Thank You!

“I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it.”

– Pablo Picasso

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Thank You!

I painted this for my new friends, Val & Mary Easley.  They have been friends of my hubby’s for decades, but I just met them. 

We drove to Clinton, OK this weekend and spent time with this wonderful couple.   Mary is a die-hard crafter.  She has a sewing room that made me drool!  Then, outside is another whole building where she crafts all kinds of things.   I loved seeing all that, but more than anything, Val and Mary are two of the nicest people I have ever met.  Val is almost 82 and Mary is a young chickie of 72 and they have been married for 31 years.   They were awesome!

If you follow this blog, you may have noticed that I have been missing in action.  I’m still here, but I have had to exercise some self restraint, where the computer is concerned.  I’ve been so busy in my sign shop that it has had to come first.  It’s amazing how much I can get done when I don’t spend the first 2 hours of my day on blogging and social media.  Since 2007, I have blogged 5 days a week.  I’m just going to cut that back to maybe once a week.  I am going to try anyway.  I love doing this and I love being part of a larger art family, for sure.

I am still painting every morning between 5-6 am.  That will never stop. 

About Pablo Picasso

 

Pablo Picasso, the Spanish painter at the forefront of Cubism, is perhaps best known for his painting Guernica, which depicts the hopelessness and violence of war. The masterpiece hung in the Museum of Modern Art in New York until democracy was restored in Spain; the painting was then sent home, where it hangs now at Reina Sofí a, Spain’s national museum of modern art. Born in Spain in 1881, Picasso spent his adult life in France. Although he’s known for his abstract paintings, his realistic work, particularly his Blue Period, was equally accomplished. He loved to be surrounded by friends and had multiple love affairs. He died in 1973.

Rusty Old Truck Layered into Posey Park Painting

“I’ve learned that people whill forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
– Dr. Maya Angelou
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Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Rusty Old Truck

I painted this from a reference photo by Skappy at WetCanvas.  I left the background empty on purpose, so I could do this….

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Maya Angelou

Dr. Maya Angelou is a remarkable Renaissance woman who is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature. As a poet, educator, historian, best-selling author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer and director, she continues to travel the world, spreading her legendary wisdom. Within the rhythm of her poetry and elegance of her prose lies Angelou’s unique power to help readers of every orientation span the lines of race. Angelou captivates audiences through the vigor and sheer beauty of her words and lyrics.

Zentangle and the Orange Alpaca – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor

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“Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.”
– Truman Capote

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Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

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Silly Little Orange Alpaca – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor

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Mary Y. over at WetCanvas posted the cutest little Alpaca youngster on her WDE a couple weeks ago.  I painted this from her photo.  In fact, the Halloween Cat was also from her WDE.  Of course it was a white cat.  I’m sure Mary won’t mind her white critters becoming orange.  She knows what happens at Bethville. 

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About Truman Capote

The flamboyant American author Truman Capote is best known for his book In Cold Blood, the true story of the murder of a wealthy Kansas family. Written in a literary style, it spawned the creative nonfiction genre. Born in New Orleans in 1924 and raised by relatives in Alabama, Capote moved to New York when he was nine to live with his mother. He was a larger-than-life personality, known for his colorful attire, his lisping voice, and his outrageous statements. He died in 1984.

This Orange Cat (too early) for Halloween!

2 Easy Steps to Remembering You Are WORTH It!

Hayley Hobson | September 14, 2013 | Living

1. You Set the Bar.  You got it. You do. You get to determine what you’re worth.  Now, don’t become a complete diva, but make a list and write down what you feel you deserve. And once you’ve compiled it, put it in a place you can see it and live by it.  Treat yourself the way you want others to treat you. Let them follow by example.
2. Value Yourself.  Interpretation: stop hanging around with deadbeats who are bringing you down. Stop lugging around the extra baggage.  Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you; let go of those that are not allowing you to grow.
Such great advice!!!
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Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

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A Bit Too Early for Halloween!

I couldn’t help myself.  I drew the cat and the rest of it just kept coming.  Sorry for being so early.  “D

Hayley Hobson

Hayley Hobson is an author, speaker, business coach, yogi, Pilates and holistic nutritional expert based in Boulder, CO. Hayley creates lifestyle transformations by coaching her clients to strengthen, nourish and evolve through the cycles and shifts in life. Combining cutting edge understanding in all three disciplines due to years of anatomical study and dietary theory, Hayley’s approach leverages their blended benefits and results. Her unique and intelligent style promotes strengthening while softening–empowering her client’s to heal not only their physical bodies, but their hearts and minds as well. Hayley studied at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, continues her studies with David Wolfe, raw food expert and is an essential oil expert in her own right.  She is a doTERRA Certified Oil Diamond Director and a Pangea Organics Beauty Ecologist.

Her insights and articles can also be found on her blog, Mindbodygreen, Elephant Journal, Masters Shift and Islaorganics. She has also been featured in Pilates Style magazine, Natural Health magazine andTriathlete Magazine.  She has fun running and playing in the mountains with her husband, former world-ranked triathlete, Wes Hobson and their two beautiful daughters, Makenna and Madeline . To learn more about her nutritional courses, events she’s hosting and custom programs go to hayleyhobson.com or follow her on Facebook or Twitter or Pinterest.

Hey... What is that cat up to?

“Never look down to test the ground before taking your next step; only he who keeps his eye fixed on the far horizon will find the right road.”
– Dag Hammarskjöld

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Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

What is that cat up to?
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I think he’s yawning, feigning boredom, to lure that mouse into a false sense of security.  Or maybe he’s an opera singing cat… serenading that mouse.  He is in Bethville, afterall. 
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About Dag Hammarskjöld
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Dag Hammarskjöld, a Noble Peace Prize winner, was a diplomat who strengthened the United Nations’ peacekeeping mission. Born in Sweden in 1905, he followed his father’s footsteps into national government, where he coined the term “planned economy” before becoming a delegate to the U.N. and a two-time secretary-general. He negotiated the release of Americans captured by the Chinese in the Korean War, worked to resolve the Suez Canal crisis, and was on a mission to the Congo when his plane crashed in 1961, killing all aboard.

Brand New Eufaula Postcard

“Believe that dreams and miracles happen every day.  You also have to acknowledge that you’ve already experienced countless big and tiny miracles in your own life.  Acknowledge how much you have to be grateful for and be grateful that you have so much to offer.”

–Bex Borucki

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Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

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New Eufaula Postcard

I have these on order and should receive them Monday.  I’m going to do more designs, but this is the one I have sent in so far.  They will be available at Our Favorite Place in Eufaula.

Rebekah “Bex” Borucki, founder of BEXLIFE™ and the BLISSED IN™ wellness movement, is a mother-of-four, TV host, fitness and yoga instructor, popular YouTuber, and backyard farmer raising backyard chickens and growing her own organic garden.

A Happy Orange Alien

Every failure, obstacle, or hardship is an opportunity in disguise.  Success in many cases is failure turned inside out.  The greatest pollution problem we face today is negativity.  Eliminate the negative attitude and believe you can do anything.  Replace “if I can, I hope, maybe” with “I can, I will, I must.”
– Mary Kay Ash

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Happy Alien – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor

I know… Bethville is a very strange place!  I can’t help the stuff that happens there. 

Mary Kay Ash

Mary Kay Ash earned a place in history when she stepped out in a man’s world to blaze a new path for women. Recognized today as America’s greatest woman entrepreneur, Mary Kay created new opportunities for women around the world. Her revolutionary move led to a multibillion-dollar success. In the process, she earned a place in the hearts of millions for her giving spirit, unwavering values and inspiring belief in the power and potential of women.   This site invites you to celebrate her remarkable story. It pays tribute to her life and her legacy, which continues to burn brightly through the countless lives she touched.

Stripedy Moose in Zentangle Inspired Forest

“If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.”
– Lao Tzu

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2012

Moose in Zentangle Inspired Forest

I have to admit… this is one of my favorite paintings, ever.  It just flowed from me while I was in my little A-Frame cabin in Idaho.  I had plans on the day I was working on this, to go up to Grand Targhee resort and have lunch, but I couldn’t pull myself away from this painting.  I stayed at it until it was done.  I really loved the whole process and I think this may have to become a large acrylic painting.  Of course, the problem with that…. a moose painting is unlikely to sell in our local gallery, since it’s all about Oklahoma.  No dang moose herds roaming around Oklahoma. 

About Lao Tzu

The ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu is believed to have lived in the 4th century B.C. Little is known about him, but it is likely that he wrote the Tao te Ching, the foundation of Taoist philosophy, and engaged Confucius in debate, honing both men’s belief systems. His name means either “old master” or the “old child,” and one legend says he was born with white hair after spending 80 years in his mother’s womb.

Zentangle Buffalo

“I do believe it is possible to create, even without ever writing a word or painting a picture, by simply molding one’s inner life. And that too is a deed.”
– Etty Hillesum

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Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Zentangle Buffalo

When in Idaho…. yeah, I was having fun painting the local flavor.  I was content to hang out in my cabin, painting from my Bethville brain.  I’ve been having fun with this particular twist on my usual style.  Each painting takes a really long time, though.   

About Etty Hillesum

Etty Hillesum, less famous than her contemporary, Anne Frank, lived a short life of great courage. She was born in 1914 in the Netherlands to a Dutch father and a Russian mother. She studied law, Slavic languages, and psychology. Hungry for knowledge, she cut down on food in order to buy books. She went voluntarily to the Westerbork camp to help fellow Jews interned by the Nazis. Her letters detail her experiences; her more meditative diary focuses on issues of faith. She died at Auschwitz in 1943.

Flowerdy Bear in Idaho

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

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Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Flowerdy Bear
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I’m thinking maybe this is a bear cub.  Certainly doesn’t look intimidating.  It’s possible it has been shunned by all the other bears because of his flowers… kinda like Rudolph and that red nose.  But that’s too sad to think about, so I’ll go with the vinyl wrap theory.  No matter what… he’s certainly found his way into Bethville! 
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About Phillips Brooks

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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.

A Fly By - A Little 4" x 6" Watercolor

“Always behave like a duck — keep calm and unruffled on the surface but paddle like the devil underneath.”
– Jacob Braude

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Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

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A Fly By – 4″ x 6″ Watercolor

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Of course I have to paint during airport layovers.  I filed this image away in my brain on the way to Denver, then started the painting while waiting for my flight to Idaho Falls.  I didn’t paint on the planes this trip because I was at the tail end of a good book.   I was reading The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.  It was a really good read.  I finished it on the way from Idaho Falls to Denver and bought John Grisham’s new book, The Racketeer – A Novel, at the airport.   It’s really good, too!

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I love books!  I hope to never have to go to an electronic reader, such as Kindle.  I’m pretty tired of electronic devices, by the time I curl up with a book.  There’s just something pure about that kind of joy. 

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About Jacob Braude

American judge and author Jacob Braude was a fount of humorous and inspirational stories and quotations, which he used to regale the courtroom in Cook County, Illinois, where he presided for more that 35 years. His books of sayings, including Speaker’s Encyclopedia of Humor and Braude’s Treasury of Wit and Humor, have been mined by toastmasters and lecturers for decades. He was born in 1896 and died in 1970.

Blood Hound Zentangle

“Laughter is the closest distance between two people.”
– Victor Borge

Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

Zentangled Blood Hound

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I love that quote!  My sister and I were applying Linseed Oil to our mom’s new fence, while we were in Idaho.  It was hard work… horrible work… yet my sister and I laughed the whole time.  We were getting as much oil on us as we were on the fence.  Laughing non-stop!!!  We laughed our hearts out.  It was fun and it was like we hadn’t been apart at all.  I love her so much and that is a memory we will always have.

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Another strange zentangle painting.  A little odd, but fun for me none the less.

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About Victor Borge
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Danish pianist Victor Borge was affectionately known as the Clown Prince of Denmark. Born as Børge Rosenbaum in 1909 to musician parents, he began playing piano at age three. After a stint as a classical pianist, he began combining music and jokes. His anti-Nazi jokes landed him on Hitler’s enemies list. In 1942, he was named Best New Radio Performer by the American press. His Comedy in Music show on Broadway was the longest running one-man show in the 1950′s. He died in 2000.

A Little Watercolor Spark of Madness

“You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.”
– Robin Williams

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Copyright Beth Parker Art 2013

My Little Spark of Madness

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I don’t know… maybe it’s the 11 days off… in a row… that caused this little painting.  Of course the hubby shakes his head and looks at me funny, but I like it. 

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I had a great vacation.  Idaho is so beautiful and spending time with my family was priceless!  I really should do that more often than every other year.

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About Robin Williams

In 2005, Robin Williams, the Oscar-winning American actor known for his wild improvisations and amazing mimicry, was voted by fellow comedians and comedy insiders as one of the top 50 comedy acts ever. He was born in 1951 in Chicago, and he first garnered attention as a stand-up comic in San Francisco. A guest role as the alien Mork on the TV series Happy Days was so popular it led to his own show, Mork and Mindy. He has starred in many successful films, including Mrs. Doubtfire and Good Will Hunting. He has three children.