This painting is called, The Magic of Being. It deals with a woman that has gone through far more than most people, yet can still smile, enjoy the beach, the experience of being alive, and is not bitter. Oh, she has so many reasons to be justifiably bitter, but has chosen to be happy and excited for the future.

   When I was younger, I went through difficult periods in my life. It threatened my ability to be happy and fulfilled. As time went on, thankfully I had the insight to look at myself and life. I did a lot of personal work and came out the other side. I was able to get to a point where I could be okay with Carl. I could have my wonderful art career. I could live life to the fullest where each morning whispers, "be excited for the day." May YOU feel this each day. X

   Crows. Who can say they're not interesting creatures. They've been with me for a long time. It's almost as if they are whispering to me to paint them, appreciate them, celebrate them, and show people that they matter.

   With my way of painting crows, some whimsy comes out. To me, they're not evil or negative. In my opinion, crows are a good reminder of the world around us, the more wild things, a world we sometimes take for granted. We often go about our daily human business, hustling and bustling, forgetting what is around us. 

   Sometimes, I look out my patio windows and watch the crows as they sit on the big, old pines. It's a great experience. You see, we are lucky to have crows around, and all the other creatures from the natural world. Remember, we too, are connected to this natural world.

   

   Photo I took out my patio door window

     So, I got the coolest email today from a person.  I won't use their name, but I do have permission to use their initials, so thank you, S.A.  The email went as follows (I've copied and pasted it):
        "Dear Mr. Parker
       I just ordered the paperback about how to make money and stuff as an artist.  I am S.A.  I'm 26 and an artist from Washington State.  I have quietly followed your work for a few years now and greatly admire you and your art. It sounds like an honest book. I very much look forward to reading this.

All the best to you,
S.A.
www.amazon.com/Successful-Artist-Keep-Sanity-Money/dp/B08KSPX27F/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1602641660&sr=8-2

   I'm so glad I decided to write books about my life as an artist. It's likely a form of therapy for me. I get to talk about things that linger in my mind. I relay things that are important to my art career and me as a person. When people collect my books, I get a concrete feeling that I'm doing my job as an artist that is fortunate to have collectors around the world. When someone reads one of my books, I feel validated for what I do. 
Here is the link for my Author Central on Amazon: amazon.com/author/carlparker

   Autumn is my favorite month. The smells, the colors, the cooler air, the rains. I love it all. If we're lucky, we'll see a raven. I called this painting, October Raven, and I'm so pleased with how it turned out. It has a vibrancy. 

   In this piece, the leaves long for you to gaze at them. The raven watches. This is a big raven. Nothing escapes this creature's eye. 

   The rough, growing river does its swelling from the soothing rains. The cool air is healing and fresh. New mysteries come on the wind as the raven begins to whisper his wisdom. I walk down that Autumn road with sweet melancholy in my heart.

   Halloween comes soon, and as my fav time of year, this painting is fitting. 

   The crow is hanging around, doing what he does best, watching. Yeah, it's raining, but the crow is okay. He's been through a lot. He can brave the elements. He can survive. 

   The figure here is happy, too, walking about in some unknown city, taking everything in. 

   I really love how this piece came out. It's raining, but there's a fun whimsy and color. Isn't that how life should be? We think we go through so much. We worry, spin, plan, over analyze, worry some more, but let's enjoy the rain for what it is. 

   The rain will come. How will YOU perceive it?

   I called this piece, Sensational Solitude. I like how it turned out. It captures something so important to me, being outdoors in the calm. Solitude, for me, as an artist, is obviously crucial. I think it's crucial for all people. Being in nature, taking our time, breathing the sweet, fresh air, is healthy. Most will say it's even healing, somehow. It certainly is for me. It's also very good for my work. 

Take that time, go slow and easy, really look around at that wonderful nature. Maybe get an old boat and let your mind just go...

   The old apartment served it's purpose for a long time. You can almost still hear the laughing coming off the walls. Yeah, the place was a bit run down and old, but it's been home. It has seen many great days, the kids as they grew, mom's little parties, granny dancing in the kitchen, 2 dogs and 3 crazy cats, so many warm memories. 

   But, now the old apartment is pretty much cleaned out, as it's time to move on. We found a house. 

   It'll be nice to have a house, more room, no noise from other tenants, no howling party people out on the street at 3 in the morning. The thing is, though, I know I'm gonna miss this place. It's weird...

   These girls, winter girls, are having the time of their lives. Girls, however, can be VERY competitive, more so than men, I think. 

   Out on the ice, snow flying, deep chill all around, right to the bones, it's all part of the winter girl's world. She's been skating since she was 3. She may even keep going to see if she has what it takes to compete. 

   Winter holds a special place for many Canadians, Americans, and Europeans. Here in Canada, skating, hockey, and pretty much ANYTHING winter-related, is almost a religion.

​Welcome to Canada... X

   In this painting, Winter Welcome, I wanted the viewer to really feel winter. Where I am, here in semi-northern Canada, winters are fabulous. The air gets so crisp and clean. On a clear day, the sky is so blue and bright. Your nose gets so cold, and your feet, if you don't wear proper boots!  It's actually a wonderful thing to experience a white and frosty winter.

   This winter, if you're able, head on out there and really embrace it, that beautiful landscape, the sounds of cracking ice on a peaceful lake, or the look of your breath disappearing into thin air...