New York City – 5″ x 7″ Watercolor & Black Staedtler Pigment Liner

“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

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

New York City – 5″ x 7″ Watercolor & Black Staedtler Pigment Liner

That was fun!  I wish you could see it in real life.  All the windows in my building paintings are done with iridescent paint, so they kinda sparkle like real windows.  The reference photo was provided by MissMouse at WetCanvas.

The large building in the center took me a full hour to paint.  You really can’t see it here, but the pink tiered building on the right even says New Yorker on top.  It’s teenie-tiny!

About Mark Twain

Samuel Clemens, the iconic American humorist and writer, is better known by his pen name Mark Twain. He was born on November 30, 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 on April 21, 1910.

New York City – 5″ x 7″ Work in Progress

“How can disappointments be opportunities to grow? When we feel thwarted, frustrated or empty it is difficult – but not impossible – to see the positive side of our pain.Most disappointments come from a sense of failure when our expectations of ourselves or others are not met. 

 

If we can work through our initial response or source of frustration that lies within ourselves, we are taking the right steps toward turning our hurts and fears into growth-filled experiences.Do we have unrealistic expectations of ourselves or approval of us? 

 

Have we sold ourselves short by placing our entire self-worth on our jobs, paychecks, or possessions? Have we accepted negative feelings about ourselves, or do we see ourselves as capable human beings?

  TODAY I will probe the sources of my self-esteem. I will seek my happiness within myself, not in other people, places, or things.”

– Liane Cordes (from the book – The Reflecting Pond)

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

New York City – 5″ x 7″ Work in Progress

This is the painting I am working on now.  I thought it would be fun to show you some progress shots.  Fist I do a pencil drawing, then come back in with ink.  I use Staedtler pigment liners.   They are archival quality, fade-resistant  and acid-free.

On this one, I came in with the sky and water first.  I often save the sky for last and I think this way is better.  I wet the area then bring the color in.   Everything after the liner is watercolor.  I have some teensie tiny itty bitty brushes.  It feels like it would be cheating if I used colored markers.

See the building to the right of the tall purple building?  That puppy took me an hour all by itself, just to paint the color in.  I’m getting close to finishing, so I should be able to show you the finished painting before the week is out. 

The reference photo is by MissMouse at WetCanvas.  She provided it to the Reference Image Library for artists’ use.  If you haven’t checked it out, you should.   It’s an amazing source of inspiration.

“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. An excellent resource for those in aftercare programs.”

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.

Another KC House – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor & Ink

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
– Helen Keller

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Another KC House – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor & Ink

This is my step-sister’s house.  She lives in the Kansas City metropolitan area, as does my step-mom.    I am really looking forward to seeing Joan (step-mom) when I am in KC.  I drove up to visit her a couple years ago and we had a nice time.

I woke up this morning in a panic.  I realized I only have 2 weeks until I have to submit my inventory list for the KC show.  I am going to set a doable goal of framing 3 paintings a day, minimum, so I can take a little of the pressure off.  April may see me going back to painting Eufaula again.  I already have one painting commissioned that I really need to get to.  All of this when the sign shop is the busiest ever!  I am woman… hear me roar!

About Helen Keller

American author and activist Helen Keller was born in Alabama on June 27, 1880; she became blind and deaf after a childhood fever. When she was 7, Ann Sullivan famously coaxed her out of her sullen, angry shell and taught her to communicate. From then on, Keller took on the world. She graduated from Radcliffe, traveled the world visiting sweatshops and speaking out for the powerless, helped found the ACLU, and wrote eleven books. She died on June 1, 1968.

Wine, Anyone? A watercolor Painting

“Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value in your life.”

–Christiane Northrup, M.D.

 

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Wine, Anyone?

 

Here’s another one from the archives.  In 2011, I used a photo from the WetCanvas Reference Image Library for this one.  Monday, I’ll have another new painting for you.  Have a great weekend!

 

Christiane Northrup, M.D. 

 

From her website:  As a physician, author, mother, inspirational speaker, and pioneer in women’s health, I’ve dedicated my life to teaching women how to flourish.

Health isn’t just the absence of disease. It’s being physically and emotionally able to live joyfully and in alignment with your deepest self. You have the ability to build health every day. Just be open to new ideas and to adopting new habits.
I designed this Web site to help you enjoy vibrant health. Read my blog, the hundreds of articles in Health Wisdom A-Z, the Health Centers and my newsletter archives. Listen to recordings of my Internet radio show, or download podcasts and video clips, prepared just for this site.
Flourishingly yours,
CHRISTIANE NORTHRUP, M.D.
p.s. Stay connected by signing up for my newsletter and joining my Facebook community.

Proof that I am a Little Weird – Acrylic on Canvas

“Make voyages! — Attempt them! — there’s nothing else…”
– Tennessee Williams

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Proof that I am a Little Weird – Acrylic on Canvas

It’s a cat in Bethville!  Oh My!   This is a little diversion, since I’m sure you’re a little tired of Kansas City paintings.  Do I see life a little differently from normal people?  You bet! 

About Tennessee Williams

Tennessee Williams was the pen name of Thomas Lanier Williams, the multiple-award-winning Southern Gothic playwright best known for his plays Streetcar Named Desire and The Glass Menagerie. He was born on March 26, 1911 in Mississippi, where he had a difficult childhood with an abusive father, a smothering mother, and a schizophrenic sister. His emotionally honest plays often feature sensitive souls who don’t fit into a confining culture. He spent most of his adult life in New York City. He died on February 25, 1983.

Small Town America – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor Portrait

“I can change only myself, but sometimes that is enough.”
–Ruth Humlecker

 ”Happiness is more fleeting for some of us than for others. We may ponder this notion but fail to grasp the reason. However, careful attention to how “the happy ones” go through life will enlighten us. We will note how seldom they complain about others’ actions. We will discover their willingness to accept others as they are. We will see that their attention is generally on the positive aspects of people and circumstances rather than on the negative.

 We can join the parade of “happy ones” by letting go of our need to change people and situations that disturb us. Even when we are certain other people are wrong, we can let go of controlling them. Doing this means changing ourselves, of course. But this is the one thing in life we do have control over.

 I will change myself if I think something needs changing today!”

–Karen Casey

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Small Town America – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor & Ink

This is actually in Wisconsin, but I loved the small town America feel to it.  The photo is courtesy of jediknl2 at WetCanvas.  They shared it in the Reference Image Library for everyone to paint from.    I love that library!

My friend and fellow blogger, Leslie White, taught me that leaving a path of white in a painting allows the eye to travel through it.  I forget that normally, but used it here.  Thanks, Leslie!

I couldn’t find any reliable biography info on today’s authors.  I sure do love the quotes, though. 

Hi Hat Coffee Shop – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor & Ink

“What the caterpillar calls the end of the world the master calls a butterfly.”
– Richard Bach

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Hi Hat Coffee Shop – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor & Ink

Mandy, over at KCC suggested the Hi Hat Coffee Shop as a much loved Kansas City (actually Westwood Hills) building to paint.  Evidently, the owner of the shop watched that particular building forever, waiting for it to come up for sale or lease.  When it did, he snatched it up immediately!  I can see why.  What a fun little place.   I may go find them when I’m in KC

About Richard Bach

Richard Bach, the American pilot and author, became hugely successful with the publication of the slim novel Jonathan Livingston Seagull, a spiritual quest about a bird who loved to fly rather than seeing flight as a means to an end. He was born in Illinois on June 23, 1936, a descendant of composer Johann Sebastian Bach. He has been an Air Force Reserve pilot, a flight instructor, and a barnstormer; most of his books involve flight either directly or as a metaphor.

Character Neighborhood – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor & Ink

“Hope is the thing with feathers
that perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all.”

–Emily Dickinson

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Character Neighborhood – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor & Ink

Yes…. That house really was pink.  It was even brighter, but I toned it down.  (HA! Me…. toning down?   It’s rare, but it happened.)

I really loved these houses.  When I was little, I remember my grandpa having a front yard like that.  It’s a neat memory.  I imagine, when they were built, they were quite fancy, but have been forgotten, in favor of those huge homes we see these days.  I found these cute houses with Google street view.  They are in Kansas City.

Emily Dickenson

In 1830, Emily Dickinson was born in Amherst, Massachusetts. She attended Mount Holyoke Female Seminary in South Hadley, but severe homesickness led her to return home after one year. Throughout her life, she seldom left her house and visitors were scarce. The people with whom she did come in contact, however, had an enormous impact on her thoughts and poetry. She was particularly stirred by the Reverend Charles Wadsworth, whom she met on a trip to Philadelphia. He left for the West Coast shortly after a visit to her home in 1860, and some critics believe his departure gave rise to the heartsick flow of verse from Dickinson in the years that followed. While it is certain that he was an important figure in her life, it is not certain that this was in the capacity of romantic love—she called him “my closest earthly friend.” Other possibilities for the unrequited love in Dickinson’s poems include Otis P. Lord, a Massachusetts Supreme Court Judge, and Samuel Bowles, editor of the Springfield Republican.   More…

The Elk and the Magpie – Watercolor Postcard

“Change is a part of the flow of life. Sometimes we’re frustrated because change seems slow in coming. Sometimes, too, we’re resistant to a change that seems to have been thrust upon us. We must remember that change, in and of itself, neither binds us nor frees us. Only our attitude toward change binds or frees.”

–Anonymous

YEAH!!

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

The Elk and the Magpie – Watercolor Postcard

The photo for this painting was provided by Crias at WetCanvas.  I painted it when I was in Idaho in 2011.    I’m still working on the little painting of the character houses.   I’m loving how it looks so far.  I’ll share it on Monday, hopefully.