James Parker Art

Adebanji's Homeless & Poverty

2011-07-04T04:20:00.000-07:00

Running inexcusably late (what century is this?) I have managed to get myself stirred up enough to finish Banji's moleskin. When I get in a slump, I re-define the whole meaning of inactivity. My apologies.

Somewhat at a loss for subject matter for Adebanji's theme of poverty and homeless, I stewed for a month or so, then, one morning while looking in the mirror for a familiar face....There It Was!!!! A perfect example of poverty! So I did a self-portrait. Except my forehead was too high and it didn't look like me. So I borrowed some hair from Larry King or Curious George or somebody. It still doesn't look like me, but maybe it looks like somebody. I guess I shoulda tried a hat. BUT...if it did look like me, it would be the "Perfect Poverty Poster Person".... I'm not "Poor"...I just stay so broke I can't even pay attention.

The second page of Adebanji's journal pictures a homeless dude camped out in front a Louis Vuitton store.... I doubt he's waiting for the store to open so he can get a new pair of shoes. There is a tragic sense to the disparity between the rich and poor. Moses had it out with the Egyptians...Robin Hood had a go at trying t0 even things out...Karl Marx missed the mark. We still have the same problems....I haven't heard that Charlie Sheen or numerous sports and entertainment folks want to return a few million dollars of their contracts..."Oh No...that's too much money....I just wouldn't feel right...getting paid that much!!!)
Yeah, right.

Anyway....one more moleskin....Liz Holm....portraits. I'm on it right now, even as we blog. Coming soon....promise!

One Hummingbird & One Hawk

2011-03-10T15:12:00.000-08:00

I'm still dragging somewhat...duh! Sure hope to get back to firing on all cylinders before too long. Anyway, I've had Dean Haven's journal for The Flying Moleskins for a while. Got a little surge of energy and grabbed my brushes and paints. Dean left the door open for choice of subject, and, wouldn't you know it a hawk flew in....pursued by an angry hummingbird. The hawk didn't stand a chance. I have presented my paintings of these two before the carnage began.

I've got Adebanji Alade's journal now....poverty and homelessness. Now that should be a challenge. Hm-m-m-m.
See ya down the road.....James

Return to Any Sense? Vern's Journal

2011-02-15T11:39:00.000-08:00

Boyoboyoboy! My bad. Hanging my head in shame. I've been away from my blog and painting so long, I forgot I had fingers. More on that in a moment. I have had two journals from the "Flying Moleskins" Project....Vernon Schwarz and Dean Haven. I have been sitting on them. Attempting to get back in step, I finished Vern's and have it posted here. I'm working on Dean's and will have it shortly. Vern's subject was anything, so I painted anything out in desert, but I kept getting annoyed by this "Beep, Beep" every now and then.

I went through a bit of escape and stick my head in the sandness. Call it malaise. or discombobulation, or mollygrumps, or manic depressive, or panic distressive or< maybe just "out of it".

As human beings, we all have problems. Artists, as human beings, have problems....except ours are more colorful.. I, as a part-time human being, have problems, too...but I'm just a bigger baby with them. I have a habit of making things worse than they are. For instance, I became reclusive for a couple of months and after getting home from work, just sat and watched movies instead of painting or doing anything constructive. However, If I was depressed, I'd watch stuff like "The Road" or "No Country for Old Men". If I was cold, I'd watch "March of the Penguins". If I had money problems, I'd watch "Falling Down". If I dwelt on social injustice or man's inhumanity to man, I'd put on "Schindler's List" or"Holocaust". If I read something about covert government or something I stuck "Shooter" (Mark Wahlberg) or" Enemy of the State" in the DVD playeer. If I saw something about the Mayan Doomsday Prophecy, I rented "2012" or "Day After Tomorrow" or "Deep Impact". DUH. Anyway, I watched" K PAX", "Godspell" and "Out of Africa" and now I'm all better.

More later...I won't be gone so long. Cya down the road................James

OOPS...Now Where Was I?

2010-11-03T12:10:00.000-07:00

I've been away from the blog for a while. I encountered a toxic plant resin rom a FireStick plant (Euphorbia Turicalli), got it my eyes and couldn't see for days. It felt like you poured gasoline and pepper sauce in em....absolutely excruciating. And it took a few weeks to be able to work in close detail. During that time, my brother-in-law and best friend left this life after an 18 month struggle with esophageal cancer. It really affected me (still does and will continue to) and I kinda got propelled into a major funk. Authors have an occasional "block" and artists do, also. I just got into a mood where I got home from work at the greenhouses, grabbed a couple of beers and read books....I think I've finished everything Ken Follett, Michael Crichton, Dan Brown, James Rollins ever wrote...and well into James Michener.

While in this state of retreat, I looked up one day and noticed I had two Flying Moleskin Journals to do...Ed Burton and Vern Schwartz. Pokey and Taco Belle, my pups, hopped on me and commanded in dog lingo to get moving. So I picked up my brushes and turned out Ed Burton's Journal with the two pieces. Below....First, the original "Rock" band, and the second. three of my favorite artists.

Now...to get cracking on Vern's. I also haven't updated Windows to the Words, but that will be coming in a couple of days.

Speaking of Ed Burton....Ed sent me some of the neatest photos of pumpkins carved with unbelievable talent and imagination. It's a bit after Halloween, but these are just TOO good, not to share. Here's a couple of them.....

Pretty cool, huh? Cya down the road............ James

2010-08-25T12:17:00.000-07:00

This month I had Sheila Tajima's journal for The Flying Moleskins project. Sheila's theme is "Things You Love". Well, aside from the "Four F's"..Faith, Family, Friends and Freedom, there's about 17 kazillion other things....like my pups, Pokey and Taco Belle and a hot shower and a comfortable pair of tennis shoes, and..... I could go on and on. But I settled for a T-Bone, super stuffed baked potato and a cold beer. So there.

Last month's challenge on Windows to the Words was frogs. I just realized I never posted them, so here they are. There were some very nice other submissions of the little slimers, and you can view them by clicking HERE
Also, this month (Until Labor Day), the Pooch Portrait Exchange is featured, with some delightful works.
It has been so-o-o-o hot, that I haven't had a lot of energy left over to blog much.....waiting for that first cool spell. But I haven't been alone in my sweltering. Below are how a few local pooches coped with the heat........ Cya down the road....James

Chipmunk Chew

2010-07-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

Gary Kiemeg's Wildlife Challenge (Click HERE) for this month is the cute little chipmunk pictured above.

With puffy cheeks like that, he has to be a double bubble fan....so I painted him as above.

Aside from being miserably busy and busy being miserable (kidding)....I've had computer problems. You may have had problems such as I have had. Click the image below and see if your computer and you have had similar experiences.

Healthy Pelican = Flying Moleskins - RedNeck Shots

2010-07-10T16:10:00.000-07:00

A couple of blogs ago, I pictured an oil-soaked Brant's Comorant (I think). I painted this Momma Brown Pelican and her two chicks the way our wild life should look. It's a 12 x 30 Acrylic on gallery wrap canvas with image extended on edges.

In the incredibly delightful "Flying Moleskin" project, I had Irit Bourla's journal, and her theme is "PLACES". Well....there are a lot of places. Over a thousand, I think. To narrow the choices, I just picked the four places I've lived...Texas, Louisiana, Costa Rica and Florida. And did a little cartoon-like vignette of each, showing a few highlights. It was fun to do and I hope she likes it.

Preview
A few mornings ago, I dropped by an old red-neck buddy's place. He was in the middle of whipping up some breakfast......
He asked me to join him, but the eggs were a little too greenish for my taste, so I moseyed on over to the Blanco Cafe ...."The Bowling Alley (yes, that is the name of the cafe). I always carry my camera at the ready for spectacular shots, but all I got was these photos of things you're likely to run across in these parts..
.Cya down the road........................ James

Reflection...And Catching Up

2010-06-28T14:04:00.000-07:00

Aside from computer problems, trying to get used to the heat, adjusting to my new greenhouse job, several artwork projects, and a general depletion of any available energy...I am wa-a-a-ay behind on blogging and blog-visiting. I hope to get back on track shortly....so I'll keep this one short.

Windows to the Words challenge for June is "Reflections" There haven't been many submissions, but the ones submitted are very nice...and you can view them by clicking HERE. And...there's still time to send one in...I'll post all entries received by Sunday, July 4. Pictured above are my 3 submissions. Next month's challenge is a dog portrait exchange, but I haven't received many dog pictures for that one. I hope to have at least a dozen or so....see more info by clicking HERE.

Instead of some humorous pics, I'll save those for next blog and leave you with an absolutely marvelous video my sister sent me. This short video has magnificent scenery, incredible wildlife shots, beautiful music and a truly inspiring message. In the midst of the Oil Spill tragedy, this video is so appropriate to remind us of what we have..and what we cannot afford to lose. Click CREATION CALLS.

Cya down the road....... James

2010-06-09T15:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I started working at Klepac Greenhouses in Blanco, Texas this week. I am in poinsettia propagation and production which will start this coming week. Klepac grows and ships over 200,000 each year. I only work mornings before it gets scorching, so I should have a good bit time for painting and blogging.

The Flying Moleskins project is so cool. It is so exciting to receive a new journal each month and be able to see and hold the artwork of the participating artists. It is thrilling and humbling. Gee, these folks are talented!!!! I had Dana Cooper's Journal this month and her theme is "Dreams". So I dreamt up a couple of ideas, and painted em in her Journal while I was taking a nap. Here they are:

I have been working on "Windows to Texas Wildlife" for several months, and I finished it up and entered it in Austin Artspace's competition, "What Texas Means to Me". And .... I also posted it on the "Some Texas Artists Like to Paint" blog. Its an acrylic on 20 x 24 canvas. It's fairly representative of Texas critters.

Also, on the "Some Texas Artists Like to Paint" blog, the additional theme of having a piece of artwork dealing with the tragic incident of the Gulf Oil Spill is featured. So I wrote a poem and did another painting/decoupage in acylics on 10x20 canvasboard called "Sorrow". Here it is.....

Cya down the road.......................... James

After the Storm, Daddy Welcome Back and Greenhouses

2010-05-30T05:04:00.000-07:00

A new challenge/collaboration blog was originated by Angela Elledge and nine Texas artists have thus far, joined in... Some Texas Artists Like to Paint . This month's (June) theme is "Texas Stuff" and a second theme has been added, "Oil Spill Sorrow" in which our group can submit artistic commentary on this tragic incident in the Gulf.

The above is "After the Storm" an acrylic on 12 x 30 canvas (image extended around gallery wrap. It is a departure from my usual style, and I kinda like it. It is my contribution to the Texas theme of the new blog.

POE"ART"RY... A New Series

I have been writing poems to fit the reference photo/art on the fascinating blog "Every Photo Tells A Story" for over a year now. And I write a little intro poem for each month's Windows to the Words Challenge. I like to write simple poetry. Every now and then, I actually write something halfway decent. So, working with an idea from a couple of friends I did the first of what I hope will become a successful series. First, I pick one of my better poems, and work in reverse, painting an image that is inspired by the poem. This first one I finished for Memorial Day, but it's actually more appropriate for Veteran's Day. I painted on a 10 x 20 canvasboard. Then I printed out the poem, trimmed it, and gave it an antiqued and stressed wash. Then I glued it to the canvasboard and Kamar varnished it. A decoupage...and I guess it's a mixed media.

Click images to Enlarge

"My Daddy, Welcome Back"
Acrylic, Mixed Media, 10 x 20 canvasboard

Back to the Shack...And into The GreenHouses

For most of my adult life, I've been a nurseryman and horticulturist, specializing in tropicals and greenhouse production. Located just outside of Blanco, Texas is a tremendous floral greenhouse operation... Klepac Greenhouses. They are introducing some new lines and have been looking for experienced personnel with technical growing knowledge. So, I'm starting June 9th, and we'll see what we can come up with. I'll still be painting and blogging, of course...but doing another labor of love for the benefit of my bank account. I'll keep ya posted.

I got a lot of stuff going (new Windows to the Words challenge coming and a "dog portrait exchange") and so I'll make this post a bit short. Besides, I got a tummy ache. This new Oriental restaurant opened up and I tried this chicken dish. However, when I got my fortune cookie...this message kinda got to me.

Cya down the road..................................... James

TripTych and Butterflies

2010-05-21T21:43:00.000-07:00

I've been a bit snowed under trying to finish up several projects in progress, including a few commissions. The following triptych...one painting in three parts...is one of those commissions.

The family that commissioned this live on a ranch outside of Blanco, Texas. They wanted a scene above their breakfast nook that was colorful and interesting, and suggested incorporating elements of their landscaping and yard decor. This is the result. The two end pieces measure 24 x 24 and the center, 24 x 48.They positioned and hung it right away, and it does look spiffy... colorful, interesting and a conversation piece. I hid little things inside it for the grandkids to enjoy.... like the scorpion above and left of my name, and the eyes peeking out of the broken pot on the center piece. This was a fun project, but I'm happy to be finished.

The theme for this month's Windows to the Words Challenge is butterflies. And it IS a challenge trying to get the symmetry of a butterfly depicted and retain your sanity too. Above is my first submission, a White Admiral. Below is a Purple by Bonnie Heather, and you can see the rest of the artworks by clicking HERE.

My two cents worth. People love to disagree. They usually disagree because they look at the same thing from different viewpoints or perspectives. Whether it's Arizona laws or health care reform. attitudes change in relation to the angle in which we look at the situation. The inviting swimming pool below becomes a menacing wall of water with a simple 90 degree turn. Same picture...two drastically different perspectives. Maybe folks would agree more if they would look at a problem from every angle, before putting on the boxing gloves.

My next blog will be Wednesday or Thursday (May 26, 27). I will have two new art directions to show ya and details on a new career move. I sure hope you will drop back by.... Cya down the road ...James

Dominque's RainForest - Texas Wildflowers

2010-05-10T02:23:00.000-07:00

Dominique Eichi's sketchbook theme for The Flying Moleskins project is forests, back roads, and stuff like that. Dominique first made contact with me while I was living in Costa Rica, and before I had a blogspot. So I chose to depict a Costa Rican rain forest. Actually, it's just so neat to paint the colorful wildlife.

7 x 22 Acrylic (Click to Enlarge)

When I posted this on The Flying Moleskins site, I later notieed I had forgotten to give the toucan feet or the butterflies antennae. The above images have the little critters with all parts attached.
I loved living in Costa Rica, and spent a lot of time in the rainforest there, and in Panama. I studied the wildlife and was very fortunate to actually encounter much of what I have depicted. I've had howler monkeys throw seed pods at me (which I threw back at em), I've kissed a hummingbird....actually, I was showing some friends a trick I learned,,,I put a hibiscus flower in my mouth and within a couple of minutes, a little rufous hummingbird came to visit. I could feel the wind from his wings on my nose. I collected a handful of the little red and blue "blue jeans" poison dart frogs.,,they're of the lesser potency, but can stll be an irritant to sensitive skin. I've held scarlet macaws, baby toucans, and had my loyal 5 foot iguana, Darwin, frequently perch on my shoulder. And I've been awoken in the middle of the night by visiting Mexican free-tail bats and, once, by a six foot boa constrictor. I've held an 8 inch Blue Morph butterfly and watched a glass butterfly emerge from its chrysalis. And more. So I thought I'd share a bit of the memories with Dominique.
I received another commission...this time, a small (5x7) painting of Texas wildflowers. So I did this one, below, which is similar to another I had done some months back, except I gave more attention to realistic detail and used a toothbrush spackled background (which I really like).

And lastly... I have a friend out in West Texas who says they developed two new breeds of chickens. One, a 3-legged variety to meet the growing demand for drumsticks. However, they don't know how it tastes because they haven't been able to catch one. And two, a super smart chicken, and he sent a photo to prove it... below. Hm-m-m.

MOOSE - KRYSTAL

2010-05-03T02:36:00.000-07:00

Gary Keimig recently began a monthly wildlife art challenge called Wilderness Art Challenge. He launched it in March with a reference photo of a bighorn sheep. Last month, it was a Shira moose traipsing through a meadow.......
Not being one to pass up an opportunity to paint a Shira moose traipsing through a meadow, I painted the one below with acrylics on a 5 x 7 canvasboard.

Sometimes Free is the Best Price There Is

Next door to my little studio gallery here in Burnet, is a older, established gallery/gift shop called ArtHaus. It is owned and run by a former German beauty queen...Heike Yost. Heike sponsors many workshops and instruction courses...particularly for the younger artists. From paints to clay modeling to scrapbooking, Heike does it all. Helping her from time to time is a young lady named Krystal Cates. Krystal has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair. She rides the KARTS bus into Burnet twice a week, arriving at Arthaus about an hour before it opens. I'm always up and open, so Krystal comes to my shop to visit and spoil my dogs, Pokey and TacoBelle, with lavish attention.

Recently, the family dog of many years, Greta, passed away. A constant companion to her father, Greta's parting was a big blow to him. Krystal asked if I could paint a portrait of Greta that she could give to him. The photo she gave me wasn't too good...very little definition. I did the 8x10 acrylic below. I didn't charge anything, of course, but I guess I got lucky on the likeness, because I was met with tears of joy and praise from her and her Momma....and a gigantic piece of the best chocolate cake I've ever had. A million dollars couldn't buy those marvelous expressions of gratitude.

The Windows to the Words April Challenge, "Flower Power" wound up with some remarkable submissions...including ones from Canada, Russia, The Phillippines, and India. You can view them, like this lotus bloom from Faith Te of The Phillippines. by clicking HERE

Cya down the road....James

Commission, Paint the Town, Special Artists

2010-04-21T04:32:00.000-07:00

Golf Tournaments are big here in the Texas Hill Country. So are hummingbirds. A local golf course is having a tournament soon, and wanted something special as an award in addition to regular golf awards. Since their course is known for its abundance of hummingbirds, they ordered a hummingbird painting. I did the above on 8x10 gallery wrap (image surround) in acrylics using interference color for the hummer's feathers which gives it and incredibly realistic look, although it doesn't show that well in this photo.
They were well pleased.

I had never been in a plein air event until this one last weekend. It rained. Not a wash-out...but an on and off thing...enough to generate the need to hurl a few obscenities. Over 50 juried, talented artists competed...and I did, too. Assorted easels with paintbrush wielders littered the Marble Falls landscape, evoking odd looks from passerbys who were, no doubt, wondering who these fools were, standing around painting in the rain. We were challenged to do up to three to submit for judging and silent auction. I did two, pictured below.

I did this one the first day (7 x 9) acrylic on canvasboard. It got a lot of comments and sold in the silent auction for a nice amount. It depicts the storefront of The Wisteria Store on Main Street, Marble Falls.

I rushed this one the second day, in between 3 minute "windows" of non-rain. Spent more time talking to folks about Costa Rica than I did painting. Acrylic on 7 x 9 canvasboard, it is supposed to depict the wondrous grandeur of the 200+ year old oak at Old Oak Square. However, it wound up looking like the tree that ate Charlie Brown's kite. Out of 130 entries, this placed 131st.

Shannon Heep was the promoter and co-ordinator for this event. She is director of the Uptown Marble and Historic Main Street Organization. Originally from New York, after seven years in Texas, she can talk with a drawl, chunk down three-alarm chili, and toss cow patties with the best of em. For more info on Marble Falls and Historic Main Street Click HERE.

Janey Rives is the mastermind and organizer of the event...it's fifth year. Janey was the owner of JSpace art gallery in Marble Falls and an exceptionally talented artist in her own right. She is pictured here with her painting "Spanish Madonna and Child". She is also a delightful personality with more energy than you can imagine.

A Few of the Artists

I know this is turning into a super-long blog (what's new)...but I met so many wonderful and talented people, I just have to introduce a couple of them....

Richard Bahn (and his Mom). Richard showed up early about the same time as I did Friday Morning. We visited and spent the first day in front of JSpace, painting the local storefronts. Richard is from VietNam and works in Austin as a computer draftsman. He just recently turned to art, working in pastels. He has a natural talent, and I have shown his second day's effort, Backbone Creek, above. In my opinion, it should have been in the top three. It didn't place, but it sold well in the silent auction.

Rita Kirkman I did a spot on Rita in the last blog...a realistic pastelist from New Braunfels wo has been touted in many art journals and exhibitions. She won first place in this event last year. This year she came in fourth. What I thought was her best out of the three she submitted, didn't win a cup of week old coffee. Go figure. Anyway, I snapped a photo of her, shown on the left, with her in the spotlight...where she belongs. Click HERE to go to Rita's Place.

Lisa Prosser Lisa is a hill county artist that excels in landscapes, floral and abstract works. She has quite a talent, a delightful personality and submitted some outstanding pieces for this event. More about Lisa can be found by clicking HERE.

Valerie Walden
Valerie was next in line when we were signing in Friday, and her knock-out smile, well, knocked me out. Being the bozo that I am, I asked her how her pond was. Considering her vacant expression, my obscure reference to Thoreau was probably lost in the translation Valerie is from Austin, founder and member of the Austin ArtSpace Gallery. She creates some of the most delightful works and her talent is only exceeded by her winning personality. In short, she's a big sweetie. You can see more of Valerie's enchanting art and her story by clicking HERE.

And for more info on the intriguing Austin Artspace, click HERE

Debra Latham
Now Debra is a woman after my own heart...a kindred spirit, of sorts. She lives in Kingswood, over by Houston, but spends time here in the hillcountry at the family place. Her artwork is quite varied, but it is excellent in all respects. Aside from being drop-dead gorgeous, she has a winning personality, a divine talent, and she's got a neat sense of humor. If I was thirty years younger, thirty pounds lighter, thirty thousand richer, thirty degrees better looking and she wasn't already married, I'd ask her out to a picthur show. Then, if I knew the right six numbers, I could win tonight's lottery. Oh, Well. Click HERE for a closer look at Debra and her artwork, much of it done in the Old Masters' style.

Thanks for putting up with another long blog...I'll leave ya with a couple of shots of Pokey and TacoBelle in the bluebonnets and some cat and dog pictures. Cya down the road....James

WTTW FLOWERS - BLUEBONNET FEST- RITA KIRKMAN- PAINT THE TOWN

2010-04-14T11:19:00.000-07:00

Spending every spare moment trying to get material ready and prepare for Burnet's Bluebonnet Festival, took me away from all sorts of things that needed to be done. So this blog post is overdue. And Windows to the Words is really gaining momentum with over a dozen submissions already for this month's "Flower Power" Challenge.

Angela Sullivan
James Parker

Above is my first submission for the challenge...Magnolia (my Mom's favorite subject) and Almond blossoms from Angela Sullivan. You can view these artworks on Windows to the Words Art. There is plenty of time remaining to send in your versions, and I would be honored to post them. I realize time constraints are a big consideration for all of us, but I presented some comments on challenges at the end of this month's Windows to the Words Home page that I invite you to read and leave a comment.

BLUEBONNET FESTIVAL
Burnet, Texas is officially designated as "The Bluebonnet Capital of Texas". It is no surprise that bluebonnets abound on all the roads leading to Burnet, and occur quite prolifically all around town. And they ARE beautiful. The 27th annual Bluebonnet Festival was this last weekend, a three day event with everything from an impressive air show to a weiner dog race. Over 30,000 folks attended under beautiful skies and mild temps, and I think everybody had a great time. I, and my sister, did well in the little gallery/gift shop. Only problem was I over-ate big time...but I'm still craving just one more funnel cake.

Big Parade with Antique Car ShowLots of VisitingLots of Rides and Concessions
I was gonna get some nice big blue balloons to decorate the gallery, but I couldn't find the balloon guy.
PEEPS
I took a jillion people picts in hopes of getting some good material for figurative painting practice,Air Show, Weiner Dog Race, Pet Parade, Demolition Derby, and More
Here is a typical local observing one of the many events. He was overheard remarking, "Dang, seems like they'd invent something to keep the sun out of your eyes!"

And ARTISTS!!!!

Top-Notch Drawings
John & Malia Gattas

I have alway been fascinated with caricatures and portraits. John amd Malia are at the very top of this art form. Located in New Braunfels, they attend shows and festivals, and, judging from this event...are highly in demand. I think they were the hardest working folks out there. always having a line of people waiting to take advantage of their exceptional talent and reasonable prices. Click HERE to view more of their enchanting work.

Guy Morrow
Corpus Christi, Texas

I had an opportunity to visit with Guy for a while, and was truly impressed, not only with his marvelous artwork, but his attitude and strength of character. Guy is a strong Christian, and has an intriguing story on his website (click HERE). He has won many awards and exhibitions and has had his work on display in the American Embassy in Moscow. Guy took the time to come by my gallery on Sunday, closing, and was gracious enough to compliment my work...and was captured by a red-eyed tree frog painting which he purchased and took home with him. That made my week. A visit to his site is highly recommended.

Paint The Town and RITA KIRKMAN

This weekend, April 16, 17, & 18. Marble Falls will host its 5th Annual "Paint the Town" Plein Air Event with silent auction. Over 60 accomplished artists are to participate. I don't think I'm accomplished unless that refers to munching down cheese pizzas, but I'm participating. And I'm terrified. This is my first Plein Air, and I feel like a kindergarten kid in college Physics class. I'll let ya know how this goes...shudder, shudder.
One of the artists that will be in attendance is Rita Kirkman.

I first met Rita at a Georgetown, Texas show some months back. I was blown away by the skill of her realism in pastels. I visited with her a while back then, and featured her on my Georgetown blog at that time. Rita has more accomplishments, awards, and recognitions than a double fudge sundae has calories. She has appeared in International Artist, American Artist, Artist's Magazine, Pastel Journal and Southwest Art. She is pictured above doing a portrait, and her award-winning "Bride's Maid" is shown below it. Artist Extraordinaire!!! And...the best thing about Rita is... As distinguished as her career has become, she's still a friendly ole' country girl...a true treasure.
So I will be the proverbial "Babe in the Woods". I just hope I come back in one piece.

Finally (I promise to blog shorter and more frequently in the future)....I mentioned a Pet Parade earlier, so I thought I'd leave ya with a couple of cool pet shots. Cya down the road. .................James

EACH FOLLOWER GETS A THOUSAND DOLLARS !!!

2010-04-01T02:31:00.000-07:00

I won the Texas Lottery, so in gratitude, I am sending each of my followers a thousand dollars and a half-eaten Krispi Kreme Donut!!!

OOPS. Did I say I won? I meant to say WHEN I win the lottery, I'll send my followers a thousand bucks. Tsk, tsk....my bad. However, if you send your name and address, I'll have that stale donut in the mail to you by next week. Any questions, check the date of this blog.

Now that's taken care of. On to the Flying Moleskins. I have Michelle Burnett's sketchbook. Michelle's theme is loosely souvenirs, postcards, memories of youth, or whatever oddity my warped little mind can concoct. Well, I watched a lot of TV when I was a kid. We had 4 channels...ABC, NBC, CBS and University of Houston Public. So I put some of my favorites in Michelle's journal. I suppose you notice that I am glued to the TV with a program that matches my I.Q.... the test pattern.

There were so many other shows that I didn't include...Mr. Wizard, Zoo Parade (Wild Kingdom later), Science Fiction Theater, Life of Reilly, Fibber McGee and Molley, Little Rascals, Outer Limits, My Little Margie, Our Miss Brooks, Superman, Wagon Train, Yancy Derringer, Cisco Kid, Rifleman, Captain Midnight, Sky King, What's My Line.... I could go on and on. I think I did OK on most of the depictions, but I definitely got the Gong Show Award on a couple of em. My sister said that was the best Obama caricature she'd seen...as she was studying The Twilight Zone with Rod Serling. And my sincere apologies go out to the Roy Rogers family....Dale, Trigger, Pat Brady, Nellie Bell, Scout and whoever. I did Roy's face 27 times and still couldn't get it. He has so much acrylic paint on his nose, it's gonna cost two dollars more to send the journal. I started to put a mask on him and call him the Lone Ranger. Oh, well. It was fun, it is colorful, and maybe Michelle will like it.

Windows to the Words Challenge

Last Month's challenge was "For the Birds" and I received over 4o exceptional submissions. A couple are illustrated below...

Faith Te

Dean Haven

You can view the rest of these great artworks by clicking HERE.

And a couple more Moleskin related notes. Adebanji Alade had my sketchbook this month and created two "Jolly Llamas"...ouch. You can see that work by clicking HERE. There are 4 or 5 ranches around Burnett that raise them. Llamas are quite docile...to the point of seeming bored to have you around.

A few days ago, I was coming back from The Llano Art Guild's Annual Show (I received a Second place in water media and a First in miniatures) and spotted these grazing...so I stopped and cameraized em. They just looked at me like they were saying "Unless You've Got Beer and Pizza, We Can't Be Bothered". Kinda reminds me or what a buddy of mine from Colorado said about Texas. He said we should put signs at the state lines saying "Welcome to Texas. Leave your money and get the Hell out". Ah, what do Coloradans know?

And, my first journal assignment was Angela Elledge's sketchbook. in which I depicted a Texas scene complete with "Bottle Tree". See it by clicking HERE . I got several comments and E-Mails from folks who had never heard of such a thing, and thought I was making it up. I wasn't....they're kinda common around here. In fact, there's this place in Llano called "Tin Lizard" that sells bottle trees and related yard decor items.

When you pass by, it's hard to keep your eyes on the road, because you think The Land of Oz has just magically materialized on the side of the road. I took several photos of the place, but none do justice. I offered the intriguingly interesting elderly gentleman who owns the place to pose in the picture, but he replied "If I did that, the next thing ya know, I'd be swamped by all them glamour magazines wantin' pictures". Yeah, I know how he feels.

HAVE A JOYOUS AND MEANINGFUL EASTER !!!!!!

Challenges - Marilyn Rea Nasky - Perception

2010-03-20T03:49:00.000-07:00

Gary Keimig is one excellent artist. Gary Keimig is also one photographer extraordinaire. A couple of weeks ago, Gary posted this photo of a bighorn sheep on his blog. Sheila Tajima, who is always 3 steps up on everything, spotted this and asked Gary if she could paint it. Dean Haven followed closely behind and asked if he could paint it. Bringing up the rear, I finally found it and wanted to paint it.

And so I did and that's it above. Gary got so many submissions he dedicated part of his Daily Painting blog to posting them, and you can view them by clicking HERE. Gary is considering a monthly wildlife challenge, and I think it's a GREAT idea.

Michelle Burnett's challenge, Following the Masters, called for renditions of artwork from the Italian Renaissance Masters. I chose Raphael with a portion of The Madonna in the Sistine Chapel...the two little cherubs at the bottom of that piece.
The expressions on the faces of these two lead me to believe that Raphael had quite a sense of humor. These little cherubs have captured the fancy of today's society and are featured on cards, posters, and even U.S. Postage stamps. Just what are they thinking? Well, it probably isn't Peter Pan and TinkerBell, but that's what I had in mind.

MARILYN REA NASKY

There are some wonderful Texas artists in the blog community...Virginia Vaughan, Nancy Medina, Gwen Bell, Denise Larue Mahlke, Angela Elledge, Camille Olsen, Karen Hargett to name just a few. Marilyn Rea Nasky is a talented, established artist from Volente, Texas, who is just getting her feet wet in the blog forum. I was fortunate to attend her recent acrylic demonstration at the Highland Arts Guild in Marble Falls. Aside from showing us some helpful techniques and tips, she conveyed a delightful sense of humor and flair in personality. I was able to chat with her a while, and mentioned viewing her main website and events blog. I told her about the camaraderie and "sense of family" existing in our blog community at Blogspot...a laid back and easy format that is fun, informative and functional. So she has just begun a more informal blogspot which you can go to by clicking HERE.
Marilyn has spent some years living in The Southwest teaching and reaching out in the Navajo culture. The last few years she and her family have been on Oahu in Hawaii. She now makes her home over by Lake Travis and devotes her painting talents to the sights and scenes of the Texas Hill Country. I have presented two of her works below...

Moon Dance 1

22 x 30 Watercolor

Agave Midnight (from the Agave series)
20 x 20 Chroma Acrylic on Canvas

You can learn more about Marilyn and view her stunning works at Light Within Studios and In the Studio with Marilyn Rea Nasky.

PERCEPTION

I could write a thousand pages on perception and not even expose the tip of the iceberg on that subject. It is said that what we perceive is what we believe...and for the most part, that's true. The catch is that what we sometimes perceive isn't always true. Edward Burton send me this gag photo a while back. It illustrates the point.Study this photo for just a moment...particularly the area just below the camera. Your first perception might be "Ohmigosh, that girl in the back isn't wearing any panties!!!" Well, you perceived wrong...it's the camera girl's armpit. How we perceive things has always been a fascination to me, such as DaVinci's "Last Supper". We have, over the years, taken the artwork at face value as an honored religious painting, when there are a multitude of "quirks" embedded within it that we don't perceive, simply because we are looking at it as a whole composition, rather than a amalgamate of smaller, individual artworks. But...that's another story for another blog.

Cya down the road....... James

Bountiful Birds and SPRING!!!!

2010-03-16T06:17:00.000-07:00

Pictured above are two more of my contributions to Windows to the Words March challenge.... "For the Birds". This challenge is the "most attended" one yet...with over 30 entries. And the artworks are great!!!
Like this one by Karen Hargett. You can view more enchanting bird works by clicking HERE

Deadline for entries to this challenge (contest...there are prizes) is April 1... so there's still plenty of time, and your work is very welcome.

I'm finishing up a couple of commissions and working on Michelle Burnett's "Following the Masters" and Gary Keimig's "Wildlife" challenges... so a short blog (was that a sigh of relief).?

But the sights and sounds and smells of Spring are popping up all over.... as you can see by the following:

The neighbor's dog is ready to help out in the garden

The geese are flying North (the strange flight formation is the geese' way of saying "Luv ya, Texas....Cya next year"And, as the poet said... "In Spring, a young man's fancy lightly turns..."

Cya down the road..... James

Going to Peaces

2010-03-10T04:08:00.000-08:00

This is my addition to Camille Olsen's journal for the Flying Moleskins project. Camille's theme is Peace. At first I was stumped about what to paint to depict Peace. I could see John and Yoko riding on Cat Stevens "Peace Train" singing "Give Peace A Chance"...but after I thought about it for a few seconds I couldn't see it. With my warped sense of humor, I started to get a can of green peas, throw em in a blender, paint em, and call it "Envision Whirled Peas". Fortunately, that one didn't stay afloat either. So I just started painting without a notion of what I was doing and finished it without a notion of what I did. That's it above...a potpourri of Peace stuff...peaceful scene, a dove, a peace lily, a peace symbol, and a Peace rose. Unless you mistake the fall foliage for a major forest fire, the painting's not too bad.

With a flying start, this month's Window to the Words Challenge, "For The Birds", took off faster than a beagle on a pork chop. There's already over a dozen talented entries which you can view by clicking HERE. My rendition of a wood thrush is pictured above. Birds seems to be a very popular theme, maybe because Spring is busting out all over, but my birdseed bill is sky-high.

And, if you're a bird affecianado, check out the "Incredible Bird Photos" like the one of a woodpecker, above, on "WOW - Windows of Wonders" by clicking HERE.

There are three other new posts on WOW...one on "The Shoppers of Wal-Mart", which I wouldn't recommend if you don't like nightmares and having dark, disturbing doubts about the future of mankind. But...the post of "Forever Friends" is a delightfully touching story of a real "odd couple" who found life and happiness in each other. Your kids and grandkids would love this one. The photo below shows the two, and you can view their story by clicking HERE.

And Don't Miss This One...It is truly incredible...STREET PAINTING!!
The photo below is NOT a photo trick...that street is painted!! check it out by clicking HERE.
I am a big kid. I get up each morning, eager to see what new wonders might be waiting. I revel in finding new things, seeing new stuff, making new friends and cherishing old ones, My soul and spirit is strengthened by humor, uplifted by beauty and inspiration, tempered by compassion and sorrow, and defined by that mixture. I like to share that recipe, and that's the reason I started WOW...Windows of Wonders. I invite you to join me as I post the weird, the funny, the beautiful, the inspiring, the touching, the awesome and everything in between.

Cya down the road.......James

Project Bluebonnet - Kids and Pets

2010-02-28T18:06:00.000-08:00

Boy, I stayed away from this blog so long, I almost forgot how to do it.
Unfortunately for you guys, I happened to remember. I sowwy. I've been so busy trying to eke out a meager existence...well, you know.

The Windows to the Words February Challenge wound up with some delightful submissions which you can view by clicking HERE
Above are two more of my submissions. While I was doing these here in my gallery/studio, I was observed and I picked up some commissions. And these paintings will serve perfectly as examples for obtaining more commissions whenever and wherever I go to paint or display. When I started Windows to the Words Challenge, I purposefully proposed to offer mainly universal themes...something of interest for most folks. That way, what was painted by contributing artists might be used for sales or gifts. WTTW is basically for fun, fellowship and a smidgen of challenge... not for skill development. Kids, animals and nature is the meat and potatoes of WTTW. I enjoy painting Kids, animals and nature...and I enjoy eating meat and potatoes. And I hold fast to the belief, that, if you enjoy doing something, you do well at it...and, if you try painting something new, you can learn wonders about your talent. So paint with joy from the heart, and send your doubts and critics to vacation in Iran. I promise you won't see any city rooftops and taxicabs on WTTW ( Karin...forgive me)
March's WTTW Challenge is a contest (B-b-big prizes!!!!) and it's for the birds...actually the topic is "FOR THE BIRDS". Below is a sample reference photo, but go to WTTW for all the grisly details...and my corny little poem.

THE BLUEBONNET PROJECT!!!!!

A few blogs back, I had the Legend of the Bluebonnet painting and poem I did featured. Well, I went ahead and ordered a bunch of greeting cards with the art on the front and the verse on the inside, left, with envelopes. I made up some headers and got acrylic display stands. I placed some in local shops.

They're gone...but I've ordered another 500. Put in some more shops, antique stores, motels, etc. Point of purchase items....and I have my fingers crossed (and praying) that it will catch on. My goal is to have them in 100+ Texas locations by the end of April. It gets my name "out there", and, in quantity, maybe a bit in the bank. If it works, I'll follow with other art and poetry cards on the "Texas Theme"...the Alamo. Lone Star, San Jacinto, Tejas Indians, ZZ TOP...Texas institutions. I'll keep ya posted, but if ya want one signed and numbered (who knows...I may be the next Andy Warthog?)
then send a buck and a stamp to me...208 E. Jackson, Burnet, Texas 78611. Shameless, huh? Well take a look at my piggy bank, below.
And, finally...Burnet is a quiet little town with lots of old folks. LOTS of old folks. In the barber shop, they talk about how rough it was back in the Civil War. Most cars are travelling at half the speed limit in a 20 mph zone. Supermarket specials focus on prune juice and Depends. BUT...BUT..Burnet DOES have its own BIKER BAR!!!! And I have pictured it below....
CYA down the Road........James

Dear Liz Holm Deer - Karin Jurick x 118 - Parker Boy Goes R-Rated - Black Eye Anyone?

2010-02-14T20:00:00.000-08:00

When I checked out The Flying Moleskins blog Valentine's day my heart was swept away by seeing what Liz Holm (the big sweetie!) painted in my art journal....TWO...that's right, 2, remarkable wildlife paintings. One is of a little horse that is enchanting. The other depicts a deer and a rabbit who have developed a relationship that epitomizes "The Way Things Should Be", and I have featured it below... and I have entitled it "Bunny Buddy". It shows that the humblest and gentlest of God's creatures demonstrate more sense, knowledge and wisdom than our world leaders....and, actually more than most of us, too. Liz remarked that it would be nice if we could follow that example of 'GETTING ALONG". Which gave me pause to think that maybe God did provide the instructions to living together in harmony ...by examples set forth in nature, like Liz's illustration. But we're too busy NOT GETTING ALONG to notice. I beg you to click HERE or Liz's art to watch a video of a fawn, cat and bunny that is so appropriate for this artwork....and will give you a "warm, fuzzy feeling" regardless of how cold it is outside. And...if you like the message....pass it on.

I like art challenges. Sometimes I spend more time with art challenges than I do with "Painting for Dollars". This could be why, when I open my pantry, I see three bags of ramen noodles and a can of vienna sausage. But that's another story. Michelle Burnett (another big sweetie) has a neat challenge ..."Following the Masters". This month we followed Robert Henri. Robert Henri began a movement of realism in the art world that was snubbed and shunned by "The Art Elite" of the time. They referred to his work and that of his peers as "Ashcan Art". What Bozos. Anyway, Michelle invited artists to do a rendition of one of his works or be inspired by his work. His subject matter is quite varied, ranging from dirty street scenes to female nudes. When given a choice between dirty street scenes and delightful young maidens sharing their physical attributes...well...you Know what a dirty old geezer like me is gonna opt for. DUH, kinda a no-brainer. Below is Henri's "The Young Girl" and my rendition, "The Hot Chick"

Windows to the Words is MY challenge blog. This month's challenge is "Kids and Their Pets...Matching Sets". The submissions I have received are marvelous...but lonely. Very lonely. They need your submission. It can be a sketch..a pen & ink...a painting...a pastel...your prerogative. It is so very sad to see a glum artwork, so cheer them up and send your rendition by the first of March (plenty of time left). Just click HERE or the little girl looking out the window for all the details.
My first submission for my WTTW is shown below.

Jill Polsby came up with a grand idea of showing appreciation of participating artists in Karin Jurick's Different Strokes From Diffferent Folks by having them submit a portrait of Karin. Out of 18o artists who participated in Karin's year-end portrait challenge, over 100 responded to Jill's proposal. My not-so-hot attempt is displayed below. To see some really good portraits go to Jill's site by clicking HERE and follow the link.

Have a Happy Valentine's Day, and Cya down the road ....James

EIGHT GRANDBOYS!!! Flying Moleskins

2010-02-11T04:51:00.000-08:00

Boedy Parker Weldon

My youngest daughter, Traci, and her husband, Mark, are both teachers in Louisiana. After Traci got tired of folks referring to her as the Goodyear Blimp, Boedy came along Friday, February 5, weighing in at 7 pounds, 11 ounces. Both are doing great, but Mark is still in recovery. Traci and Mark are big New Orleans Saints fans, and, as you can see with Boedy's cap...he's one of their newest fans. Actually, I think Traci had his arrival planned so he could watch the Super Bowl. And...you can also see he already loves his Granddad. Yup...EIGHT grandsons...NO granddaughters.

The Flying Moleskins is a sketchbook project originated by Dominique Eichi. Thirteen artists provided their own sketchbook, did an art piece in it, and sent it to the next artist who will do an art and send it on until it returns home to the original artist who will have a priceless keepsake of treasured art from their peer artists. I received Angela Elledge's sketchbook a few weeks ago, and, her theme being PLACES, I did a scene in Acrylics of a portion of my niece and her husband's yard. It depicts two "Bottle Trees" and some other plants and stuff in their yard. Texans have great imaginations for doing stuff with things that nobody else would do (or want to do). Trees...when Texans aren't hanging hoss thieves or people that put beans in their chili, from trees...or crashing their pickups into em...or barbecuing something with trees...they hang bottles on em, naturally. Indian tradition holds that evil spirits are trapped in the bottles. Texas Baptists contend that the evil spirits are in the bottles when they're full. Whatever. Now this sketchbook flies out to Liz Holm, and I'll anxiously await the next one. Great Project!!!

Windows to the Words Art Challenge (click HERE for reference photos) features kids and their pets. The challenge runs til March 1...plenty of time to submit an artwork. Below is another delightful contribution....

Arti Chauhan
11 x 14 Watercolor

TEXAS - Bluebonnet Venture - BURNET

2010-01-31T08:04:00.000-08:00

I'm a native Texan. Some folks would consider that an excuse. But, me, and many (millions?) of other fellow Texans consider it an honor, a privilege, and a proud heritage.

Texans have a strange habit. When something... a word, or a thing, or a person...or anything, comes to be identified with Texas,
then Texans will attach and hold on to it with a savage tenacity...in a sense, they will "brand" it as their own. There are exceptions, of course, like Dr. Phil, Janet Reno, and J.R. Ewing. OK, J.R.s not so bad. But you mention the Alamo, jalapenos, chili, The Lone Star, roadrunners, George W ?, or Z.Z. Top...then you have a genuine Texas item...treasure or oddity. And so it is with the Texas bluebonnet...the state flower of Texas.

The Legend of the Bluebonnet

I posted this last year after I painted it. My sister had wanted a painting like this which is based on an old folklore tale called "The Legend of the Bluebonnet".
Well, The Texas Bluebonnet festival is coming up here in Burnet in April, and I am "re-producing" her painting and hoping to improve on some aspects of it. She, and several of my friends, read my poems on Every PhotoTells A Story and wanted me to write a poem telling the story of "The Legend Of the Bluebonnet." So I did. And I printed it below. They liked it, and we're working with some other folks to get note cards and prints done that incorporate both the painting and the poem, in hopes of having them ready for sale at the Bluebonnet Festival, in addition to future Texas gift shop sales...if there shows promise. What do you think?

For many months, an evil wind,
Swept across the land,
The skies held back the living rain,
And turned meadows into sand.

Antelope and buffalo,
Wandered off and died,
The tribe was deep in peril,
"Oh, help us," mothers cried.

The Shaman had a vision.
The Great Spirit from Beyond,
Sent a message for the people,
To say what must be done.

"The things that you hold precious,
The things that you hold dear,
Must fuel a fire of humility,
For your greed that's grown so clear."

The great chief's daughter heard this,
And sadly went her way,
To fetch her beloved "doll-child"
Made from feathers of the BlueJay.

The "doll-child" was a gift to her,
When she was one year old,
From Grandmother who has gone away,
That she loved with all her soul.

That night when all were sleeping,
She crept out to the blaze,
And placed the "doll-child" in it,
Tears streaking her young face.

Next morn she scooped gray ashes,
Of her bright, blue-feathered friend,
Then brought them to the mountaintop,
And let them scatter to the wind.

Sweet drops of rain began to fall,
And kiss the sun-parched earth,
Plants burst forth in showy blooms,
A celebration of re-birth.

Bluebonnets spread cross Texas,
In the meadows, growing wild,
As a reminder of that gift so great,
The love of a little child.

------James Parker

Burnet, Texas...Bluebonnet Capital of Texas

The second weekend in April, (April 9 - 11) for 3 days, is the Texas Bluebonnet Festival in Burnet. Last year, about 25,000 attended. This year's event looks to be a good one, too. Burnet is a picturesque, historical city and you can find out more about Burnet and The Bluebonnet Festival by clicking HERE. The city of Burnet was designated by the Texas legislature as "Bluebonnet Capital of Texas" so...if my little poem and painting notecards and prints have any future success...Burnet is a good birth place for that venture. And...if you find your boots walking around Burnet...stop in James Parker Art Gallery....coffee's on.

And, Finally.......

Satellite Picture of Texas from Space

Cya down the road................ James

Flying Moleskins - WTTW - Music to Paint by

2010-01-18T11:27:00.000-08:00

Dominique Eichi had a bright idea a while back...to form a small group of artists and begin a travelling sketchbook project. So she did, and it kicks off today...THE FLYING MOLESKINS (click here) There's a little over a dozen of us who got a sketchbook, did a little work of art in it, and will pass it on to the next artist. At the end of the circular journey, each of us will have our own journal, filled with the work of our fellow artists...a treasured memento. Below is the cover from my sketchbook...

And, my theme is wildlife, and this is my send-off artwork....

The first submission for the current Windows to the Words Challenge "Kids & Their Pets...Matching Sets" is from Liz Pearson, from South Africa, called "Puppy Love", and here it is...

And Back to the Flying Moleskins. Edward Burton chose "Music" as his theme and painting a magnificent Jazz artwork (see it by clicking HERE). Ed says he has the tunes going all the time while he's painting. I do too. I was wondering how many of you all out there, listen to music as you work? Leave a comment and let us know what you listen to. Would be interesting.

Most of the time I listen to The Moody Blues. But three of my favorites are Enya, Yanni, and Enigma. And I have (hopefully) attached a selection from each of them. If you have a chance, lend me an ear. Lemme know what you think. Click on the Names.

Enya - Only Time

Yanni - Nostalgia

Enigma - Sadeness

Cya down the Road.................... James

NEW YEAR....Lots of New Stuff!!!!

2010-01-07T04:43:00.000-08:00

Wow...where to begin? First, the two pictures below are the WIP end pieces of a triptyche I'm doing for a beautiful residence here in the Texas hill country. These measure 24" x 24" and the middle piece will be 24" x 48". The paintings incorporate some of the garden decorations and plantings surrounding the home. I should be finished by February 1...with luck.

Next, Dominique Eichi has begun a project that about 20 of the old-time DSFDFers are working on....a travelling Moleskin. A moleskin is basically a sketchbook. Each artist has a new one in which he/she will create a beginning artwork of a favorite theme then send the sketchbook on to another artist who will render an artwork on that theme and send it on until it makes the circuit, and returns home to the original artist. At that time, each artist will own a true treasure of original art from future Michaelangelos, Picassos, Van Goghs, O'Keefes, etc, worth millions ;-) You can keep up with the progress by checking The Flying Moleskins site.

Windows to the Words is getting a facelift and adopting a new and simpler format. The first challenge of the new year was provided by the incomparable master artist, Edward Burton. ...Kids & Pets...A Matching Set. This is a super cute challenge that should be a lot of fun. Check it out by clicking HERE. Below are 3 photos from that challenge.

WOW or Windows of Wonders is my "just for fun" hobby blog...featuring funny, beautiful, incredible, inspiring and mind-bloggling pictures and videos.
I now have 15 blogs posted with a handy access menu on the sidebar. Below are excerpts from two of the posts. You can link to WOW by clicking on the peek-a-boo kitten at the top of this site or just click HERE.

The Invisible Man
This talented fellow paints himself to blend in with the background.

Skinny Stupid
These young ladies think super-skinny is super-sexy. Duh. Incredible. Incredibly Sad.

I've been able to go to a few shows and galleries, and attended a watercolor Demo by artist Jack Moss of Llano. He is outstanding. And I've managed to finally set up my Etsy and Artfire shops (both are James Parker Art...clever, huh?) I also got around to setting up my sister's ETSY and Artfire shops.... Mag's Marvels. Aside from beautiful quilting, she is getting quite talented at Raku and fused glass. She's gotten me pretty interested, too. We've been slumping wine bottles and creating fused glass/dichroic glass. Below are a coupla samples.

Running long again, but I had to mention the Gallery/Shop/Studio in Burnet, Texas. I have the west side for artwork display and a little painting area, plus the back for a larger work space, and my sister (and a few friends) have the east side to display their wares. Works out pretty neat. I posted a few pictures as a WIP, and by springtime it should be a showplace.

And Finally....My Holiday Gift to You. I think many of you all have seen enough snow to last for a while, but this Video of "December Snow" by Justin Hayward and the Moody Blues is marvelous. I hope you can find time to click on the picture of Justin, below, and sit back for a moment, relax and enjoy.....James

CAVE MASTER, DSFDF PORTRAITS,...AND SOME MORE CHRISTMAS FUN

2009-12-23T17:30:00.000-08:00

Michelle Burnette's Challenge for the year end for Following the Masters is to paint your favorite master artist of the past, inspiring me to render this...my great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great,great, great, great, great, great. great. great, great. great grandfather... GROG PARKER!!!

Now, many of you may wonder how I knew about Grog. Well, my brother, Burney, was a marvelous geneaologist (and so much more)...and he was very, very thorough about our family history. So I'm working from some stone etchings he made. Pictured beside him is his small pet house dinosaur, Alfalfa. The little dinos were around then, but all the big dinosaurs had bought the farm and were way underground making fossil fuel for Dubai and Bahrain.

Different Strokes From Different Folks Challenge from dat big old sweetie and world-renowned figurative artist, KARIN JURICK. Karin has a year-end challenge comprised of participating artists exchanging reference photos and doing portraits of each other. What fun! What challenge!! What torture!!!
I sent in the reference photo below,and below it is the portrait that artist NANCY BLUM rendered from it.....

Nancy is a very talented portrait and figurative artist, and my portrait, I will assume, looks much like me, because, long ago, I came to the stark realization that I am no Robert Redford or Brad Pitt. However, when I did see my portrait posted on DSFDF, I took several Excedrin, 3 Sudafed, a bottle of Jack Daniel's and made a doctor's appointment.

I received Nancy Blum's photo from Karin, and, as the rules go, I had no idea whatsoever who I was painting. I went back to a few challenges and explored and dug around trying to get an ID by referring to blog profile photos (turns out Nancy doesn't have one) to have a better idea who I was gonna immortalize (or mortify) in acrylics. So here is the reference photo and my effort beneath it....

One further note on this year-end challenge....there were 180 artists participating, and the artwork displayed so far is so incredibly talented it's awesome. But, in the midstof this marvelous art emerges two portraits that extend far beyond phenomenal....and that is the exchanged portraits of Edward Burton and Akiko Watanabe . They are simply breath-taking. Please take time to check em out. Click on their names and Click Different Strokes From Different Folks.

Now, for a bit of fun....

Many of you may not know it, but Santa Claus and I are best buddies. He and I have closed up the bars in Nova Scotia many nights (which is quite an accomplishment with those 2 month nights). Anyway, he sent me some interesting photos and breaking news from the North Pole.

Last year, Santa brought a few penguins up to the North Pole, after seeing the movie, and thinking they were real cute. Turns out, they are pesky little practical jokers. As if the polar bears didn't have enough to worry about with global warming,...now they have to put up with "pranky penguins".
On a sad note, one of the apprentice "Delivery Santas" that was being trained by the big guy himself, failed to heed Santa's warning about looking both ways twice over O'Hare. May he rest in pieces.

The tragic loss of his apprentice left Santa in a big labor crunch, so he had to enlist the aid of his sweet significant other, Ms. Claus. However, it's not too clear how well that's working out. If your presents are a bit late this year,,,,what the hey....blame it on the Post Office!

Special Note...After years of collecting the funniest, most inspiring, weirdest, most awesome stuff there is, I finally found a place to put it..WINDOWS OF WONDERS (WOW). Please take a moment to check it out...it's Mind-Bloggling! Click HERE

Next blog is about the Gallery and Studio....but, from the bottom of my heart....have a joyous and meaningful Christmas. Cya down the road...James

BACK FROM HIBERNATION

2009-12-16T05:09:00.000-08:00

I've been away from the blog for 2 weeks...and I was close to pulling my hair out (And I don't have any to spare). But YIPPEE-HI-YAY, I do think that things are kinda coming together for a semi reasonable and organized existence. I have opened a gallery, studio and gift shop in Burnet, Texas. I'll have pictures and details on the next blog. Best of all. I have a great place to work and blog with excellent and continuous Internet service. I was so limited to access before now, that I seriously neglected (and missed) blog visiting. Now, I'll be making the rounds frequently. And Pokey and TacoBelle approve of the situation.

First, Windows to the Words had few contributors last month, but the submissions that did come in were very nice. Below is my effort, titled
"Two's Company...Three's Painful"

This month's challenge consists of 2 Christmas reference photos to choose from, or...submit a artwork of the present you'd like to get for this Christmas.

Next, I've been working on an patio mural, a trip-tych, and some smaller works like the one below...

As hard as it is to believe..... Christmas is next week!!!!

Sadly, some pig-headed Grinch in the next county was playing tricks in the local cemetery, and really upset this little fellow.

Also, Christmas time is not immune to the occasional mugging...even in the oddest situations, such as....

I did manage to get my place decorated, tho....that's me on the right.

My neighbors weren't so fortunate with their decorations...they had to take them down. See below....

This fake "eave-dropper" caused 3 accidents and 2 dozen frantic calls to 911 before he was removed.

And the friendly policeman told this homeowner that he hadn't ever heard of the "Brussells Boy" fountain statue.

And, finally....If ya find time...check out my new "FUN BLOG" ...Windows of Wonders....WOW...guaranteed to provide humor, awe and inspiration or double your money back. Just click HERE. Below is a sample from the "Pictures in Pictures" post on WOW. Find the hidden picture.

HAVE A SAFE AND JOYOUS HOLIDAY SEASON!!!!!!
CYA Down the Road...James

Happy Thansgiving..and a Peek at WOW

2009-11-30T10:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving (a little late). I hope everyone had a delightful visit with loved ones...and enough good food to make Alka Seltzer's stock double.

I have several painting projects I'm working on, but they'll wait to the next blog. This blog's just for smiles. So here's a few Thanksgiving shots:

As if I had no sense at all....I recently started a new blog called Windows Of Wonders. It's all for fun and amazement. You will find an eclectic assortment of blogs from the hilarious to the inspiring to the amazing. For instance, many of us will begin our holiday shopping..some of it at Wal-Mart. I just posted a selection of Wal-Mart shoppers caught on camera...so BE WARNED!!!

Here's one...there's more on WOW. (Click HERE)

I also posted a blog on true meanings of words. It is very moving, and worth checking out. Pictures can convey the meaning of a word sometimes, better than words can.COMPASSION

...more on WOW (click HERE)

Cya in a few days...take care.

Ear Today, Gone Tomorrow, DSFDF and FAT

2009-11-19T11:54:00.000-08:00

The topic for this month's challenge from Michelle Burnett's Following the Masters was to paint in the style of Van Gogh. So I redid one of his self-portraits and named it "Ear Today...Gone Tomorrow. This is it below.

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Karin Jurick's challenge for Different Strokes From Different Folks was an overhead shot of three people scurrying through an airport. I always like to put a little humorous twist in my submissions, but this one was a booger to come up with anything. It had me beating my head against the wall. Wall? Hmmmm, Wall....that's it!!..WALDO.!!!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I have a tendency to overeat. I'm already quite a few pounds overweight...so this Thanksgiving I posted these 2 photos on my refrigerator door....
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The hefty gentleman at the top is shopping at Wal-Mart. The photo is from a new blog feature I've started....Windows of Wonders WOW. I'll be plugging this more in future blogs, but WOW is strictly for fun and amazement. I have a collection of 1000's of humorous, fascinating and unbelievable stuff. There's a bunch of folks who send me off-the-wall stuff and I love to pass it along. Ed Burton is one who sends me absolutely hilarious stuff. I'll be adding more and more to WOW, so you're sure to find something to suit ya. Check it out by clicking HERE

And....less than 2 weeks remain for the "Giving Thanks" challenge for Windows to the Words.

Hm-m-m-m,,,,I had this one sent in to me, and I felt, at first, that it was just too tasteless to publish. But, what the heck, I never was known for my good taste. However, I never will eat pumpkin pie in the right frame of mind again.

Cya down the road.

Veteran's Day from EPTAS, and FLOWERS

2009-11-12T11:32:00.000-08:00

Veteran's day was November 11, so naturally I'm running a day late and posting this on November 12. Duh. Several days ago on Every Photo Tells A Story, Nancy posted a painting by San Diego Artist Brooke Olivares entititled "Papa". Many of you know that I contribute poetry to this marvelous site daily...actually, I think I like to write as much as paint...and I have presented it here....

"Oh Daddy...I Love You...Hug Me"

Before you left, I'd never heard, of Iraq or Afghanistan,
But by Momma's worried look, I soon learned to understand,
That you are somewhere far off, your life in constant danger,
From people who don't know you...to them, a total stranger.

They don't know your inner kindness. How warm your hug can be,
Your tender words of wisdom, and how much you mean to me.
To see how others kill and maim, without a second thought,
Their brothers...all God's children. It truly breaks my heart.

But now you've been returned to us, from your duty in Iraq,
I hold you, oh, so close to me. "My Daddy...Welcome Back!"

Be sure to visit Every Photo Tells A Story, and Brooke Olivares website and blog.

The first submission for Windows to the Words November challenge is this delightful watercolor pencil from Elena Malec. For being first, I'll put in a good word to Santa for her. This month's challenge is "Giving Thanks" with 5 thought provoking reference photos to choose from. You can check em out by clicking HERE

I recently received a commission to paint a series of 5x7 flowers. Below are a few of them. Painting flowers is fun. I may have to do some more of these.

Going Ape for DSFDF...More Spooks...Superior Scribbler

2009-10-29T13:22:00.000-07:00

This is my submission for Karin Jurick's Different Strokes From Different Folks...city rooftops.

Maybe it's just me, but I like happy endings. If I had directed Titanic, the ship would have hit the iceberg just badly enough to chip up enough ice for everybody to have another round of Margaritas, then sailed happily and safely off to Tahiti. If I had directed King Kong...well...the picture tells the story.

Tweedles honored me with the Superior Scribbler Award. I have been scribbling since I was 2, and haven't broken the habit yet. Aside from scribbling, I do a lot of scrabbling, too. That is, playing Scrabble on the International Scrabble Club. Thank you, Tweedles.

And, here is another submission from me for Scary Stuff for October's Scary Stuff Challenge. Had a number of really neat artworks that you can check out by clicking HERE.

I've been working on several large projects which have eaten up a lot of time and rather frayed my last nerve. Coupla more days, and I should be able to wind them up...I'll show em to you then, but for now I just have to blog and boogie.

Happy Halloween and see ya down the road.....James

Spooky Stuff...AND...Georgetown, Texas Art Show

2009-10-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

Windows to the Words "Scary Stuff" is underway...and I'll make it a habit to post the first entry here on JPA. All the way from Capetown, South Africa...Liz Pearson. And .., one by me.

"Insomnia"
Liz Pearson

"Your Pizza's Here"
James Parker

GEORGETOWN, TEXAS "ART IN THE SQUARE" SHOW.

This past weekend, October 17-18, Georgetown had a marvelous art show under gorgeous blue skies and perfectm temps. Over 150 artists participated and I thought I'd introduce some old Texas artist friends and new ones...and a couple of Out-of-Staters.
Click their name to visit their site.

Teri Jo McReynolds

Teri is pictured on the left with some escapee from the retirement home. She is from San Antonio. teaches art, is a fan of San Miguel, Mexico, and is represented at Goode Art Company (where I first saw her work) in Fredricksburg...and much more.

Acree Carlisle

Acree, from Houston, is pictured on the left with his daughter, Karen (hope I remembered correctly) The bozo on the right wandered in from the street. To say that Acree is an interesting fellow is like saying the Grand Canyon is a little ditch. He has more tales to share than there are tales....a true kindred spirit. You can really have an enjoyable experience by visiting his site and blog. And, as you can see from his rendition of Zoey the tiger...he is an accomplished artist.

Betty Nash

Betty is from Denison and is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. Well deserved. Her style of chiaroscuro caught my attention...and her little playful, whimsical additions to some of her
paintings kinda reminded me of someone else who sticks little "winkies" in his work.

Mark Williams

There is just "something" about chiaroscuro (strong light/dark contrast) that fascinates me. Mark Williams is very good at this style of the old masters. Mark is from Austin, and is just beginning his art career. His prices for his quality work were very, very reasonable (cheap, really). A visit to his site might prove worthwhile.

Rita Kirkman

Rita is from New Braunfels. She does realism in pastels. When I do pastels I wind up with realism of very dirty, smudgy hands. We had a long visit, and aside from outstanding artwork, she has a bubbly personality and a super positive outlook. The cow looking at you from the left side is Terrence. You were thinking Elsie, maybe? Rita also has a neat blogspot.. click HERE

Cody Cass

Being a wildlife artist myself, with a partiality to rainforest and jungle life, I was attracted to Cody's work like a moth to a searchlight. He passed my scrutinous eye with flying colors (and a bit of envy) His work is magnificent. He doesn't have his website quite up and running yet ( www.casswildlife.com) but I'll just bet you'll hear more from him. Cody is from Leander.

Charles Ellison Nelda Boren Smith

Thes two delightful folks are from Franklin. Charles is a masterful wildlife artist...one of his works is pictured in the background. Nelda does some intriguing, spirited, colorful horses, and other subjects. Ihad a picture of Nelda's work, but can't find it...I'll post it later.

Gregory Arth

Gregory is pictured here with his wife. The circus must be in town, judging from the lost clown in the background. Gregory has a distinct style that is mind-boggling. His celebrity portraits are super. And his website is out ofthis world. He was celebrating his birthday at showtime and they were about to celebrate their anniversary. They are from Colleyville.

Beth Erlund

I noticed Beth's booth because she was from Morrison, Colorado...same place as Saundra Galloway, the young lady who just presented me with the little snow bunny painting. I was captivated by Beth's batik work. I still don't know much about batik...but it's neat.

Roderick Stevens

Hailing from Sierra Vista, Arizona, Roderick is an artist after my own taste. He is photo-realistic with a kick. He even touts his work with a disclaimer... "Not a photograph!" Roderick is on the rebound, so to speak, and has a very interesting and uplifting story to tell. His artwork and blog are definitely worth checking out.

That's it for now....see ya down the road..... James

WTTW Winners...I'm a Winner, Too...and other stuff

2009-10-12T03:03:00.000-07:00

First,,. I've received several E-Mails from followers/visitors who have thanked me for posting the "Enjoy the Ride" video on the side bar for easy access. A few folks are making it a regular practice to click for a "lift".
I start my day with it. If the world would go by the contents of that video, then half the newspapers would belly up from lack of bad news to report.

I'm running late posting this blog. Normally I procrastinate, but this time I just put it off. :-) Actually I've been caught up with a plethora of activities that played havoc with my schedule. I sowwy .

Windows to the Words "Cats Up" challenge ended with some really nice submissions that you can view by clicking HERE. And the winners of the challenge and the details of this month's "Scary Stuff" challenge can be viewed by clicking HERE.

Normally I don't get the least excited about winning anything. Every day I open my E-Mail and see that I have won 2 million pounds in the Irish Lottery,
or been selected to distribute $500,000 from a long lost cousin in Nigeria. I have worn out two delete buttons. So when I ran across an E-Mail saying "Yippee... You've Won" my fingers crept toward that button. But I opened it up and "lo and behold".... a legitimate surprise. It was from Saundra Galloway. Her blog, Art for Life, is fascinating. In addition to being cute as a ladybug, Saundra is an exceptional artist with some neat techniques for her art and collages. She also weaves an interesting story and tidbits of info into a neat little learning braid. This ability may result from her being a teacher. Anyway, a while back, I read her blog concerning them problems in teaching, and kinda identified with it. My two daughters are teachers, married to teachers, and I've heard some horror stories. I joined her followers. And was notified by the fore-mentioned E-Mail that I was her 75th follower and would be honored by a gift of a 4x4 of my choice.

The decision was a booger, because she had such neat artworks displayed to choose from. At first I was drawn to the "Night Aspens" pictured on the left. But when I spotted the "Snow Bunnies" pictured on the right I was blown away and fell in love with em. I don't get overly excited about much, but I am really looking forward to receiving these little furballs. Incidentally, Saundra is the snow bunny in the center...from Colorado. Please visit her delightful blog by clicking her photo or HERE.

Next, Sheila Tajima fussed at me last blog for only including FEMALES on my humor comments and pictures of aging ungracefully and overweight over-the-hillers. To make amends, I present the photo below....the statue of David in recent times. I was told that this happened over a period of time following the introduction of MacDonald's into Europe.

I've recently had my shoulder "cried on" by a couple of fellow artists/artisans who have been having very little success in marketing their work.... even to the point of considering themselves failures. I told them to cheer up...things will get better. And showed them a few photos of real failure. I share them with you, below:

After a brief respite from mud daubing, I'm back at the canvas with some little small stuff like the "Wrangler" Wraccoon shown below. I am working some larger items, one of which I hope to enter in the Wet Canvas competition that ends October 31.
AND .... One of my favoritest blogs is Every Photo Tells A Story. I submit my little poem every post. If I'm unable to get to a Internet location to post it, I get to Jonesing and shaking, and pouting, and actually very hard to live with. Nancy, of EPTAS was gracious enough to present another of my paintings this last post....Two Frogs. This one was from my earlier Costa Rican days, when I painted as Yimi. I had chosen Yimi, because that's what folks called me, and I thought a one word painting name would be a cool gimmick....like Rembrandt or Michaelangelo. Nope. Click HERE to check out Every Photo Tells a Story.

Thought for the Blog.... Money is like rainfall. Sometimes there's too much of it in the wrong places, and not enough of it in others.

Cya down the road........................... James

The Lighter Side of Edward Burton and Artist 'sMagazine Entries

2009-10-02T03:25:00.000-07:00

One day I'm gonna put up a blog analyzing why we blog. For now, I'll just say I blog to show off my art and share art tips and ideas, of course. BUT...I think the REAL reason I blog is to try to entertain. I have a weird sense of humor, and I like to inflict it on others. So, let's start off with the good stuff first.

This blog is kinda about aging, which I'm doing. I'm trying to eat better...more fruits and veggies, etc. Well...ED BURTON (an exceptionally talented artist and my buddy by the bay...visit his site for awe and inspiration by clicking HERE) seems to have a friend who likes fruits and veggies too.....as "disturbed art creations"....makes me want to grab an avocado and an Exacto knife. Ed shared these with me, and now I'm sharing em with you.

Extremely rare Butterfly.....Lepedoptera Appleicus

Watering the Melon

Remember that old B-Movie, Killer Tomatoes? Well..............

Next, I'm addicted to writing poems for "Every Photo Tells A Story"...a delightful blog site that features great artwork and writing....check it out by clicking the photo on the right. Today's photo was of three old geezers sitting on a park bench reminiscing about old times. I wrote my poem "I Remember What I almost Forgot" and then reflected some more on getting older. So when I picked up my E-Mail, there was ED BURTON sharing some more with me. Others are aging also....which makes me feel better? Hmmmm. Anyway, let me share with you a few others who are adding on the years (and pounds?)

Barbie Turns 50...... (and 250)

"Puddy Tat? Puddy Tat? Who Cares? Tweetie at 60

Linda Carter? Calling Linda Carter. We need you, Linda Carter.

Speaking of old geezers....Artist's Magazine has just sponsored a competition for artists over 60 years of age....which excludes most of you all. The deadline was September 30 and the top ten chosen by the jury will receive $100 and a feature in the March issue. I submitted 4 for the competition....wish me luck.

"Moon Dog on the Streets of Granada, Nicaragua"
MoonDog was a sweet old dog that kinda attached himself to Me and Pokey and TacoBelle. Totally useless, but rather endearing. I visited Granada, Nicaragua quite often, and took a lot of pictures of the neat streets and scenery there. I plan on using more of those backgrounds and add elements to them.

"TacoBelle at the Door In Granada, Nicaragua"
This is the third version of this painting. I had posted a larger version of it several months ago. I sold both previous paintings and this one I just finished (12 x 16 acrylic on canvas) for another customer.

"Back Steps Beggar"

I have posted this one previously. It is a pezote, or coati mundi on the back steps of MINAE (Costa Rica's Environment Agency). I painted it last year and OTS (Organization for Tropical Studies) used it for their Holiday greeting cards.

"Egret on the Rocks"
I have posted this one earlier, too. Caught this photo of an egret on the Sarapiqui River in Costa Rica a year and a half ago.

And finally....3 more days for WTTW "Cats Up" challenge. I've had some delightful submissions (see em HERE), but there's still plenty of kitty litter left undisturbed, so send me your art. Next month's challenge will be "SCARY STUFF", and I'll post those reference photos Sunday on Windows to the Words.

Thought for the Blog....It seems the more timesaving devices you accumulate, the less leisure time you have. Have a good weekend & CYA down the road.