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.”
Thank you for showing a post with the progression of how you paint, Beth. This is a very awesome piece to do this with. Love it!
Thanks, Leslie! I love your progress posts, too!
Wow!!! This is a labor of love but well worth it. What a fantastic painting!!! I love seeing the progress photos. Can’t wait to see it finished!!! ~Sophia
Thanks, Sophia! I finished it this morning and I’m just getting ready to post it.
So much detail in such a small space. I’m blown away. I can’t wait to see the finished painting. You rock, Beth!
Thank you Jill! It is a lot of detail in a small space. The paper was awful, too. Every bit of watercolor was painstakingly applied. It looks beautiful on the handmade paper, but it was really hard!
Super cool city! And very neat to see progress pics. More people should do progress pics! Looks terrifically amazing already.
[I used those pens you linked for a while, then switched to Microns (Sakura) and Copic pens (but I don't recall why!). However, since you don't seem to have any trouble with ink smudging, I may need to switch back! I often have trouble with black ink smudging (though other Micron colors don't smudge - which is why I use brown or another color to line before coloring - and then add black at the end). I don't know if it's the alcohol-based ink that is the trouble, which would be a bit different than watercolor. Hmm!]
Thanks, Cindy! I have also used Micron, but I’ll wait for a really good sale before I try Copics. I have a problem with bleeding only if I get in too big of a hurry to add the watercolor. If I allow it to dry well, I seem to be okay. I also don’t use slick paper, which smudges easier I think.
(I am often in too big a hurry. Maybe I need to try to work on more than one piece at a time to help with this.)
What a surprise to come and see you working on a NYC scene! This looks great!! You have an amazing amount of detail in that small space. I love coming over to catch up and see the work you’ve been doing. I’m never disappointed.
Thanks, Joan! I was thinking of you the other day when I saw a post about a huge plein air meet. http://www.pleinairconvention.com/ You have always inspired me with your plein air work.