Show Bookmark – Watercolor

“We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.”
– Marian Wright Edelman

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Show Bookmark – Watercolor

This is a little bookmark I made to use as a demo piece at the show in Kansas City.  It was all inked, but only partially painted, so people could see how I do my paintings.  So many people asked on Friday, that I did this for Saturday.  It was an amazing show!!  I sold 5 paintings and got deposits on 4 commissions!!  Oh, I sold my zentangle bowl and some boxed postcards, too.  I’ll tell you more about it later.  Right now, I need to return a bunch of calls and emails.  🙂

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About Marian Wright Edelman

American activist Marian Wright Edelman, who founded the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) as a voice for poor, minority, and handicapped children, was the first African-American woman to practice law in Mississippi. She was born in 1939 in South Carolina. Her father, a Baptist preacher, died when she was 14; his last words to her were, “Don’t let anything get in the way of your education.” She graduated from Yale Law School in 1963. Her many awards include the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Little Farm Truck – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor

“All that is necessary to break the spell of inertia and frustration is this:  act as if it were impossible to fail.  That is the talisman, the formula, the command of right-about-face which turns us from failure towards success.”

—Dorthea Brande

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Little Farm Truck – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor

This little painting is hanging in the hubby’s bar at the house.  That truck in real life is only about an inch long.

I’m leaving for Kansas City in the morning, so unless I figure out how to do this from my phone, I’ll be off line until I return on Tuesday.  I am so excited!   This is one adventure I am really looking forward to.  Have a great day!

Dorthea Brande

American author, lecturer and magazine editor, Dorothea Brande, was the youngest of five children born to Frederick S. and Alice P. Thompson of Chicago, Illinois. Alice Dorothea Alden Thompson was born in Englewood, a Chicago community, on 12 January, 1892. Both of her parents were originally from Maine and had previously lived in Delaware where her three oldest siblings were born. Her father was employed as a manager at local business in the Chicago area. Brande attended the Universities of Michigan and Chicago, earning her Phi Beta Kappa key at the former. She went on to work as a newspaper reporter in Chicago and later as circulation manager for American Mercury magazine during the time of H.L. Mencken and George Jean Nathan. In the 1930s she became an associate editor of Bookman magazine and later its successor (1934), the American Review. In the years to come Brande would also operate a nationwide correspondence school for aspiring writers and tour on the lecture circuit.  More…

Whatever Floats Your Boat

“I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”

—Christopher Reeve

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Whatever Floats Your Boat

This is a little 4″ x 6″ Postcard I painted last spring.  The photo was from my friend, Dewi who lives in the Philippines.  Just a bit of fun.

Today is the 21st anniversary of Signs by Beth, LLC.  Where did the years go?

Christopher Reeve

Actor, director, and activist are just some of the words used to describe Christopher Reeve. From his first appearance at the Williamstown Theatre Festival at the age of 15, Reeve established a reputation as one of the country’s leading actors. However, ever since he was paralyzed in an equestrian competition in 1995, Reeve not only put a human face on spinal cord injury but he motivated neuroscientists around the world to conquer the most complex diseases of the brain and central nervous system.  More…

Little French Postcard in Color

“When you own your own imperfections and you embrace your life, you become a better person.  Life is about turning obstacles into pedestals.”

—Dodinsky

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Little French Postcard in Color

I finally finished this one.  It was fun!

It’s countdown to Kansas City for me, so I’m going to be pretty busy the next few days.  Thursday morning, I head north for my six hour drive to Overland Park, KS.  I made the trip two years ago to visit my step-mom,  and it was a pleasant drive.  I’ll be spending a little time with her on Friday.   Fun!

Dodinsky is the author of the upcoming inspirational and reflective gift book IN THE GARDEN OF THOUGHTS, scheduled to be released Spring of 2013 by Sourcebooks Publishing.  (It’s out.  Get your copy here.)

His intent was simply to share his reflections about life in order to help heal the wounds inflicted by life’s troubles. At the time, the man known by his readers as Dodinsky had no idea that within months of starting his blog In The Garden of Thoughts, thousands of readers would find healing through the modest words he planted.  More at dodinsky.com

I’m so excited!  My pre-ordered copy of In The Garden of Thoughts arrived Friday.  It’s wonderfully illustrated by Amanda Cass and it’s just beautiful!

 

Versace Home in Pink

“Our real blessings often appear to us in the shape of pains, losses and disappointments, but let us have patience and we soon shall see them in their proper figures.”
– Joseph Addison

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Versace Home in Pink

Again, I am posting an older painting.  Yes, I’m busy, busy, busy.  Yesterday was a day full of new orders at the sign shop.  I’m blessed and amazed at how much business is coming in these days.   I wish I was 35 again, with all that stamina and energy.  😀

The photo of the white building I painted this from was by my friend, Helen, at WetCanvas.   This home was on the market for $125 million!  I wonder if it sold?

About Joseph Addison

English politician and writer Joseph Addison is remembered as a cofounder, along with his friend Richard Steele, of The Spectator, one of the first magazines to cover literature and manners. He was born on May 1, 1672 in Wiltshire. He spent four years traveling in Europe, studying politics and writing poetry, and became a Commissioner of Appeals on his return to England. His shyness made public office difficult. His most famous work is the play Cato, a tragedy about ancient Rome. He died on June 17, 1719.

Little Houses – 5″ x 8″ Watercolor

“True silence is the rest of the mind; it is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment.”
– William Penn

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Little Houses – 5″ x 8″ Watercolor

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This is an older painting, but I really liked it.  The photo was from Jakesgram at WetCanvas.  I think the building on the left is a bar.

I am almost finished with all my framing for KC show.  Yay!   That’s hard work, when you do it right.  😀

About William Penn

William Penn is remembered as the founder of Pennsylvania; the democratic government he set up became the model for the United States Constitution. He was born on October 14, 1644 in England. After he was arrested several times for preaching Quaker ideals, he decided to found a settlement in America. He drew up the “Great Treaty” with the Delaware Indians to ensure they were paid fairly for their land and toured Europe marketing the new colony. He died on July 30, 1718.

Little French Postcard Beginning

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

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Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Little French Postcard Beginning

I just started this one yesterday morning.  I’ll be working on it this week.  The photo reference is inspiring and I promise it will be colorful.  It’s Alsace, France by Elaine V at WetCanvas.

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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 on June 17, 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 on April 6, 1971.

Foresee Ready Mix – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor

“My father used to say to me, ‘Whenever you get into a jam, whenever you get into a crisis or an emergency…become the calmest person in the room and you’ll be able to figure your way out of it.'”
– Rudolph Giuliani

My dad taught me that, too!  It works!

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Foresee Ready Mix – 8″ x 10″ Watercolor

This painting was commissioned by Kathy at Foresee.  The last time I painted this property, the client wanted more of the land and buildings in the painting.  I finally convinced her to bring it in, but not by much.  After she had an opportunity to see some of my other building portraits, she asked me to do another one… real up close and colorful.  This is the new one.  The first one is here.

About Rudolph Giuliani

Rudolph Giuliani, the controversial former mayor of New York City, took the national spotlight after the events of September 11th, when he stood strong, pulling the city together, which garnered him the Person of the Year accolade from Time magazine. He was born in Brooklyn on May 28, 1944. As mayor, he presided over a massive urban redevelopment and implemented the “broken windows” policy, which cracks down on small crimes to deter larger ones. After his term as mayor ended, Giuliani founded an investment and consulting company. He remains heavily involved in American politics and ran for president in 2008.

Technicolor Cows – 5″ x 7″ Watercolor and Black Ink

“There is a sense of exhilaration that comes from facing head-on the hard truths and saying, ‘We will never give up. We will never capitulate. It might take a long time, but we will find a way to prevail.'”
– Jim Collins

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Technicolor Cows – 5″ x 7″ Watercolor and Black Ink

That was fun!  I’m going through building portrait withdrawal, I think.  My mind went a little crazy here, but I had a good time.  All of it is watercolor except the black.  Yeah, I have some tiny brushes and a great light.

Only 10 more days until I head to Kansas City.  All the sudden, I am realizing how much I have left to do.  I have all the paintings done and framed, but still have to wire all the frames.   Most of my postcard mailing has gone out and I have postcard prints boxed.   Hotel is booked and jeep is clean on the inside.  Hmmmm, I guess I’m further along than I thought.  🙂

Now to whip the sign shop into shape.  I’ve been crazy busy and working 66 hours a week.  (not counting painting and framing)  I am very blessed to be so busy, but I’m actually looking forward to a few days off.

About Jim Collins

American business guru Jim Collins has written or cowritten four books, including the instant classic Built to Last, which spent more than six years on the Business Week best-seller list, and Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t, which became a New York Times best seller. He was raised in Boulder, Colorado. After seven years teaching at Stanford University’s business school, he founded a research laboratory to examine companies and why they succeed.

The Tattooed Puppy… not in real life!!

“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

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

The Tattooed Puppy… not in real life!!

Of course you know I did the tattooing with my paint brush… on the paper.  Just checkin’.    No puppy (or cow) was subjected to a real tattoo making contraption.  Can you imagine a critter sitting still for all that?  Not any I have ever known.  I don’t even have tattoos.   You couldn’t make me do that!

This is an older painting because I haven’t had time to get much done of the cows.  Maybe over the weekend.  I’m working at the sign shop Saturday, but I’ll be off on Sunday.

About Chögyam Trungpa

Tibetan Buddhist leader Chögyam Trungpa was instrumental in bringing Buddhism to the West. He was born on February 28, 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 on April 4, 1987.