins is best known for his book, Anatomy of an Illness, an account of how he used nutrition and positive visualizations, including laughter, to heal from an illness diagnosed as fatal. He was born in New Jersey in 1915. He served many years as editor-in-chief of the Saturday Review, a job he loved. Under his guidance, circulation increased from 20,000 to 650,000. He received the UN Peace Medal for his world activism. He died in 1990.

Wednesday's Cat

“The individual is capable of both great compassion and great indifference. He has it within his means to nourish the former and outgrow the latter.”
– Norman Cousins


 
Pelle?
4″ x 6″ Watercolor

Here is the same cat I posted yesterday.  You’d never guess I was looking at the same photo.  he he I used a little Daniel Smith white iridescent (it probably has a fancier name), blended with the blues.  In real life, this cat has a bit of a shimmer.

About Norman Cousins

American writer and editor Norman Cousins is best known for his book, Anatomy of an Illness, an account of how he used nutrition and positive visualizations, including laughter, to heal from an illness diagnosed as fatal. He was born in New Jersey in 1915. He served many years as editor-in-chief of the Saturday Review, a job he loved. Under his guidance, circulation increased from 20,000 to 650,000. He received the UN Peace Medal for his world activism. He died in 1990.

T is for Taco - October 15, 2009

"The capacity for hope is the most significant fact of life. It provides human beings with a sense of destination and the energy to get started."

-- Norman Cousins

.

T is for Taco
2.5" x 3.5" watercolor & Ink

This is a fitting painting for today. I am having 25-30 girlfriends over to my house for a Mexican pot luck "girl's night out". Every month we get together somewhere and tonight it's my turn. It'll be fun!

About Norman Cousins

American writer and editor Norman Cousins is best known for his book, Anatomy of an Illness, an account of how he used nutrition and positive visualizations, including laughter, to heal from an illness diagnosed as fatal. He was born in New Jersey in 1915. He served many years as editor-in-chief of the Saturday Review, a job he loved. Under his guidance, circulation increased from 20,000 to 650,000. He received the UN Peace Medal for his world activism. He died in 1990.