There’s a Bear in the House!

“Character may be manifested in the great moments, but it is made in the small ones.”
– Phillips Brooks

I LOVE that quote.  It’s so true!



There’s a Bear in the House! – 6″ x 6″ Watercolor & Sharpie

I painted this little painting for the couple that own the wonderful cabin I stayed in on my vacation.  This is where I set up my art supplies and did a lot of painting.  The kitchen table became my studio.  Since the cabin is named 4 Paws and there are little bear things all through the house, I thought it would be fun to put a bear in the painting.

I mounted it on black canvas, and I’m going to put it in the mail to them today. 

About Phillips Brooks

Phillips Brooks, the American clergyman now mostly known for writing the words to the Christmas song, “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” was one of the most influential ministers of his time, with his sermons reprinted in major newspapers. He delivered the eulogy at Abraham Lincoln’s funeral. Born in Boston in 1835, he spent most of his life there as overseer of Harvard University, rector of Trinity Church, and bishop of Massachusetts. He died in 1893, and the day of his funeral was declared an official day of mourning.

Studio Window

“The highest reward for a person’s toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.”
– John Ruskin

 

Studio Window
2.4″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

Except for the big green cactus, this is my studio window, looking out.    Well… okay… the wall paint is a little lighter and the curtains are actually burgundy.  Oh …. and there are more weeds.   Oh, and …. more rocks, and a bunch of thyme.  Thyme is the only ground cover I could get to grow on the steep slope in front of our house.  We had to grow something there, to keep the soil in place, after we built the house.   That whole hill is covered with thyme, weeds and rocks.  There really is a yucca there, though. 

About John Ruskin

John Ruskin was an English art critic who influenced the attitude of a whole generation toward art and architecture. He was born in 1819 in London. His career began with an essay defending his friend, artist J.M.W. Turner, from critics. His book Modern Painters made Turner popular and gave stature to the Pre-Raphaelite movement. He founded the Cambridge Scool of Art in 1858, now known as the Anglia Ruskin University. Leo Tolstoy called him one of those rare men who think with their heart. When Ruskin inherited wealth, he gave most of the money away. He died in 1900.

Comfy

“Happiness always looks small while you hold it in your hands, but let it go, and you learn at once how big and precious it is.”
– Aleksei Peshkov

 

Comfy
2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

Another one from my window series.  A little bit of retro home comfort.  It’s amazing what one can put on these small paintings, isn’t it?

About Aleksei Peshkov

Russian social realist author Aleksei Peshkov, known as Maxim Gorky, was so esteemed that his birthplace, Nizhny Novgorod, was renamed Gorky in his honor. He was born in 1868. His parents died when he was young, and he left his home at age 12. He was arrested in the late 1880′s as a revolutionary. His writing, including his best-known novel, The Mother, portrayed a decadent society and immense poverty. He became disillusioned after the Russian Revolution, feeling Lenin’s Communism was little better. He died in 1936.

Joker

“The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right place, but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.”
– Lady Dorothy Nevill

 

Joker
2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

I don’t know what made me do this!  I don’t really like clowns, in real life.  They scare me a bit.  This red headed little dude just popped right outta my brain and onto the paper!  *gasp*  I definitely prefer to think of him on the outside, instead of inside!  he he he

About Lady Dorothy Nevill

Lady Dorothy Nevill, the noted British gardener, was one of the most celebrated society hostesses of her day; her salons attracted leading writers, artists, and statesmen. She was born Dorothy Walpole in 1826 in England. She married a wealthy cousin with a 23-acre estate, where she pursued her interest in plants. She built 13 greenhouses and carried on an extensive correspondence with Charles Darwin. Her memoir, Leaves From the Note-Books of Lady Dorothy Nevill, was published in 1906. She died in 1913.

The Big Car Window

“Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life; define yourself.”
– Harvey Fierstein

 

The Big Car Window

2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor

Wouldn’t it be fun to cruise around in this on a beautiful sunny day?  When I was doing my window series, I slipped in a few windows that weren’t attached to buildings.  You already saw the train window.   I think this is an old Chevy from the 50′s.  The steering wheels in these cars are sure huge!    How fun!

About Harvey Fierstein

Harvey Fierstein, the raspy-voiced American actor, playwright, and gay activist, is best known for his semiautobiographical play, Torch Song Trilogy, which garnered Tony Awards for writing and acting. He was born in Brooklyn in 1954. His onstage debut as a female impersonator at age 16 led to a role in a 1971 Andy Warhol play. He adapted the French show La Cage aux Folles into a Broadway musical and, later, the movie The Birdcage. He has appeared in such varied movies as Independence Day and Mrs. Doubtfire.

Teacher

“The power of imagination makes us infinite.”
– John Muir

 

Teacher
2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

I call this one teacher, because it has strong, firm lines, yet it’s cheerful and welcoming.  Teachers are so wonderful in a way that is so often under-appreciated.   They help us to see our own uniqueness and potential, while coaxing along our sense of accomplishment and self worth.    Now days, they are sometimes the only ones who do that, as the home front just keeps getting busier and busier.  Okay…. stepping off my soap box now. 

About John Muir

American naturalist John Muir is remembered as a passionate champion of the natural wonder of Yosemite; he was instrumental in turning the land into a national park. Born in Scotland in 1838, he immigrated with his family to Wisconsin in 1849. He dropped out of college to walk 1,000 miles from Indiana to Florida. After falling in love with Yosemite, he took a job herding sheep nearby. He developed the theory that the valley was created by glaciers, which is now accepted as fact. He died in 1914.

Dreamer

“To a large extent, the way we think determines who we are and what happens to us.

We cannot harbor poisonous thoughts without their effects visibly showing in our lives. If we dwell on our inadequacy and ineffectiveness, for example, circumstances will prove us correct because we will invite self-defeating events to us.

On the other hand, replacing destructive thoughts with hope-filled, optimistic ones brings peaceful and confidence-producing circumstances to us. We will radiate competence and joy.”

–Liane Cordes, from The Reflecting Pond.

 

Dreamer
1.5″ x 2.5″ Watercolor ATC

I like the window, which appears to be in a yacht.  When I added the little sailboat, it just completed the whole “Dreamer” thing.  Just a peaceful little scene. 


The Reflecting Pond is a collection of meditations that takes one subject at a time and covers it in depth. Whether we have a concern about self-acceptance, fear, friendship, or love, there is a chapter full of understanding thoughts. Used as an extra dose of support on specific issues, this book will help us think through day-to-day living problems.

I couldn’t find any biographical information on Liane Cordes, but I sure like that positive message!

Illusion

“Defensive strategy never has produced ultimate victory.”
– General Douglas MacArthur

I agree!  I really believe we have to plan our offensive strategies and be pro-active in our lives!


 

Illusion
2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor  ATC

This little window was so fun to paint.  When I look at it now, it’s hard to imagine that I was able to figure it out, long enough to paint it.  If you turn it around in your hand, it’s especially confusing.   I painted it from a photo I got from morguefile.com.

About General Douglas MacArthur

General Douglas MacArthur, the American war hero who led forces in both World Wars, is perhaps best known for his leadership during the Korean War, when his forces pushed back the North Koreans and Chinese to their prewar boundary. He was born in 1880 to Major General Arthur MacArthur and his wife; his earliest memory was the sound of a bugle. During World War II, he was responsible for losing and retaking the Philippines. President Truman fired him in 1951 for insubordination. He died in 1964.

Longing and the Gorilla Head Bar

“Tears are like rain.  They loosen up our soil so we can grow in different directions.”
–Virginia Casey

 
Longing
2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

This little window is just a product of my imagination.  Would somebody please let the dog in. 

On the lighter side, I thought I’d share a little something from the sign side of my life (excuse me while I change hats).  This is a logo I designed for a little beer bar that’s opening soon in our area.



I really love the design part of my business.  Sometimes I get to work on really fun projects, in between the normal and regular stuff.  It perks me back up, when I’m tired of the same old thing.



I also designed this one, but they wanted the more serious gorilla.  They brought me that gorilla head, so I figured they’d go that way, but I tried to make it more touristy, since we are on a lake.  Win some, lose some. 


Today is my 18th Anniversary with Signs by Beth, LLC. I have enjoyed nearly every day of it.  I am very proud of my longevity and am looking forward to starting my 19th year, tomorrow.

I can’t find anything on Virginia Casey on the net.  The quote came from the book – Each Day a New Beginning, Daily Meditations for Women, by Karen Casey

Karen Casey

Millions of people around the world spend a few moments in quiet reflection with Karen Casey every day. Karen is the best-selling author of Each Day a New Beginning, the first daily meditation book written expressly for women in recovery from addiction. Published in 1981, Each Day a New Beginning has sold more than three million copies and has been translated into ten different languages. Over the years, readers around the world have come to regard Karen as a trusted companion on the recovery journey. Among her other best-selling inspirational books are Keepers of the Wisdom, A Woman’s Spirit, Fearless Relationships, and A Life of My Own. In her newest book, Serenity (Hazelden, 2007), Karen shares favorite passages that gently convey simple lessons for living with greater peace, hope, and trust. Karen enjoys golfing and riding her Harley with her husband. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Naples, Florida.

Broken Hearted

“Just as appetite comes by eating, so work brings inspiration, if inspiration is not discernible at the beginning.”
– Igor Stravinsky

 

Broken Hearted
2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

I don’t know why I see a broken heart, but I kinda do.   On the lighter side, I had my 3rd flying lesson last night!    It was so fun!  We flew patterns and touch and gos.  WOW!  I am really loving this flying gig!  The hour lesson just doesn’t last long enough for me.  It goes so fast!  I am gaining a little more confidence and some of the things are coming a little more natural.  All I can say is WOO-HOO!!! (Talk about something that makes your butt wiggle!)

About Igor Stravinsky

Igor Stravinsky, the modernist Russian composer, had a profound influence on classical music with his musical innovations in such pieces as the ballet The Rite of Spring, which shocked contemporary society with the newness of its sound. He was born in 1882 near St. Petersburg. After briefly considering law, he apprenticed to composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. He was also a virtuosic pianist. He continued composing and touring into his 80’s. He died in 1971.

Been There Done That

“If you must begin then go all the way, because if you begin and quit, the unfinished business you have left behind begins to haunt you all the time.”
– Chögyam Trungpa


 
Been There Done That
2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

I named this one “Been There Done That”, because it just seems familiar and comfortable.  There’s something casual and relaxed about this window.  It’s open to the fresh air and a little worn.  It’s not too pristine, yet it has some color.  It just looks like it has seen some life.  I know, it’s just a window, but I like it. 

About Chögyam Trungpa

Tibetan Buddhist leader Chögyam Trungpa was instrumental in bringing Buddhism to the West. He was born in 1939 in Tibet and was recognized as the reincarnation of a Rinpoche (enlightened teacher) at 13 months old. After moving to England, he abandoned his monk garb: He wanted his Western students to perceive the Buddhist teachings without becoming distracted by exotic trappings. He founded Naropa University in Colorado and wrote several books. He died in 1987.

Hope

One is happy as a result of one’s own efforts, once one knows the necessary ingredients of happiness — simple tastes, a certain degree of courage, self-denial to a point, love of work, and above all, a clear conscience.  Happiness is no vague dream, of that I now feel certain.
– George Sand

(Cool note:  George Sand was a woman!)


 
Hope
2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor

In my window series, I call this one Hope because it’s a window with a clear view of whatever fantasy the mind might conjure up.  There is nothing predefined.  I did the watercolor, salt saran wrap treatment to the watercolor paper, before I painted the stained glass type window on it.  It’s from the same piece of paper I did the stone window on.

I had my second flying lesson last night.  It was so cool!  My CFI (certified flight instructor) is wonderful!  He really is perfect for me.  He wants me to have fun and be at ease.  He doesn’t want me to miss a thing.  With his help, I am beginning to gain a little more confidence.  I am having the time of my life! 


George Sand

The French novelist George Sand (1804-1876) was the most successful woman writer of her century. Her novels present a large fresco of romantic sentiment and 19th-century life, especially in its more pastoral aspects.

George Sand was born Armandine Aurore Lucille Dupin in Paris on July 1, 1804. On her father’s side she was related to a line of kings and to the Maréchal de Saxe; her mother was the daughter of a professional bird fancier. Aurore’s father, Maurice Dupin, was a soldier of the Empire. He died when Aurore was still a child.
At the age of 14, tired of being the “apple of discord” between her mother and grandmother, Aurore went to the convent of the Dames Augustines Anglaises in Paris. Though she did her best to disrupt the convent’s peaceful life, she felt drawn to quiet contemplation and direct communication with God.

To save Aurore from mysticism, her grandmother called her to her home in Nohant. Here Aurore studied nature, practiced medicine on the peasants, read from the philosophers of all ages, and developed a passion for the works of François René Chateaubriand. Her eccentric tutor encouraged her to wear men’s clothing while horseback riding, and she galloped through the countryside in trousers and loose shirt, free, wild, and in love with nature.

Read more about her here.

Distrust

“If your eyes are blinded with your worries, you cannot see the beauty of the sunset.”
–Krishnamurti

 
Distrust
2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor on Strathmore Textured ATC

I am calling this one “Distrust”, in my window series theme, The  Soul of a Woman.  Some of us know this feeling.  We’ve been hurt or abused and although we still look out at the world, we are hesitant to let anyone in.  We protect ourselves against the possibility of being hurt again.  The cold steel of this train window is strongly bolted against the outside elements.  Ooooo, a little too deep for such a small painting, eh? 


The texture of this paper seems to lend itself to the feel of an old steel train.  Fun stuff to paint on.

Krishnamurti (May 12, 1895–February 17, 1986) was a renowned writer and speaker on philosophical and spiritual subjects. His subject matter included: psychological revolution, the nature of the mind, meditation, human relationships, and bringing about positive change in society. He constantly stressed the need for a revolution in the psyche of every human being and emphasized that such revolution cannot be brought about by any external entity, be it religious, political, or social.  more…

An Open Heart

“The be-all and end-all of life should not be to get rich, but to enrich the world.”
– Bertie Charles Forbes

 

An Open Heart
2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor on Strathmore Textured ATC

If I was to stay with my window project theme of a woman’s emotions, I would say this one is an open heart.  Maybe she is a little gray and not as shiny as she once was, but she is still receptive and open to whatever the day may bring. 

About Bertie Charles Forbes

Bertie Charles Forbes, known as B.C. Forbes, is remembered as the founder of the long-running Forbes magazine, aimed at investors. He was born in 1880 in Scotland. He worked as a reporter for a Dundee newspaper until 1901, when he moved to South Africa and founded a newspaper there; but he stayed just three years before moving to the United States, where he became a financial editor and columnist. His sons Bruce and Malcolm succeeded him as editors-in-chief of Forbes. He died in 1954.

A Straight and Proper Window

“I have learned, as a rule of thumb, never to ask whether you can do something. Say, instead, that you are doing it. Then fasten your seat belt. The most remarkable things follow.”
– Julia Cameron

 

A Straight and Proper Window
2.5″ x 3.5″ on Strathmore Textured ATC

It’s amazing how a painting on one of these little textured ATCs takes on a whole different look than it would on a smooth paper.  I don’t like painting on canvas that hasn’t had the woven texture primed away, but I like this texture with watercolor.    I have purchased the little packages of different types of Strathmore artist paper in ATC size and they are always fun to experiment with.

For the FTC:  I do not receive anything from Strathmore Artist Papers.  I just like their paper. 

About Julia Cameron

American author Julia Cameron has become an icon in the creative community for her best-selling self-help book, The Artist’s Way, which guides people through a series of simple but profound exercises to awaken their creativity. She grew up in Chicago and has been writing seriously since age 18. In addition to her 28 books, she has written plays, screenplays, and songs. She was married to film director Martin Scorsese and has one daughter. She currently lives in New York.

Refuse to Give Up

“Great leadership usually starts with a willing heart, a positive attitude, and a desire to make a difference.”
~ Mac Anderson

 
Refuse to Give Up

2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor & Gouache from the Windows Series

I used a piece of watercolor paper that I had already treated with watercolor, salt and saran wrap.  I found a picture of this stone window somewhere and was impressed that it stays where they put it.  It was really fun to paint all the different stones and concrete on that little blue ATC.

	Mac Anderson is the founder Simple Truths & Successories, the leader in creating products for employee motivation and recognition. Successories, however, is not the first success story for Mac Anderson. He was also the founder and CEO of McCord Travel (one of the largest travel companies in the Midwest) and as a part owner of Orval Kent Food Company (the largest manufacturer of prepared salad products in the country), he was Vice President of Sales and Marketing. His remarkable accomplishments in these three unrelated industries provide some insight into his passion and leadership skills. Mac brings the same passion to his speaking when he shares his business experiences with others. In addition, he is the author of two books, The Nature of Success and The Power of Attitude. He also introduced The Race, a motivational classic. To learn about Mac’s newest venture Simple Truths, LLC. please visit www.SimpleTruths.com FTC disclosure:  I have been buying books from Simple Truths for many years now.  They are amazing!  I buy them for their wonderful inspiration, and I often give them as gifts. Once you start reading them (they are small and a quick read) you’ll be hooked!  I have 6 of them on the shelf by my computer and more at home.  The link above is an affiliate link.  If you purchase something from that click, I will receive a little commission. Trust me, you will receive so much more! Beth

Optimistic

“Could we change our attitude, we should not only see life differently, but life itself would come to be different.”
– Katherine Mansfield

That philosophy is exactly why I put the quotes out there every day.  I really think that if you begin your day with something positive, it can genuinely change the course of your day.  It works for me, anyway. 


 
Optimistic
2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC

Something about this little scene looks optimistic to me.  Fresh spring air coming indoors after a long winter.  It just feels happy and warm.

About Katherine Mansfield

Katherine Mansfield was the pen name of short story writer Katherine Beauchamp, who is best known for her collection The Garden Party. Born in New Zealand in 1888, she moved to England as a young woman and became friends with writers such as Virginia Woolf and D.H. Lawrence. Her writing style was influenced by Anton Chekhov; like him, she focused on intimate moments that revealed character. She in turn influenced a generation of short story writers. She died in 1923 of tuberculosis.

All Dressed Up

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”
– Mark Twain

That is so true!  Maybe this is another reason we blog. 


 

All Dressed Up
2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor on Strathmore Textured Paper

This was fun to do in this small size.  I chose the name because no matter how plain the building, when you add a beautiful window, it is all dressed up.
I love stained glass.  I learned how to do it when I was younger, but gave it up because I didn’t have the space to leave it out all the time.  Stained glass is a little to hard to do on the kitchen table between meals. 

About Mark Twain

Samuel Clemens, the iconic American humorist and writer, is better known by his pen name Mark Twain. He was born in 1835 in Missouri. He worked at several jobs, including steamboat pilot and miner. He wrote The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Prince and the Pauper, and other successful novels. His writing captured a very American vernacular and flavor, and helped create a distinctive American literature. He died in 1910.

Shattered

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt

 

Shattered
2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor ATC


The perspective on this one doesn’t seem quite right, but I had a great time doing the broken glass.   So… just pretend the perspective is working.  *giggle*  

About Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of president Franklin Delano Roosevelt, was a powerful political figure in her own right, crusading tirelessly for humanist causes. She was born in New York in 1884 and was orphaned young. After Franklin was struck by polio, she acted as his eyes and ears. She was central to the creation of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which she considered her crowning achievement, and wrote numerous essays, including a long-running column called “My Day.” She died in 1962.

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.